Augustana University

What you'll study

The programme combines a core liberal arts curriculum with elective breadth across humanities and social sciences. Core coursework typically covers academic writing, critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, and a humanities sequence that may include literature, history, philosophy, and cultural studies. Students choose from electives in areas such as English, world languages, religious studies, theatre, art history, anthropology, sociology, political science, and digital humanities.

Structure options include a general studies track that emphasises breadth across disciplines and a humanities-focused path that concentrates more on textual, historical, and interpretive methods. Many students design an individualized plan with faculty advisors, combining a major or concentration with minors or certificate programmes (for example, public policy, media studies, museum studies, or creative writing).

Typical modules and experiences you can expect:

• Foundations of Liberal Learning (writing and inquiry)
• Introduction to Literary Studies and Critical Theory
• Historical Methods and Research
• Philosophy and Ethics
• Comparative World Cultures or Area Studies
• Quantitative/Statistical Reasoning for the Humanities
• Capstone Project, Senior Thesis, or Integrative Seminar
• Internship or community-engaged learning placement
• Electives in digital humanities, film studies, language practicum, or theatre

Students are encouraged to participate in undergraduate research, internships with cultural institutions or civic organisations, and study abroad to enrich their interdisciplinary education.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school credential. Typical admission expectations include a competitive high school GPA and a transcript that demonstrates preparation in English, social studies, and quantitative reasoning. Augustana University considers the whole application, including personal statement, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular engagement.

Standardised test scores (SAT or ACT) may be submitted if available; check the university’s current policy on testing for whether scores are required or optional. Transfer applicants must provide college transcripts and typically need a minimum number of transferable credits with satisfactory academic standing.

International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests (such as TOEFL or IELTS) unless exempted by prior education in English. Additional materials for international applicants can include credential evaluations and proof of financial support.

Career prospects

A liberal arts degree in general studies and humanities prepares graduates for a wide range of careers that value communication, critical thinking, research, and adaptability. Common pathways include:

• Education and academic support roles, including secondary teaching (with appropriate licensure) and university administration
• Communications, public relations, journalism, and content development
• Non-profit and community organisations, programme coordination, and advocacy
• Government and public service, policy research, and civic engagement roles
• Museum, library, cultural heritage, and arts administration positions
• Business and management roles that value analytical writing and interpersonal skills
• Further study in law, business, education, library science, or graduate humanities degrees

Students often combine internships, campus career services, and alumni mentoring to translate classroom learning into vocational experience and to explore graduate study options.

Why study at Augustana University

Augustana is a small, residential liberal arts university that emphasises personalised instruction and close faculty mentoring. Class sizes are generally small, enabling seminar-style discussion, individualised advising, and opportunities for faculty-led research. The institution’s Lutheran heritage informs a commitment to service, ethical engagement, and community partnerships, which are accessible through campus service-learning programmes and local internships.

Facilities supporting humanities students include arts and performance spaces, library resources with special collections, and digital media labs suitable for projects in digital humanities and multimedia scholarship. Students benefit from a campus career centre, dedicated internship offices, and international study options that complement the interdisciplinary curriculum.

Overall, Augustana’s liberal arts environment is designed to develop transferable skills—writing, analysis, cultural literacy and civic engagement—that prepare graduates for meaningful work and further academic study.