Program Overview
The Associate of Arts in General Studies provides a broad general education foundation that can support continued undergraduate study and career progression. The 60-credit degree combines 45 general education credits with 15 elective credits, or students may use those 15 credits to complete an optional concentration.
The AA in General Studies can serve as a step toward a bachelor’s degree while giving students an undergraduate credential along the way. TUW’s general education curriculum covers areas including communication, quantitative reasoning, natural and social sciences, humanities, and other foundational subjects that apply toward undergraduate study.
The program is designed for adults returning to college without a degree, students who need general education credits before continuing toward a bachelor’s, and working students in California and nationwide who want a shorter undergraduate credential.
Courses are delivered 100% online in eight-week terms. Students may transfer eligible previous credit, and TUW faculty support students through small online classes designed for flexibility alongside work and other responsibilities.
The Associate of Arts in General Studies does not lead to licensure or certification.
Concentrations
Students may complete the AA in General Studies without a concentration or choose one of three 15-credit concentrations. A concentration replaces the 15 elective credits in the standard degree structure, so the total remains 60 credits.
Accounting
The 15-credit Accounting concentration introduces financial and managerial accounting, payroll, taxation, and related business concepts. It may suit students interested in entry-level accounting support roles or continuing into bachelor’s-level study in business or accounting.
Health Sciences
The 15-credit Health Sciences concentration covers areas such as nutrition, health promotion, global health, aging, and disease. It may suit students planning to continue into bachelor’s-level health sciences study or other health-related education.
Judaic Studies
The 15-credit Judaic Studies concentration examines Jewish history, sacred texts, biblical interpretation, and philosophical thought. It may suit students interested in religious or cultural education, community or faith-based work, or continued undergraduate study in Judaic Studies, religious studies, philosophy, or the humanities.
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the AA in General Studies must meet the following admission requirements:
- High school diploma or GED: Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
- Minimum GPA: Non-transfer students must have a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 2.0.
Applicants may also be required to complete placement testing in English and Math. The English placement test is waived for students who have completed a transferable course equivalent to ENG 130 with a grade of C or higher. The Math placement test is waived for students who have completed a transferable course equivalent to MAT 106 or higher with a grade of C or higher.
Students who meet the admission requirements must then:
- Submit an application.
- Pay no application fee. TUW has waived the $60 application fee for prospective students.
- Submit official transcripts. Applicants who attended post-secondary institutions must submit official transcripts from those institutions. Students with no previous post-secondary study must provide an official high school transcript or GED documentation.
Tuition, Financial Aid & Scholarships
Tuition for the Associate of Arts in General Studies is $400 per semester credit. At that rate, tuition for the full 60-credit program is $24,000 before scholarships, financial aid, employer tuition assistance, or approved transfer credit.
Eligible students may use federal financial aid, scholarships, student loans, and employer tuition assistance to help pay for their education. TUW tuition assistance counselors are available to help students review available funding options.
Transfer Credits and the Path to a Bachelor’s
Students may transfer up to 45 approved credits into the 60-credit AA in General Studies, which can reduce the number of courses they need to complete at TUW. Transfer credit is evaluated individually based on previous coursework and TUW’s transfer policies.
The AA can also serve as a step toward a bachelor’s degree. TUW states that students who earn an associate degree from an accredited institution may transfer a minimum of 60 semester credits toward a TUW bachelor’s program. How those credits apply to major, general education, and elective requirements depends on the bachelor’s program and individual transcript evaluation.
Students who want to continue at TUW can explore programs such as the BA in Psychology, BA in Social Work, BS in Business Administration and Management, or BS in Health Sciences.
TUW also maintains transfer partnerships with community colleges including Amarillo College, Collin College, Del Mar College, Lone Star College, Maricopa Community Colleges, Rio Salado, and Tarrant County College. Transferability and application of individual credits are determined through TUW’s transcript-evaluation process.
