University now to offer 111 majors with added General Studies

By Cheryl Jones
University News Service
June 21, 2007

Texas State University-San Marcos has added another major, general studies, to the curriculum bringing the total count of student options to 111.

The idea to introduce a general studies major came after other Texas institutions added it to their curriculum. Texas State strives to meet growing student interests, so the schools Board of Regents approved the general studies major in the spring.

This major is unique because it allows course combinations not normally available through traditional majors. Now, students have the option of not only choosing their major but also the ability to create and integrate their own curriculum.

Antonio Cardenas, a junior respiratory care major from Laredo sees the major as a plus for the university.

“General studies sounds like a really good idea because it gives a person a choice to be flexible in what they want to do,” Cardenas said. “It doesn’t limit them to only going into a certain area.”

Lisa Chrans, senior lecturer and academic advisor for the new degree is excited about the opportunity to work with such a broad range of students.

“Students who find choosing a single major challenging because of varying interests can find 68 minor options,” she said. “Students who have invested a large number of hours in another degree program and wish to change academic goals may find a major in general studies to be an ideal option.”

According to Chrans, since the degree was approved, the University College has received numerous student inquiries about the general studies major, which will be available for Texas State students in the fall.

“I would do it if I could mix it with my major, the health care administration and then some more significant skills I would need in the office,” Cardenas said.

This degree would be one of a kind for the university and the University College foresees the future as being very successful.

“Any student who is challenged by choosing among various subject areas and career planning may find this major valuable,” Chrans said. “It is the first degree program in the University College and we are thrilled.”

Kristin Barker, a sophomore pre-fashion merchandising major from Odessa, also finds the idea of the major a good choice by the administration.

“I think it’s great because a lot of people aren’t sure what they want to do with their life,” Barker said. “I’m not even sure if fashion merchandising is what I want to do.”