This academic online degree completion program is designed for experienced college students, who have completed some coursework and proven their ability to succeed at the college level.  Specifically, the program allows a student the opportunity to work with a faculty adviser to create an individualized program that makes best use of already earned credits, while striving to facilitate unique interests and goals.

To be considered for admission to this online program:

• Students should hold an associate degree (or minimum of 60 credits) from an SRU-recognized accredited program/institution, which must include competency in college-level mathematics and English writing.
• Students must have earned a sufficient number of Rock Studies credits.
• Students must have earned a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher from all post-secondary institutions attended.
• Student must be in good academic standing at the most recent institution attended.

Eligibility for admission of new or returning students into this program is determined by the Transfer Admissions Office. Current student eligibility is determined by the academic department for this major.

Program Learning Objectives

LO 1 – Knowledge (UO 3 & 4)

                Students will be able to identify, explain, and apply major social science theories, concepts, foundations, and methodologies to analyze social institutions, processes, and values that shape social life and social relations

LO 2- Critical Thinking (UO 2)

                Students will be able to analyze and critically evaluate explanations of human behavior, social phenomena, and social processes informed by social science theories, empirical evidence, and arguments to construct well-reasoned explanations and evidence-based conclusions about social issues and social structures.

LO 3 – Community Inclusion (UO 9)

                Students will be able to analyze and evaluate how systems of power, privilege, and inequality shape social experiences and outcomes across diverse populations, and apply social science concepts and evidence to propose informed responses or solutions

LO 4 – Effective communication (UO 1)

                Students will be able to present and defend evidence-based arguments by integrating scholarly sources, appropriate methodologies, and disciplinary conventions from the social sciences in written and oral formats

LO 5 – Civic Engagement (UO 7)

Students will be able to demonstrate informed, ethical, and reciprocal civic engagement by applying social science knowledge and skills to community or public issues and reflecting on the impacts of their participation on themselves and the communities involved.

RELATED LINKS

Online Degree Completion Undergraduate Programs Page

Professional Licensure/Certification Page

Curriculum Guide

GPA Requirement

Major GPA: 2.0 or higher
Overall GPA: 2.0 or higher

Summary*

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Rock Studies 2 Requirements		42
Major/Concentration Requirements		42
Electives		36

* All undergraduate degree programs require a minimum of 120 credits.  Some courses meet multiple requirements, but are only counted once toward the 120 credit total required to graduate.

Rock Studies 2 Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Complete 42 SRU Rock Studies 2-based credits		42
Total Hours		42

DIVERSITY,  EQUITY,  AND INCLUSION REQUIREMENT

Students must take and pass a course with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) designation prior to graduation.  Students can meet this requirement by taking any DEI - designated course in any program at any time during their undergraduate career. 

Major Requirements

• 21 major credits must be taken at SRU or PASSHE
• 21 major credits must be taken at the 300 level or above

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Core Courses
Oral and Written Communication
Select six credits approved through faculty advisement		6
Interpersonal Skills and Civic Responsibility
Select six credits approved through faculty advisement		6
Analytical, Quantitative & Critical Thinking Skills
Select six credits approved through faculty advisement		6
Subtotal		18
Emphasis Area
Select 24 credits approved through faculty advisement		24
Subtotal		24
Total Hours		42

*

Some courses may require pre-requisites. Please see course descriptions to determine if there are any pre-requisites for that specific course.

Graduation Requirements

Students must meet all Graduation Requirements as delineated in the University catalog, including the following requirement that should be considered as students are transferring credits and choosing SRU coursework. Students must complete 48 credits of upper-level coursework. Thirty-nine of the 48 credits must be at the 300 level or higher; the additional 9 credits may include courses requiring a 3 credit prerequisite. At least 24 of the 48 credits must be completed at SRU.

Co-curricular and Experiential Learning

Students are encouraged to explore additional curricular and co-curricular opportunities. There is a strong correlation between long-term student success and participation in the following types of programs and activities:

1. International study programs (short-term, semester)
2. High-Impact Practice (HIP) designated classes
3. Student-faculty creative projects
4. Internships
5. Experiential Learning (Practice experience outside the classroom)

Important Curriculum Guide Notes

This Curriculum Guide is provided to help SRU students and prospective students better understand their intended major curriculum. Enrolled SRU students should note that the My Rock Audit may place already-earned and/or in progress courses in different, yet valid, curriculum categories. Enrolled SRU students should use the My Rock Audit Report and materials and information provided by their faculty advisers to ensure accurate progress towards degree completion. The information on this guide is current as of the date listed. Students are responsible for curriculum requirements at the time of enrollment at the University.

PASSHE - Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Institutions

INTERDISCIPLINARY PROGRAMS - BS (5197)
Concentration in Liberal Arts (LARO)
This program is effective as of Summer 2026
Revised 05.13.2026
UCC 03.31.2026