The purpose of the General Studies degree program is to provide a broad range of courses across multiple disciplines in order to prepare students who are informed citizens, skilled and knowledgeable employees, and/or prepared transfer students. The program has advantages in cases in which (1) other PVCC transfer programs do not correspond to the requirements of the transfer institution which the students has selected; (2) students enter with numerous transfer credits that may be applicable to completion of the general studies program rather than to other associate degree curricula; and (3) students have defined certain individual and occupational general education goals and wish to achieve them within the associate degree format. The student who selects general studies is making a commitment to design his or her course of study in consultation with an academic advisor and assumes responsibility for making the program relevant to his or her particular needs. Since the program offers students a choice of general education course work in mathematics, laboratory science, social science, history, and also general electives, it is extremely important for the student to use care in course selection. If the primary goal is transfer, the student must learn in advance the particular general education requirements of the intended transfer college or university. If the primary goal involves other objectives, the student must carefully consult with an academic advisor before selecting courses.