Military & Veteran Benefits
Military training and experience may be evaluated for transfer credit, which can be especially valuable in the 60-credit AA in General Studies because students may transfer up to 45 approved credits. TUW reviews eligible military training, standardized examinations, and other previous coursework under its transfer policies.
Eligible military-affiliated students may also qualify for a reduced military tuition rate and receive military advising to help them understand tuition assistance and VA education benefits.
TUW participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program and accepts eligible Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits.
What Can You Do With an Associate of Arts in General Studies
An AA in General Studies provides broad preparation for continued undergraduate study while supporting entry-level opportunities across a range of fields. Because the degree is not tied to one occupation, its value lies in building general education skills, earning a college credential, and creating a foundation for progression toward a bachelor’s degree.
AREA A Communication
6-9 credits
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Concepts of communication. Includes audience analysis, selection of topic, reasoning, mapping, material organization, visual aids, public speaking, verbal and non-verbal cues.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Expressing ideas and conveying information in writing. Includes reasoning, factual support, clarity of purpose, organization, and language. Instruction and practice in reading and writing of expository and argumentative essays.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course focuses on improving students writing ability in various rhetorical modes, including description, narration, persuasion, definition, classification, comparison, causation, and process analysis. During the term, we will read examples of effective writing, discuss composition techniques and strategies, analyze and critique texts, and explore ways to put concepts and theories into practice through specific written assignments and Threaded Discussions.
CREDITS
3
AREA B Critical Thinking
3-6 credits
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This is an introductory course in philosophy to satisfy the General Education requirement. Topics include the various traditions of philosophical thought, such as concepts of knowledge, reality, mind-body duality, existence of God, free will, and morality. Special topics include philosophers from Classical Era to 21st Century.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Basic concepts of logic. Includes deductive and inductive reasoning, techniques of argumentation, analysis and assessment, evaluation of evidence, language, definition, and fallacies.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Learn basic concepts of probability and statistical inference, focusing on an intuitive approach to understanding concepts and methodologies. Get an introduction to statistical and critical thinking, including descriptive statistics, probability, sampling distributions, interval estimation, hypothesis testing and regression.
CREDITS
3
AREA C Mathematics
3-6 credits
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Algebraic concepts and methods. Includes real numbers, graphs, linear and quadratic equations, systems of equation, polynomials, sinusoidal equations, theory of functions
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course covers general concepts of functions, including limits and continuity. It covers various rules for the computation of derivatives and integrals, such as the sum, product, and quotient formulas, as well as the chain rule. It also covers applying these concepts to the determination of maxima, minima, optimizations, and rate-related topics. The determination of the area of shapes through integration is also covered. Topics learned are applicable to various real world settings.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The course will review of Functions and Graphs, Applications of Integrals, and conclude with Infinite Sequences and Series. By the time you’re done, you’ll have studied how to use derivatives and integrals to solve a variety of problems and understand the connections and relationships that are fundamental to the theories of calculus.
CREDITS
3
AREA D Physical & Biological Sciences
3 -12 credits
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is a general education course for students interested in the chemistry of everyday life. Includes determining the composition of foods and drugs, measurements, unit conversions, scientific notation, chemical representations, mole concept, structure of atoms and molecules.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Introduction to basic biological concepts including biochemistry and macromolecules, the structure and function of cells, basic genetic principles, DNA replication, transcription and translation.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The course examines nutritional concepts and scientific findings. Emphasis is placed on macro and micronutrients as methods of assessing nutrient intake in the well client. Additional topics include digestive processes, food additives, safety and sanitation as well as factors that influence nutrient intake. Fundamentals of normal nutrition, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and their roles in human metabolism as well as nutrition and the life cycle are presented and explored.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The course discusses unifying principles of elastic, sound, light and matter waves. Models of nature. Successes and failures of wave and particle models and their synthesis. The course meets the lower division General Education requirement in Natural Sciences.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course introduces the learner to the structure and function of the human body with particular emphasis on mechanisms of homeostasis. This course focuses on chemical, cellular, and tissue levels of organization, the integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, central and peripheral nervous systems, organs of sense and concludes with the endocrine system. Laboratory experiences are obtained through the use of the Virtual Dissector, digital human program.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The learner continues the journey through the structure and function of the human body with particular emphasis on mechanisms of homeostasis. This course focuses on normal structure and function of bodily systems, including cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, hematological and reproductive systems. Concepts of acid/base, fluid and electrolyte balance as well as basic genetics are included.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Introduction to the biology of major groups of microorganism including their role in infectious diseases, their role in nature and their relationship to humankind.
