Liberal Arts and Sciences - General Studies

Liberal Arts and Sciences: General Studies

A.S. Degree, Certificate

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Liberal Arts and Sciences: General Studies

This program is designed for students who intend to pursue a bachelor’s degree, but are unsure about their career and transfer plans. As such, the program aims to develop students’ college-level communication and critical-thinking skills, present a broad understanding of the liberal arts and sciences to heighten global awareness, provide opportunities for the student to develop creative capacities, and to allow for the exploration of education and career options.

Degree Requirements

Careers on Career Coach

While the curriculum for this program is designed primarily for transfer to a bachelor’s degree program, students develop vital transferrable skills that support them in the workplace as well. A quality liberal arts education provides students with one of the many lenses through which they view the world and prepares them to pursue a wide array of careers. We encourage students to intentionally engage in applied learning opportunities (such as volunteering, services learning, internships, jobs, research, etc.) as well to gain valuable hands-on experience. Learn about some of the many jobs students explore: 

Program Chair

Christine Shanks

Christine Shanks

Associate Professor, Graphic Design

I am an image maker, designer, and educator. I feel at home on the computer and working by hand in the studio. 

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Transfer Options

Recent transfer institutions include:

  • University at Albany
  • Buffalo State College
  • Alfred University
  • Arnot-Ogden Medical Center, School of Radiologic Technology
  • Binghamton University
  • Canisius College
  • SUNY College at Canton
  • Cazenovia College
  • Cornell University
  • SUNY College at Cortland
  • Empire State College
  • SUNY College at Fredonia
  • Hobart and William Smith Colleges
  • Ithaca College
  • Mansfield University
  • SUNY College at Cobleskill
  • SUNY College at Geneseo
  • SUNY College at Oneonta
  • SUNY College at Oswego
  • SUNY College at Plattsburgh
  • Portland State University
  • Syracuse University
  • University of Utah
  • Western Kentucky University

 

Student Showcase

  • Grad of Note - Stormy Young

    Stormy Young

    Why did you choose to attend Tompkins Cortland?

    As I would tell prospective students while giving them a tour, Tompkins Cortland was a huge leap of faith for me. I thought for sure I was going to go to a four-year school, but it was Brent Doane and my high school principal who ultimately changed my mind. I never visited campus until sometime in early July of 2018 for the required start session – from there everything just seem to unfold so seamlessly. 

    Tompkins Cortland reminds me a lot of my high school, a small yet strong community that has ensured me a support system I know that I can count on for a lifetime.

    Who at TC3 had the greatest positive impact on your experience?

    I have to admit, this is honestly such a tough question because there are dozens of people who have made such a great impact on my experience at Tompkins Cortland. I am going to have to give it up for the man himself, Brent Doane. Without Brent, I wouldn't have met people like Shannon Allen, who in turn gave me a position as a student ambassador, or Rhonda Kowalski who invited me to share my story to Dryden High School. Brent has treated me just like one of his own, showed me tough love when I needed it most, and helped me pick myself back up during the times I felt most defeated after failing an exam. He always knows just the right words to say. My success story from Tompkins Cortland wouldn't have been the same without Mr. Brent Doane. I also would like to give a shout out to the entire Tompkins Cortland community – faculty, staff, students, groundskeepers, maintenance, coaches, etc. You all truly make Tompkins Cortland what it is – so welcoming and supportive! Thank you!

    What were your extracurricular involvements and how did they contribute to your college experience/future aspirations?

    I served as a student ambassador (tour guide) all four semesters. I was a part of the Cru movement that launched the spring semester of 2019. During the Summer of 2019, I was invited to serve as student representative on an Institutional Search Committee during the time the college was in search of a new Mental Health Counselor. I also was an active member of the Student Government Association, Faculty Student Association, and the Residence Hall Association for a short period of time. The Mobile Food Drive is just another one of many things I liked to put my time toward. Due to the extracurricular involvements listed above, it's clear that I am one who likes to be a part of several things going on at once. My involvement with the Tompkins Cortland Community has allowed me to enhance my networking skills and the ability to make such strong connections. 

    What are your next steps after graduation (employment, transfer, etc) and how did the College prepare you for that?

    I have decided to accept a dietary position at a local hospital for the time being. By the Fall of 2021, I hope to be accepted to a radiology or sonography program. The College has allowed me to take some sciences courses in a smaller setting that will later apply to whichever program I decide to go for next.