Saint Louis University is partnering with Jesuit Worldwide Learning to offer the Bachelor of Arts in General Studies, with a concentration in Computer Information Systems, to students living in refugee camps or other areas with limited access to higher education. The School for Professional Studies offers this degree through distance education.
Jesuit Worldwide Learning connects students at the margins with quality, higher education programs that are regionally accredited and certified so all can contribute their knowledge and voices to a global community of learners and together foster hope to create a more peaceful and humane world. Partners such as Saint Louis University offer programs within the framework of Ignatian experience, which seeks to develop the whole person, or cura personalis.
This initiative is part of the University’s Academic Strategic Plan, particularly the goal to expand our commitments to provide Jesuit higher education to those living at the margins locally, nationally, and internationally.
To qualify for this program, students must meet the following criteria:
- Reside in or around the Kakuma (Kenya) or Dzaleka (Malawi) refugee camps
- Complete the JWL Pre-STEM Certificate from Creighton University OR
- Complete the Certificate in Liberal Studies from Xavier Institute of Management
- Have an English language level of B2 in reading, writing, speaking and listening
The SLU-JWL program began in October 2023 with a non-credit orientation course for seven eligible students. The program will formally launch in March 2024 with an inaugural cohort of 25 students.
Program Requirements
The roadmaps below outline the course of study for the B.A. in General Studies with a Minor in Data Analytics and Leadership and Organizational Behavior offered by SLU and Jesuit Worldwide Learning.
Year 1 Roadmap
| Term 1 | Credits |
|---|---|
| CORE 1005: Engaging the Human Person (Ignite) | 3 |
|
|
3 |
| Term 2 | Credits |
| CORE 1205: Public Speaking in Organizational Life | 3 |
| CORE 1905: Written and Visual Communication | 3 |
| Term 3 | Credits |
| CORE 1605: Ultimate Questions: Theology / CORE 2505: Self in Contemplation | 3 |
| HUM 2100: Intellectual Virtues | 3 |
| Term 4 and Term 5 (split) | Credits |
| CORE 3405 Reading in a Distracted Age | 3 |
| CIS 1600: Introduction to Programming | 3 |
| Term 6 | Credits |
| CORE 1705: Ultimate Questions: Philosophy | 3 |
| ORLD 1000: Effective Leadership | 3 |
| 28 |
Year 2 Roadmap
| Term 1 | Credits |
|---|---|
| CORE 3605: Social Science in Context | 3 |
| CIS 2875: Principles of Data Analysis | 3 |
| Term 2 | Credits |
| CIS 2300: Data-Driven Decision-Making | 3 |
| HUM 2150: How to Think Critically | 3 |
| Term 3 | Credits |
| HUM 3450: Interpreting Texts | 3 |
| CIS 3250: Cybersecurity Principles | 3 |
| Term 4 and Term 5 (split) | Credits |
| CIS 3300: Database Analysis and Design | 3 |
| HUM 3400: Creative Thinking | 3 |
| Term 6 | Credits |
| PMGT 1010: Fundamentals of Project Management | 3 |
| CIS 3850: Analytics and Visualizations | 3 |
| 30 |
Year 3 Roadmap
| Term 1 | Credits |
|---|---|
| CIS 4250: Survey of Machine Learning | 3 |
| ORLD 2000: Organizational Foundations: Business Essentials | 3 |
| Term 2 | Credits |
| HUM 4100: Engaging Difference | 3 |
| CIS 4750: Data Mining | 3 |
| Term 3 | Credits |
| HSCI 3510: Physiological Processes in the Human Body | 3 |
| ORLD 2500: Financial Concepts | 3 |
| Term 4 and Term 5 (split) | Credits |
| ORLD 3300: Organizational Behavior and Team Effectiveness | 3 |
| CIS 4300: The Fundamentals of Computer Forensics | 3 |
| Term 6 | Credits |
| HUM 4200: Working for the Common Good | 3 |
| HUM 3500: Writing in a Digital Age | 3 |
| 30 |
Year 4 Roadmap
| Term 1 | Credits |
|---|---|
| CIS 4600: Cyber Threats and Defense | 3 |
| HUM 3300: Thinking Historically | 3 |
| Term 2 | Credits |
| CORE 4005: Persons & Problems / CORE 3505: Self in the World | 3 |
| HUM 4800: General Studies Capstone | 3 |
| 12 | |
| Total: 100 |