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SLU and Jesuit Worldwide Learning

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
CORE 1505: Self in Community  
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

The roadmaps below outline the course of study for JWL students in the B.A. in General Studies with a Concentration in Computer Information Systems. 

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

Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change based on transfer credits and program start date.

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

Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change based on transfer credits and program start date.

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

Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change based on transfer credits and program start date.