Dominican University of California

What you'll study

The General Studies and Humanities pathway offers a flexible, interdisciplinary curriculum that blends literature, history, philosophy, languages, cultural studies, and the arts. You will take a sequence of core liberal-arts courses that emphasise critical reading, academic writing, research methods and ethical reasoning, together with elective seminars that allow you to pursue specific interests—for example, contemporary literature, visual culture, digital humanities, or comparative religions.

Typical modules and learning experiences include:

• Core humanities seminars: close reading and analysis, theory of knowledge, and advanced writing for the humanities.
• Historical and cultural studies: courses in U.S. history, world history, cultural identity, and global traditions.
• Literature and languages: modern and classical literatures, creative writing workshops, and intermediate/advanced language study.
• Philosophy and ethics: introductions to ethical theory, contemporary moral issues, and applied ethics.
• Interdisciplinary electives: courses connecting humanities with media studies, environmental humanities, gender and sexuality studies, and digital culture.
• Experiential learning: internship placements, community-based projects, study-away options and practicum experiences with local cultural institutions.
• Senior capstone: a culminating project or thesis that synthesises interdisciplinary learning and demonstrates independent research, critical analysis, and effective communication.

Classes are typically small and discussion-led, emphasising collaborative projects, oral presentation skills, and sustained writing. Students are encouraged to design a coherent study plan with faculty advisers, often combining a concentration within the humanities with complementary coursework in social sciences or the arts.

Entry requirements

Admission to the bachelor’s degree programme normally requires a completed secondary-school certificate or equivalent. Typical criteria include academic transcripts demonstrating strong performance in humanities and related subjects, a personal statement that explains academic interests and goals, and letters of recommendation from teachers or counsellors.

For applicants from different systems, the university accepts recognised secondary qualifications such as A-levels, International Baccalaureate, or equivalent international diplomas; applicants whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate proficiency in English through recognised tests or alternative evidence of prior education in English. Transfer students may apply with college transcripts and should expect a review of completed coursework for transfer credit.

Other factors that strengthen an application include relevant extracurricular engagement (such as community service, student publications, arts participation), a portfolio for certain arts-related pathways when applicable, and an interview or writing sample if requested by the admissions team.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme leave with adaptable skills valued across many sectors: critical thinking, research and analysis, written and oral communication, cultural literacy, and project management. Common career trajectories include:

• Education and academic pathways—teaching, further study in master’s programmes, or research.
• Communications and media—journalism, content strategy, public relations and social media management.
• Public and community services—nonprofit programme coordination, advocacy, cultural heritage and museum work.
• Business and professional services—human resources, marketing, client relations and organisational development.
• Creative industries—publishing, arts administration, creative writing and digital content production.

The programme’s emphasis on internships and community engagement helps students build professional networks in the Bay Area and beyond, and the senior capstone provides a substantive piece of work useful for employment portfolios or graduate applications.

Why study at Dominican University of California

Dominican University of California offers a small, student-centred liberal-arts environment with personalised advising and close faculty mentorship. The university’s location in the San Francisco Bay Area provides proximity to rich cultural resources, non-profit organisations, media outlets and internship opportunities.

Students benefit from a strong commitment to engaged learning and social responsibility, with many courses incorporating community-based projects and ethical reflection. Small seminars, opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, and a focus on communication skills prepare graduates to navigate diverse workplaces or pursue advanced study. Access to campus resources—writing support, career services, and faculty-led research—further supports academic and professional development throughout the degree.