Bachelor of General Studies Curriculum

The curriculum leading to the degree of Bachelor of General Studies is designed to provide maximum flexibility for undergraduates while planning their program of studies. Since the only specific subject requirements are the general university requirements, students can plan their programs to the best advantage of their particular educational objectives. This means that students must bear the major responsibility for their choice of courses. Those who plan wisely have the opportunity to obtain an excellent education. The key admonition is for students to plan their programs carefully.

The major advantage of the B.G.S. degree program is the nonspecialized education. Although a student could take their work in a limited number of departments, the intent of this program is to permit great latitude in the choice of subjects so that students may satisfy their particular objectives. No student may become a candidate for the B.G.S. degree who has already earned a baccalaureate degree or who is a candidate for another degree offered by the university.

Major

No major other than "General Studies" will be certified on the student's diploma or official transcript. Students who wish to have a designated major should pursue a departmental baccalaureate degree (B.A., B.S., etc).

Minor

Students graduating with a Bachelor of General Studies may satisfy requirements for one or more minors. In these cases, their transcript will reflect these minors.

Degree Requirements

Courses to total 120 credits for this degree

Suggestions to Students

Students are advised not to make a firm decision with respect to the B.G.S. degree before the end of the freshman year. During the freshman year, and probably during the sophomore year, students should consider following one of the curricula leading to a departmental baccalaureate degree, deviating from the departmental requirements only where it appears educationally advisable to do so.

It is very important that the student working toward the B.G.S. "look ahead" to see which departments they wish to accumulate the required 45 credits in upper-division courses (those numbered 300 and above). Many upper-division courses have prerequisites that must be completed during the early semesters of the student's undergraduate career. If planning is delayed, it may be that some courses will be unavailable to the student because they have not taken the prerequisites.

1. Students will find and evaluate information regarding a complex concept in a field of study.

2. Students will articulate their knowledge and skills from different disciplines targeted towards a chosen career.

3. Students will locate, evaluate, incorporate, and properly cited multiple information resources in a paper or project.

4. Students will demonstrate an awareness and understanding of diverse cultures.