Fairleigh Dickinson University

What you'll study

The General Studies and Humanities pathway emphasises cross-disciplinary enquiry. Students follow a core liberal arts curriculum that develops writing, research, quantitative reasoning and information literacy, then select humanities-focused modules to build depth in areas such as literature, history, philosophy, languages and cultural studies.

• Core skills and methods: academic writing and rhetoric; research methods; critical thinking; introductory quantitative reasoning.
• Humanities modules: world literature, British and American literature, intellectual history, ethics and political thought, film and media studies, cultural theory, art history.
• Interdisciplinary options: courses that link humanities with social sciences and arts—e.g., digital humanities, gender and sexuality studies, public history, environmental humanities.
• Language study: modern language sequences are available to support global competence and translation studies.
• Capstone and experiential learning: a senior capstone, independent research project or practicum; opportunities for internships, community-engaged learning and study abroad through FDU’s international programmes.

The programme is structured to allow customisable pathways: students complete general education requirements, a concentration in humanities/general studies, and elective credits. Transfer credits and prior learning may be applied subject to departmental review, enabling degree completion flexibility.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a secondary school qualification equivalent to high school graduation. Typical evidence includes successful completion of high school diploma curricula, A-levels, IB Diploma subjects, or recognised national qualifications. Admission considers academic record, personal statement and, where relevant, a portfolio or writing sample for humanities-focused specialisms.

• Undergraduate entry: completion of secondary education with a record showing readiness for college-level study; units in English and humanities are advantageous.
• Mature and transfer applicants: mature applicants and students transferring from other institutions are welcome; transcripts and, for transfer students, an evaluation of transferable credits are required.
• English language proficiency: non-native English speakers must demonstrate proficiency through recognised tests or other approved evidence of English-language competence.
• Additional considerations: letters of recommendation and a personal statement that outlines academic interests and goals strengthen applications.

Career prospects

Graduates develop versatile skills—critical analysis, communication, research and cultural literacy—that are valued across sectors. Common career paths include roles in education, publishing, media and communications, public relations, nonprofit and community organisations, government and public policy, and business settings that require strong writing and analytical ability.

Many students use the degree as a foundation for professional programmes (law, library and information science, social work) or for postgraduate study in humanities disciplines. The programme’s emphasis on internships and applied learning also supports entry into museums, cultural organisations, digital media and marketing roles.

Why study at Fairleigh Dickinson University

Fairleigh Dickinson offers a small-campus learning environment with personalised academic advising and faculty mentoring, which benefits students pursuing interdisciplinary liberal arts pathways. The university provides experiential learning through internship placements, community partnerships and study abroad options that complement humanities study.

• Flexible curriculum: the programme is designed for students who want to tailor their studies across disciplines and combine classroom learning with practical experience.
• Support services: writing centres, language labs, career services and academic support help students succeed and prepare for employment or further study.
• Location and networks: FDU’s campuses and alumni networks provide opportunities for internships and professional connections in the New York–New Jersey region and internationally through exchange programmes.