The fundamental purpose of the program is to enable students at Arkansas State University to assume the responsibility for developing a personalized program of study to meet particular career goals and/or individual needs. The flexibility of the program permits the completion of the general education curriculum along with combinations of a selection of elective courses that may be desired by students, but would otherwise be difficult, or impossible, to obtain in other existing undergraduate degree programs. Students seeking entrance into the Associate of General Studies program must satisfy university admission standards identical to those required of applicants for four-year university programs. Students may transfer from the Associate of General Studies program to other degree programs, and may well do so if they change career objectives and/or goals.

An Associate of General Studies degree may be conferred upon students who satisfactorily complete the appropriate curriculum and meet the specific requirements for the degree. Students pursuing the Associate of General Studies degree are responsible for complying with the general academic regulations of the university as well as all other university policies and requirements. A 2.0 cumulative grade point average is required on all course work.