The General Studies Associate of Science (AS) degree represents the first two years of a four-year bachelor’s degree across a broad range of liberal arts, humanities, and social science disciplines. Designed for maximum flexibility, this curriculum combines a rigorous general education core with customizable electives that transfer seamlessly into four-year colleges and universities.
Program at a Glance
| Program Aspect | Details |
| Award Earned | Associate of Science (A.S.) |
| Total Credit Hours | 60–62 Credit Hours |
| Program Length | Four Semesters (2 years of full-time study) |
| Transfer Framework | Aligned with Transfer Virginia Pathways & Guaranteed Admissions |
| Program Head | Pat Cantrell — pcantrell@mgcc.edu | (540) 863-2926 |
🎓 Flexible Transfer Pathways Across Virginia
The General Studies AS program follows the Transfer Virginia common curriculum framework. Work closely with your academic advisor to select humanities, natural science, and social science electives tailored to your destination university. Explore transfer guides and course equivalencies at the Transfer Virginia Portal.
Why Choose General Studies?
- Maximum Customizability: Ideal for students exploring academic majors or targeting specialized four-year liberal arts programs without a dedicated associate major.
- Cost-Effective Preparation: Complete foundational general education requirements—including English composition, laboratory sciences, mathematics, humanities, and social sciences—at MGCC’s low tuition rate.
- Guaranteed Transfer Options: Qualify for Guaranteed Admissions Agreements (GAA) with top public and private four-year universities across Virginia upon completion of your degree.
Target Bachelor’s Degree Majors
By customizing your transfer electives, this degree pathway prepares you for upper-level university study in:
- Psychology & Behavioral Sciences
- Communication Studies & Media
- English, Literature & Creative Writing
- History, Government & Political Science
- Sociology, Social Work & Human Services
- Interdisciplinary & Liberal Arts Majors
Curriculum & Degree Plan
The 60–62 credit hour requirement balances general education courses with advisor-guided electives tailored to your transfer goals.
👉 View the Complete General Studies AS Course Plan in the Catalog
Program Contact & Academic Advising
Ready to customize your transfer roadmap or explore course options? Contact our Program Head or Student Services:
Pat Cantrell — Program Head, General Studies
Phone: (540) 863-2926 | Email: pcantrell@mgcc.edu
Office Location: Backels Hall, Clifton Forge Campus
MGCC Student Services Suite
Phone: (540) 863-2820 | Email: admissions@mgcc.edu
Location: Backels Hall, First Floor (Clifton Forge Campus)