University of Southern Indiana

What you'll study

This programme emphasises a broad liberal arts education with the flexibility to tailor a course of study around humanities and general studies topics. Core components typically include:

• Foundations in critical thinking and academic writing — courses that build research, argumentation and information literacy skills.
• Humanities core — subjects such as literature, philosophy, history, religion, cultural studies and the arts, exploring interpretive methods and historical context.
• Social sciences — introductory and elective coursework in psychology, sociology, political science, anthropology and economics to develop understanding of social systems and research approaches.
• Quantitative and natural science literacy — options to satisfy numeracy and scientific reasoning through mathematics, statistics or laboratory science courses.
• Interdisciplinary electives and concentrations — opportunities to build a coherent pathway (for example, cultural studies, public humanities, writing and rhetoric, or community engagement) by selecting targeted electives.
• Language study — modern or classical language courses to strengthen communication skills and cultural competency.
• Capstone or integrative project — a final research project, practicum or portfolio that synthesises learning across disciplines and demonstrates applied skills.

The degree is deliberately flexible: students work with faculty advisors to design a programme that balances breadth and depth, meeting general education requirements while pursuing particular academic interests.

Entry requirements

Applicants for the bachelor’s programme should hold a high school diploma or equivalent. The University of Southern Indiana evaluates applicants holistically, taking into account academic transcripts, the rigor of secondary‑school coursework and any college-level work completed. Standardised test scores (SAT/ACT) may be optional or used in admissions decisions according to current institutional policy.

• First‑year applicants: high-school transcript demonstrating college‑preparatory coursework; evidence of proficiency in writing and quantitative reasoning.
• Transfer applicants: official college transcripts; a minimum number of transferable credit hours is required for degree progress and residency—students should consult the registrar or transfer adviser for articulation details.
• International applicants: proof of secondary completion equivalent to U.S. high school graduation, and verified English proficiency where applicable (TOEFL, IELTS or approved alternatives).
• Advising and placement: incoming students may be placed into appropriate first‑year writing or mathematics courses based on prior coursework or placement assessments.

Prospective students with non‑traditional backgrounds are encouraged to contact the admissions office to discuss evaluation of experiential learning or prior learning credit.

Career prospects

A liberal arts education in general studies and humanities prepares graduates for a wide range of careers by cultivating transferable skills: critical reading, clear writing, research, problem solving and cultural literacy. Common career paths include:

• Communications, public relations, publishing and journalism
• Non‑profit and community organisations, programme coordination and outreach
• Public service and government roles, including policy support and constituent engagement
• Business roles in human resources, marketing, sales and client relations where communication and analytical skills are valued
• Education and academic support positions; graduates who pursue teacher licensure or graduate study can move into teaching or specialised educational roles
• Graduate or professional study in law, library and information science, humanities disciplines, public administration and related fields

The University of Southern Indiana’s career services, internship programmes and community partnerships help students gain practical experience and make employer connections while they study.

Why study at University of Southern Indiana

USI offers a supportive learning environment with relatively small class sizes that allow close interaction with faculty and personalised academic advising. The liberal arts programme emphasises experiential learning, with opportunities for internships, service‑learning projects and undergraduate research that link classroom study to community and professional contexts.

• Interdisciplinary approach: flexible curriculum designed to let students combine interests across humanities, social sciences and sciences.
• Faculty mentorship: accessible faculty who guide independent projects and capstone work.
• Career and experiential learning: connections to regional employers, internship placements and community partners to build practical skills.
• Transfer‑friendly policies: support for transfer students and clear pathways to complete degree requirements efficiently.
• Support services: writing centres, academic support and career services that assist with retention, skill development and post‑graduation planning.

Overall, the programme is well suited to students who seek intellectual breadth, career flexibility and a degree that supports both immediate employment and continued academic study.