CAS Common Curriculum
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CAS Common Curriculum

Undecided? Are you eager to start your undergraduate program but not ready to commit to a major? The University of Scranton has you covered.

About

The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) common curriculum helps students lay the foundation for any major area of study. Students typically get credit for required general education courses and have the opportunity to try out different subjects and areas of interests. The goals of this program are to help ease the process of choosing a major and to ensure that you can graduate in four years.

Is it Common to be Undecided?

  • 13% of our first-year students for the fall of 2023 enrolled as “undecided.”
  • Nationally, one-third to one-half of freshmen have not declared a major area of study.
  • Some students go to college knowing exactly what they want to do, but most don’t.
  • At The University of Scranton, we have 70 bachelor’s degree programs. We encourage you to take your time – explore classes in a variety of areas – to find the best option that aligns with your goals and interests.
  • Being undecided is totally okay. It means you’re taking the time to figure out what you like and what you don’t. Time spent learning in the classroom is never wasted.

Is it for me?

Are You:

  • Deciding between two subjects that you really like?
  • Interested in so many things that you have a hard time picking one major?
  • Just unable to figure out what you want to do?

Five Reasons to Choose Scranton for CAS Common Curriculum

1.
Inclusive academic advising center.   CAS freshmen have access to the CAS Academic Advising Center, which is staffed with professional advisors and dedicated faculty advisors from specific disciplines. The Center offers resources to help you decide what courses to take and, ultimately, helps you choose a major.
2.
Effective workshops & seminars.   Professional academic advisors host workshops designed to help undecided students. They might include seminars on working with the Center for Career Development; examination of values to narrow down your major choices; or presentations by students, faculty or professionals, describing their educational journeys.
3.
Exceptional choices.   The CAS offers more than 35 areas of study. Students may customize their programs through double majors, minors or concentrations (and even through the general electives they choose). Majors with the highest enrollment include: biochemistry, biology, communication, criminal justice, history, neuroscience and psychology.
4.
Strong community.   All students benefit from the close and supportive community that is The University of Scranton. Upperclassmen, peers, faculty and staff all want you to succeed. They'll provide guidance, information and encouragement.
5.
Jesuit education.   No matter which major you eventually choose, you can be sure that Jesuit principles will be knitted into the program, as they are in the common curriculum. Care for the individual person, excellence in all endeavors, seeing God in all things, liberal arts education, social justice, and contemplation in action ensure a deep and meaningful educational experience.

At Scranton, you'll receive individual attention to discover your major – and yourself.

– Darla Germeroth, Ph.D.,
Associate Dean, College of Arts and Sciences

  • Preparing You For Personal & Professional Successplus or minus

    You'll Learn How To:

    • Gather, evaluate, disseminate and apply information
    • Think critically in order to solve problems
    • Value liberal learning
    • Grow personally and professionally
    • Write and speak eloquently
    • Interact with greater confidence

    Internships

    Once you choose a major, many of which offer internship opportunities, you may take internships for credit. In some cases, the internships can only occur during summer months due to course and lab scheduling. Students should talk with their academic advisors about the specific procedures for the particular department. 

  • What You'll Learnplus or minus

    Curriculum

    Early in the curriculum, students take electives in order to “try out” different departments. This flexibility allows students to get a better feel of subjects in which they might consider majoring. 

    Students also take two or more general education requirements. Typically, they take a first-year seminar of their choice and a theology or philosophy course.

    Click here to see the curriculum.

  • Pursue Your Passion and Make a Differenceplus or minus

    The common curriculum ensures that your academic journey will not stall as you choose your major. The freshman-level general education courses you will take, and the electives you will choose, will meet requirements in specific degree curricula.

    You can pursue co-curricular activities and groups like Campus Ministries and specific interest groups in order to meet more students, learn about different areas of study and give back to the community at the same time.

    With a Jesuit education, you will graduate with an understanding of how your major can be applied to society at large in order to make the world a better place.

    The Jesuit teaching philosophy places a premium on the importance of reflection for personal growth. This means that that you’ll graduate with a greater sense of who you are and how you fit into the world.

    – Darla Germeroth, Ph.D.,
    Faculty, College of Arts and Sciences.

Careers

Where Will a Bachelor’s Degree from Scranton Take Me?

Students enter the workplace armed with knowledge as well as practical skills and experience. Many graduates will pursue advanced degrees, including professional schools, MBA programs, masters and Ph.D. programs.

Other students will go directly into the workforce, beginning jobs in research facilities, government, private industry, educational institutions, corporations, small business, the nonprofit field, health care and other dynamic settings.

Some students earn Fulbright Fellowships to study or work overseas. Others choose the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, or other service organizations in order to gather new experiences and give back to society.

The possibilities are endless. 

How Scranton Gives You a Competitive Edge

Competitive Edge

The College of Arts and Sciences at The University of Scranton equips graduates with exceptional knowledge and experience in their area of study. Students have practiced writing and speaking skills that are so important in interviewing and working as professionals.

Due to the dedicated faculty who know their students personally, letters of recommendation are not carbon copy. Professors can speak to each student’s skills and strengths and help advocate for them as they search for graduate school or career opportunities. This can make all the difference as students continue their journey.

Take the Next Step

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Get the Facts

View PDF with Program Overview
& Curriculum

For More Information

Office of Admissions
The Estate
Scranton, PA 18510
1-888-SCRANTON or (570) 941-7540
570-941-7572
admissions@scranton.edu

CAS Advising Center
800 Linden Street
St. Thomas 209
(570) 941-6323

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