CREDITS
3
AREA E Arts and Humanities
3-6 credits
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course provides an in-depth approach to issues of ethical, legal, and social responsibility impacts on decision making in the managerial and multidisciplinary environment. Emphasis on case studies will stimulate critical thinking and collaborative group discussions, which will address various current issues/topics for the 21st century.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Analysis and interpretation of art. Art culture and society. Emphasis on style, form, and meaning. A survey of works and artists across the visual and performing arts.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course introduces students to both technical and conceptual elements of digital photography. Students will learn the fundamentals of a digital camera and image editing. This course will utilize technology in producing and manipulating photographs. Projects will apply the photographic components of exposure, composition, depth of field, and lighting. Students will develop the conceptual skills of looking, interpretation, and critique. Students will learn to communicate through photographic visual language, understanding and exhibiting how images produce meaning through medium and form. This course will also investigate historical and contemporary photography in order to examine how these photographic skills are practiced.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
A comparative study of some of the basic patterns of religion and/or a focus on one specific religion. The course will focus upon such themes as religious experience, myths of creation, stories of religious founders and heroes, the origin and resolution of human suffering, and the structure and meaning of religious community and ritual. Source material for these themes will be taken from the literary and artistic resources of the religious traditions of Judaism.
CREDITS
3
AREA F Social Sciences
9-12 credits
AREA G Cultural Studies
3-6 credits
COURSE DESCRIPTION
In this course students will research the relationships between human societies and cultural adaptation and learn about social and cross-cultural behavior, language, customs, and social organizations.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course in anthropology and world culture introduces students to the fundamentals of human social and cultural adaptation. Course topics include social organization, language, types of non-literate and traditional societies, economics, religion, and art.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Focus is on the influence of culture on illness, health, and rehabilitation. The relationship that culture plays in the health and wellness of both individuals and the community in which they live will be explored.
CREDITS
3
AREA H History
3-6 credits
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Political and social development of the United States, with emphasis on colonial period, the Constitution, and American institutions, up to the Civil War.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course surveys the political, economic, and socio-cultural history of western civilization, mainly focusing on Europe and North America, from the seventeenth century to the present. Topics covered include the Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment, Age of Revolutions, industrialization and imperialism, the world wars, the Cold War, and decolonization.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course surveys the history of the Jews throughout the world from c. 300 C.E. to the present. The first half will examine interactions between Jews and Christian and Muslim cultures, the evolution of Jewish social organization, and the development of Judaism and Jewish thought up to approximately 1700. The second half will examine how modernity generated radically new varieties of Jewish religious and political life but also transformed traditional anti-Judaism into a virulent anti-Semitism.
CREDITS
3
AREA I Information Literacy
3 credits
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Introduction to computer and Internet technologies for school research and writing. Provides a overview of data, electronic information and files and methods of organizing information. Includes strategies for using a variety of electronic resources emphasizing technological skills and critical thinking abilities as well as understanding the changing nature of information resources, computer and Internet ethics and security.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is a computer literacy course designed to familiarize the learner with a variety of computer tools and computer concepts with emphasis on utilizing basic operating and software programs. The course provides an introduction to the use of computers, common software programs and peripherals. Students are instructed in a variety of areas to include the use of software applications in word processors, spreadsheets, databases, presentations, and the Internet.
