General Studies

General Studies is an interdisciplinary degree that enables you to explore courses and programs without the obligation to fulfill a specific major’s requirements. Instead, the program allows you to customize your program based on your interests and career plans. You will explore a broad range of subjects, including business, health care, English, communications, and psychology.

Find out more about P.I.T.’s General Studies associate degree and why it will put you on a path to a great future!

As a result of this broad, personalized course of study, you will develop diverse skill sets. The degree signifies to employers that you are a highly capable, well-rounded individual who can accomplish complex tasks independently and as part of a team. With a degree grounded in the liberal arts, you’ll also bring valuable oral and written communication skills, critical thinking abilities, and computer skills to your future roles.

Flexible scheduling options – including online and blended learning, as well as in-person classes. If you wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree after earning your A.S. in General Studies, you’ll have the advantage of a smooth transfer to a four-year university.

How P.I.T. Supports Students Who Are Completing Their Online General Studies Degree

At P.I.T., we want our students to be ready for any opportunity, and our General Studies associate degree gives them access to a variety of courses while fostering the necessary skills for any field.

Throughout students’ journeys within their general studies online classes, we offer free tutoring services. Students can either make an appointment with us or drop in whenever they need help. We strive to help our students in any way possible so that they can be successful in their classes.

In addition to providing support alongside General Studies associate degree coursework, P.I.T. offers job placement services so students can get the job or internship they want. These services include:

• Job search coaching
• Resume assistance

P.I.T. is an open admissions college for most of our programs. Admission requirements vary according to majors. At a minimum, all applicants must be graduates of an accredited high school; hold a diploma issued by the PADOE or have a recognized equivalent, such as a General Educational Development (GED). High School diplomas/transcripts from other countries are acceptable as long as they are equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma, as determined by an evaluation service approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

Although enrollment is open to high school graduates or those with a GED, all new students must meet minimum academic skill levels. Applications for admission are accepted throughout the year, and acceptance is offered on a rolling basis.

P.I.T. operates on an accelerated 11-week academic term. Format: Online. Scheduling: Full-Time and Part-Time.

The next start date is January 11, 2027.

Tuition. Tuition is $505 per credit hour for 26/27. A full-time student is enrolled for 9 credits or more per term; part-time students enroll in 5-8 credits per term. A Technology Fee ($50 per credit) is assessed to cover the costs of P.I.T.’s online learning platform, classroom laboratory equipment, software, and related technology.

Other fees. Graduation Fee $100 (caps and gowns, degree or certificate, and commencement expenses); Transfer Credit Fee $150 per evaluation; Assessment of Experiential Learning Fee $150 plus $25 per credit; Return Check Fee and Stop Payment Fee $35 each (non-refundable).

2026-2027 Cost of Attendance (full-time undergraduate, estimated). Direct costs: tuition $13,635 and technology fees $1,350 (subtotal $14,985). Estimated indirect costs: books, course materials, supplies and equipment $1,316; transportation $5,455; living expenses off campus (housing and food) $18,216 or with parent $5,089; personal expenses $1,641; loan fees $149. Students are billed separately for each term, so the annual amounts may be divided by three to estimate a single term. Some programs may charge additional course fees when applicable.

Textbooks. Students may purchase the required textbooks through any bookseller of their choice; for some programs and courses, the college may supply books or online resources. Students whose funding includes a book allowance may request a stipend through the Business Office.

Paying for college. Full payment of tuition and fees is expected before each term begins; students must pay the balance in full or be approved for a College-acceptable payment plan. P.I.T. participates in the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Federal Direct Loan, and Federal Work-Study programs, and eligible Pennsylvania residents may receive the PHEAA State Grant. Most programs at P.I.T. are approved for VA benefits. P.I.T. also offers scholarships, lists alternative private lenders through ElmSelect, and accepts employer tuition reimbursement.

FAFSA. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and add P.I.T.’s federal school code: 010998. Estimate your costs with P.I.T.’s Net Price Calculator.

• Entry-level positions in banking
• Customer service specialist
• Administration
• Public relations
• Marketing
• Web-based jobs that require multiple skills

Employment Opportunities. Graduates of this program are often employed in entry-level positions in a range of different fields, including banking, customer service specialist, administration, public relations, and marketing, as well as many web-based jobs that require multiple skills.

Bachelor’s Degree. Graduates in this program of study may choose to further their education by pursuing a bachelor’s degree at accredited universities.

Institution-wide outcomes (P.I.T. consumer disclosures). Job placement rates: 25% (1/2020–12/2020), 51% (1/2021–12/2021), 65% (1/2022–12/2022), 60% (1/2023–12/2023). Graduation rate within 150% of normal time: 19.5% for the Fall 2019 cohort (2025-26 reporting year).

Job Placement Services offer job search coaching, résumé and cover letter assistance, interview techniques and mock interviews; lifelong job placement services are available free to all degree graduates.