Method and apparatus for a generalized scheduler (400) for scheduling transmissions in a communications system (100, 120). The scheduler is defined by a priority function of the channel condition and fairness criteria. The generalized scheduler is adapted to apply a variety of combinations of channel condition metrics and user fairness metrics. The scheduler distinguishes among classes of users, allowing individual processing per class. In one embodiment, a system controller receives a Delivery Priority Parameter (DPP) for each of a plurality of users (1202), and maps each DPP to a corresponding common Mapped Priority Parameter (MPP)(1206). An operating point is determined (1208) and a corresponding MPP value for each of the users is applied (1 21 0) to schedule transmissions.