--- title: General Studies (A.A. Degree) date: 2022-04-06T12:20:00-05:00 author: Click Rain Inc canonical_url: "https://www.dordt.edu/academics/programs/general-studies-aa" section: Pages --- [ Back to Programs](/academics/programs)# General Studies (A.A. Degree) Dordt offers a two-year associate of arts degree with a concentration in general studies. The two-year general studies degree allows students to tailor their education to meet their personal needs and interests. This type of degree is a great option for students who want a well-rounded Christian college education, but aren't interested in a four-year degree. Students take the core courses and choose from electives that will allow them to pursue their individual career goals. [Connect With Us ](#connect) ![Female student sitting on the stairs](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2024-04-25_003308.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=43&f=webp&c=0caff98a&v=30e4bdf02a32202ffa88397c6f99e062f90770daa90b0e0958728d90df3ce422) ![]() ![]()## On This Page - [Program Overview](#toc125626) - [Faculty](#toc701868) - [Student Stories](#toc125637) ## Program Overview As a general studies student, you’ll set yourself on a one-of-a-kind course toward success. The classes you choose will open up doors for you in whatever career field you pursue. By the time you graduate, you’ll likely find professional opportunities that weren’t even on your radar at the start of your time at Dordt. Through careful planning and a commitment to achieving excellence, getting your general studies degree at Dordt will be the first step toward a professional career you can be proud of. ![Female students using their laptops](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2024-04-25_003231-1.jpg?mode=fit&pos=center-center&w=64&h=37&c=606e96a8&v=d72cb2cca53b8beb8d4f6db7a95a9c9bb06bdbb05ccd9e39cf751c3c65092069) ### Degree requirements Students who choose to pursue general studies will choose seven courses that have been designed in consultation with and approved by the registrar to meet the student's specific educational goals. ### Courses On top completing courses that fulfill the Core Program Requirements for an associate's degree, students will choose seven courses that have been designed in consultation with and approved by the registrar to meet specific educational goals of the student. [See the course catalog for more information](https://www.dordt.edu/academics/course-catalog) ### Ready to take the next step? [Request Info](#request) [Visit](https://www.dordt.edu/admissions-and-aid/visit-dordt) [Apply](https://www.dordt.edu/admissions-and-aid/apply-now) ## Faculty With experience in a variety of fields, our faculty members are equipped and ready to help you succeed. [ ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/people/68a815a34ec3d35e4be.jpg?mode=crop&pos=top-center&w=30&h=30&f=webp&c=9fbb12c0&v=ad2f4a28c62878f0a323d348a94a8dabacd2acb5a0bfbabadc280a5ef1f3455d) ### Tim Klein Professor of Business Administration & MBA Program DirectorTim Klein serves as the department chair for the Business Department and as the director of the Master of Business Administration program. More ](https://www.dordt.edu/people/tim-klein) ![]() ![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==) ![A picture of Riley Arkema](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/rileyarkema2019.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=20&h=32&f=webp&c=52f5cdd1&v=e452944c67c897d4a1b6b3f5d6ca3830caa51b6fc4fcaf1001a939da4dd7c854) ### Room to Grow Riley Arkema Despite Dordt's familiarity, Riley Arkema stepped outside his comfort zone — becoming who God created him to be in faith-filled community. Riley Arkema [Read More About Riley Arkema](https://www.dordt.edu/stories/riley-arkema) ![A picture of Aidan Bender](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/aidan-bender.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=20&h=32&f=webp&c=2198ac97&v=7fabf9f10c61fe642b9fe8de5bc5f3191dd03503caee3ef43bf3ea66c713bfbc) ### Empathy and Mystery Aidan Bender Aidan Bender dealt with uncertainty about his future at Dordt — and found that empathy, mystery, and living your faith leads to becoming who God made you. Aidan Bender [Read More About Aidan Bender](https://www.dordt.edu/stories/aidan-bender) ![A picture of Jose Benitez](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/josebenitez2019.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=20&h=32&f=webp&c=1f3f74e3&v=020de647e1c3482f421f2124bcba5850f1a33bdf8d46e6301282ee0b20b6c842) ### People Over Profits Jose Benitez Jose Benitez connected with students from around the world at Dordt — choosing people over profits and finding purposeful community rooted in faith. Jose Benitez [Read More About Jose Benitez](https://www.dordt.edu/stories/jose-benitez) ![A picture of Anna Blauw](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/anna_blauw2.png?mode=crop&pos=0.5075-0.2312&w=20&h=32&f=webp&c=b9c024db&v=f1cf8bb97de44726c9ebd0c50313b7e8985e62768b81d023533ba15c65c8391c) ### Into the Unknown Anna Blauw Anna Blauw's experiences at Dordt grew the faith and confidence to overcome fear — becoming who God created her to be by focusing on His purpose. Anna Blauw [Read More About Anna Blauw](https://www.dordt.edu/stories/anna-blauw) ![A picture of Anna Christians](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/anna-christians.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=20&h=32&f=webp&c=e2f33d58&v=4d6c6ea4cfe61306fc69476e1eb18d55350d9a440090cbbdb9d3054db91fe983) ### Nurturing the Heart Anna Christians Dordt gave Anna Christians the confidence and humility to grow — nurturing her heart and helping her become who God created her to be with grace. Anna Christians [Read More About Anna Christians](https://www.dordt.edu/stories/anna-christians) ![A picture of Dordt's clocktower and campus center](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/genericdomore_6_2022-06-27-141704_yqgj.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=20&h=32&f=webp&c=ec816f61&v=97e9cef239084cca844bc2bba0a338405d70a801322f72daa665801b810a117f) ### Broadening Faith Jacob Clark Small classes and student-teacher interaction at Dordt helped Jacob Clark broaden his faith — living joyfully, connecting, and growing into his calling. Jacob Clark [Read More About Jacob Clark](https://www.dordt.edu/stories/jacob-clark) ## Connect with us Submit your information to request more information about Dordt and this program. We'll also use this information to connect you with your admissions counselor! Loading... ## Related Programs Still looking for the right fit? Here are some additional program options that we think might interest you or are often paired with this program. You can also view the [programs page](https://www.dordt.edu/academics/programs) to keep exploring your options. [ Associate's ![Male student working on tractor parts with teacher's assistance](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2024-02-20_001877.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=59&h=39&c=8843094e&v=703a602ddfa3507bbda3a67f024322cdc7101ff468d37afe785c69108e10e0b1) ### AgricultureAgriculture (A.S. Degree) Emphasis ](https://www.dordt.edu/academics/programs/agriculture-ba/agriculture-aa) [ Associate's ![Female student listens to her peer's presentation](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2023-12-15_000227.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=59&h=39&c=ff853dc8&v=a2bde47dfe4cd315cb65d19a74a35de58b3ab72eff7bded3e63b19a700dc0769) ### Business AdministrationAdministrative Assistant (A.A. Degree) Emphasis ](https://www.dordt.edu/academics/programs/business-administration-ba/administrative-assistant-aa) [ Associate's ![male student works on a system](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2023-03-21_000596.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=59&h=39&c=7297b689&v=7bba93000830dd1d6ccb2933ad1b9df2be9bceb2ae16d5d595dc20c8153c0058) ### Engineering TechnologyEngineering Technology (A.S. Degree) Emphasis ](https://www.dordt.edu/academics/programs/engineering-technology-ba/engineering-technology-as)