CREDITS
3
Elective Courses (Please choose 5 elective courses)
15 credits
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is an introduction and overview of the system of criminal justice in the United States today; it explores the historical development from current to future trends of criminal justice; sources, philosophies, and role of law in society; it examines the definition of law, the enforcement of law, strategies of policing, prosecution, adjudication, sentencing and correction.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course focuses on ways of critiquing media messages, inquiry into media messages, skills for becoming critical media consumer; students will learn how to analyze and evaluate different forms of media such as television, internet websites, newspapers, radio, magazines, video games, and films.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course introduces the learner to the tools needed to be active participants in today’s global culture of digital literacy; it provides the learner with the technology skills to create digital products such as spreadsheets, presentations, and podcasts; analytical skills to understand, organize, and analyze numeric and graphic data in a global society.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course surveys World History from the birth of civilization to the present. It examines the political, economic and cultural development of societies and explores how the interactions between peoples of different societies around the globe have impacted world history.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is an overview of the Human Resource functions to learn the process for effective human resource management; it focuses on the fundamental Federal and State laws that affect human resources administration in every business from large to small; it also examine employee relations issues such as compensation, performance management, and discipline.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is the first of two focused on Jewish thought with major themes on philosophical
ideas. Sources utilized in this course stems from the medieval period.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is the second of two focused on Jewish thought with major themes on philosophical
ideas. Sources for this course range from later rishonim (15th century) to modern works.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course considers the nature of justice in philosophical, historical, and legal terms regarding racial justice, political representation, economic justice, gender and justice, the rights of cultural minorities, and crime and punishment. It examines major formulations of the relationship between law and culture in the sociological literature; it also examines the global sociological perspective on the development and consequences of laws and the courts in world culture and the structure and functions of the United Nations.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course provides an overview of the military as a profession. Students explore both ethics and values in the military. Additional topics include principles of military leadership, the Law of War, counterinsurgency, and Civil-Military Relations.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course deals with studying of selected musical traditions from around the world; it places emphasis on how music functions as part of the daily life in particular societies, familiarity with other cultures, values, and traditions, and gaining a better aesthetic appreciation of music from diverse societies and cultures. It explores the different ways music is shaped by the cultural settings in which it is performed, the impact of globalization, the music ideas that are common to all cultures, and the role music plays in the life of different societies.
CREDITS
3
Accounting Concentration Courses (Please choose 5 concentration courses)
15 credits
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is designed for students to develop an understanding of financial accounting fundamentals for prospective users of financial statements, such as investors, creditors, employees, and other stakeholders. Students will be introduced to the accounting cycle and will learn how to properly journal, document and post financial transactions.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course will show how personal ethics transfer into handling accounting ethical issues in the business world. It will help students to make proper ethical decisions by defining the nature of what accounting ethics and identifying the questions that need to be asked in everyday business practices.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course covers fundamental skills and basic knowledge in the area of business payroll. Focuses on payroll and personnel record keeping. Includes calculation of gross pay using various methods, Social Security and Medicare taxes, federal and state income taxes, and federal and state unemployment taxes.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
In this course, students will identify key accounting processes within a computerized environment. Students will develop an understanding of the key controls necessary to maintain an adequate computerized accounting environment, such as the accounts payable function, order entry and shipment, inventory tracking, billing environment, cash-handling, and payroll processing.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course analyzes United States tax laws and policies for individuals, corporations, and partnerships. Students will gain an understanding of the history of the United States tax systems and differentiate the differences of required taxes among entities as well as the inclusion and exclusion of income and expense items in tax calculations.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course studies accounting concepts and reporting techniques applied to management decision making. Students will analyze cost accounting concepts and analyze the behavior of costs, budgeting, differential analysis, and responsibility accounting. Students will learn how to apply financial statement analysis techniques to further understand the relationship between management decision making versus actual results.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
In this course, students will build on the foundations established in the Principles of Accounting I course. Students will develop knowledge in key elements of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), such as cash, temporary investments, receivables, inventories, long-term investments, and capital assets. Students will also learn how to prepare a set of financial statements (the income statement, the statement of retained earnings, and the balance sheet).
