St. John's University

What you'll study

This broadly based bachelor programme integrates courses across the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences while allowing students to build a personalised study plan. Core work emphasises writing, research methods, critical thinking and quantitative reasoning, while elective pathways allow deeper focus in areas such as literature, history, philosophy, cultural studies, languages, digital humanities, sociology and psychology.

Typical elements of the curriculum include:

• Foundations: academic writing and rhetoric, introductory research methods, logic and quantitative reasoning.
• Humanities core: surveys in literature, history of ideas, philosophy and ethics, world cultures and languages.
• Interdisciplinary seminars: theme-based courses that connect multiple disciplines (for example identity and culture, media and society, or science and society) and often require a capstone project.
• Elective concentration: a chosen cluster of courses in a humanities or social-science area (for example creative writing, museum studies, digital media, public history or human rights).
• Experiential learning: opportunities for internships, community-based projects, study abroad and collaborative research with faculty.

The programme is typically completed with a senior capstone or integrative project that demonstrates the student’s ability to synthesise knowledge across fields.

Entry requirements

Admissions expect completion of secondary school qualifications or an equivalent credential. Typical evidence includes a high-school diploma with a record of college-preparatory coursework and academic transcripts. Admissions may consider standardised test scores where submitted, but many applicants are assessed on a holistic basis.

Other common requirements and pathways:

• International applicants: an equivalent secondary school certificate and proof of English proficiency (for example recognised English tests or prior study in English).
• Transfer students: official college transcripts showing completed college-level credits and a minimum cumulative GPA as specified by the University’s transfer policy.
• Mature or non-traditional applicants: may be considered based on prior learning, professional experience and supporting documents.

Course-specific prerequisites are minimal because the programme is designed for interdisciplinary study; however, students are advised to have strong written and analytical skills on entry.

Career prospects

A degree in General Studies and Humanities prepares graduates for a wide range of entry-level roles and further professional training. Employers value the programme’s focus on clear communication, critical analysis, cultural literacy and adaptability.

• Common career paths: education and teaching (with appropriate certification), public service and non-profit work, communications and media, publishing, marketing, and cultural institutions such as museums and archives.
• Professional and graduate study: many students go on to graduate programmes in fields such as law, library and information science, social work, public administration, education and humanities-based master’s degrees.
• Transferable skills: research and writing, project management, intercultural competence and problem-solving that employers in business, government and NGOs seek.

St. John’s career services, internship offices and alumni network support students in identifying placements and graduate pathways.

Why study at St. John's University

St. John’s University combines a liberal arts tradition with the resources of a comprehensive university located in the New York City area. Students benefit from small-group instruction in many humanities courses alongside opportunities for internships, cultural engagement and networking in a major metropolitan region.

• Interdisciplinary advising: faculty advisers help students design personalised programmes that align with career goals or graduate study ambitions.
• Experiential opportunities: extensive internship and service-learning links with local organisations, media outlets, cultural institutions and public agencies.
• Global perspective: study-abroad programmes and language offerings that enhance cross-cultural competencies valued by employers and graduate programmes.
• Support services: dedicated academic support, writing centres and career development resources to help students succeed academically and professionally.