Felician University

What you'll study

This programme combines a core liberal arts curriculum with flexible electives and opportunities to design a personalised concentration in the humanities, general studies or an allied discipline. Typical core modules include:

• Foundations of Critical Thinking and Writing – academic writing, argumentation and research skills.
• Introduction to Philosophy – ethics, epistemology and contemporary debates.
• Literature and Cultural Studies – survey of world and anglophone literatures, critical approaches to texts.
• History and Society – thematic or regional historical studies emphasising context and interpretation.
• Social Science Methods – qualitative and quantitative approaches to social inquiry.
• Scientific Literacy – an introductory natural science course with lab or applied component.
• Capstone Project or Senior Seminar – a research, creative or community-based project demonstrating interdisciplinary synthesis.

Students typically choose electives from philosophy, literature, languages, history, sociology, political science, psychology, communication studies and digital humanities. The programme supports customised minors or concentrations, independent study, undergraduate research and internships with local organisations. Service learning and community engagement are strongly encouraged and can be integrated into course requirements.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school diploma or equivalent. Felician University considers applicants holistically; standard expectations include a competitive high school record and college-preparatory coursework in English and other academic subjects. Additional elements of a typical application are:

• Official high school transcript or equivalent documentation.
• A personal statement or essay outlining academic interests and reasons for choosing a liberal arts pathway.
• Letters of recommendation from teachers, counsellors or other referees (where requested).
• Standardised tests such as the SAT or ACT may be optional depending on institutional policy; check current admissions guidance.
• International applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS) or meet the university's alternative language requirements.

Transfer applicants are evaluated on college transcripts and received credits; placement testing or advising will help map transfer credits to degree requirements. Mature and non-traditional applicants are welcomed and may present work experience or prior learning for consideration.

Career prospects

A liberal arts and general studies degree prepares graduates for a wide range of entry-level roles and further study. Common career paths include:

• Education and training: paraeducator roles, progression to teacher preparation or graduate degrees in education.
• Communications and media: content writing, editing, social media coordination and public relations support.
• Nonprofit and community services: program coordination, volunteer management and outreach roles.
• Business and administration: project support, human resources, client services and sales roles that value critical thinking and communication.
• Government and public policy: administrative positions, constituent services and policy assistant roles.
• Further study: graduate programmes in humanities, social sciences, law, social work or specialised professional degrees.

The university's career services support internships, experiential learning placements and networking with alumni and community partners to help translate liberal arts skills into employment outcomes.

Why study at Felician University

Felician University offers a small-campus environment with close faculty-student interaction and a values-informed liberal arts tradition rooted in the Franciscan heritage. The General Studies and Humanities pathway emphasises personalised advising, flexibility to combine disciplines, and hands-on learning through internships, service projects and undergraduate research.

Students benefit from accessible faculty mentorship, a supportive campus community across the Lodi and Rutherford locations, and links to regional employers and cultural institutions. The programme is well suited to learners who value intellectual breadth, ethical reflection and preparation for many different professional or academic futures.