CREDITS
3
Judaic Studies Concentration Courses (Please choose 5 concentration courses)
15 credits
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course addresses style and methodology of the exegetes, with attention to the exegetes of the Northern French School (10th to 14th centuries): Rashi, R. Joseph Bechor-Shor, and the Spanish Schools of Ibn Ezra, Radak, Ramban, et al.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course addresses style and methodology of the exegetes, with attention to the exegetes of the Northern French School (10th to 14th centuries): Rashi, R. Joseph Bechor-Shor, and the Spanish Schools of Ibn Ezra, Radak, Ramban, et al. There is also an emphasis on modern exegetes: Malbim, Netziv, Hirsch, et al.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course provides an in-depth analysis of Biblical narratives dealing with the role, place, and impact of women. Special emphasis is on the lives of the Matriarchs, and the roles of Devorah and Esther.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
In this course, students study selections from medieval and modern Jewish ethical literature. In addition to examination of classical texts such as Hovot ha-Levavot, Sha’arei Teshuva, Sefer Hasidim, and Mesillat Yesharim, the course will focus upon the development of the Mussar movement as reflected in the writings of Rabbi Israel Salanter and his disciples.
CREDITS
3
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course has a special emphasis on faith and reason with readings in Hilkhot Deot, Moreh Nevukhim, Kuzari, and Shmoneh Perakim.
CREDITS
3
Credits
60 semester credits
Concentrations
Three
Format
100% online, 8-week courses
Start dates
Six per year
Next start
October 26, 2026
Apply by
October 23, 2026*
Accreditation
WSCUC
Tuition
$400 per semester credit
Transfer credits
Up to 45
Entry requirement
High school diploma or GED; minimum 2.0 cumulative high school GPA for non-transfer students
Licensure
Does not lead to licensure or certification
*Application deadlines are generally the Friday before the term begins. Confirm the date with an enrollment counselor.
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Accreditation & Institutional Recognition
Touro University Worldwide is institutionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Institutional accreditation applies to TUW as a university, including its online academic programs.
Accreditation is especially relevant for students planning to transfer credits or continue into a bachelor’s degree. Receiving institutions evaluate transfer credit according to their own policies, so accreditation does not guarantee that every course will transfer or satisfy a particular degree requirement.
TUW is a California-based nonprofit university and part of the Touro University System. The AA in General Studies is delivered through TUW’s online learning environment under the university’s institutional accreditation.
Why TUW: Faculty, Proof & Credibility
The AA in General Studies draws on faculty from across TUW’s academic disciplines, reflecting the breadth of a curriculum that includes humanities, social sciences, mathematics, sciences, and other general education areas. Students learn from faculty with academic and professional backgrounds that extend across several fields.
Faculty expertise
Godwin Igein, PhD, is Director of TUW’s AA in General Studies program and Professor of Psychology. He holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology and an MBA in Business Administration, with extensive experience in teaching and academic administration.
Odelia Duhel, PhD, teaches at the associate degree level at TUW. She holds a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of the Cumberlands and a Master of Education in Counseling from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Her areas of expertise include mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral interventions, group facilitation and dynamics, multicultural issues in counseling, and addictions and behavioral counseling.
Karina Kasztelnik, PhD, MBA, CPA, CTP, is also listed among the AA faculty. Her background includes applied management, accounting, artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and financial risk, including previous work as a government researcher and Big Data Analytics subject-matter expert at the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
Request Information & Apply
Ready to see how the AA in General Studies could fit your academic plans? A TUW enrollment counselor can help you review transfer credits, admission requirements, tuition and financial aid, and options for continuing into a bachelor’s degree.
For assistance, contact an enrollment counselor at 818-575-6800 or online@tuw.edu.