2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog *As of 06/01/2024 
    
    Dec 13, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog *As of 06/01/2024

General Studies, B.G.S.


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs of Study

The Bachelor’s of General Studies degree is offered through departments. The goal of the General Studies Degree Program is to provide students with a variety of learning experiences that will enable them to function successfully in our global society by acquiring competencies and skills that will enhance their career plans, personal and professional development.

Objectives

The objectives of the General Studies degree program are to:

  1. build a foundation for students to pursue further study in higher education;
  2. afford greater access to a baccalaureate degree for the community and the nontraditional student;
  3. provide students an avenue for the self-fulfillment that comes with an academic degree;
  4. provide students an opportunity to explore a wide variety of career options; and
  5. prepare students to enter graduate and professional schools

General Studies degree program students must select a department in which they will pursue a concentration. For students entering the University as freshmen, the concentration within a department must be declared at the beginning of the freshman year. Upon completion of the suggested course of study, students earn a Bachelor’s of General Studies degree with a concentration in their selected major. For example, a student seeking a Bachelor’s of General Studies degree with a concentration in Sociology would receive the degree from the Social Sciences Department.

Not all departments at the University offer a concentration in the General Studies Degree Program and students interested in pursuing this option should make inquiry with the specific department in which the concentration is sought.

In consultation with their department advisor, a four-year plan of study is designed for freshmen students upon entry into the area of concentration. Students transferring into the concentration from an on-campus major or from another college/university plan their course of study in consultation with their advisor upon entry into the selected department. Courses of study for all students are planned to ensure that a concentration in a major area of study requires students to matriculate in the area of concentration for at least two semesters.

Required Courses


The General Studies degree program major must complete at least 120 credit hours of University courses. Included in the 120 credit hours are a minimum of 27 credit hours of upper level courses from within the academic department (area of concentration). A minimum grade of “C” must be achieved in these courses. Course distribution requirements for the Bachelor’s of General Studies degree are as follows:

General Education Requirements


TOTAL REQUIRED FOR GENERAL EDUCATION – 41 Credits Minimum
Students should consult with their departmental advisor when making course selections.

Curriculum Area I - Arts and Humanities: Credits 9


Curriculum Area II - Social and Behavioral Sciences: Credits 6


Students must select one course in each of two disciplines:

Curriculum Area III - Biological and Physical Sciences: Credits 7-8


Students must select two science courses and one science laboratory course from the following:

Curriculum Area IV - Mathematics: Credits 3-8


Most majors require MATH 109  or higher. Math 109 requires grade of “C” or better in order to pass the course.
MATH 099  does not satisfy the General Education Requirement or count towards graduation. Student must attain a grade of “C” or better to pass MATH 099 .

One course at or above the level of College Algebra

Curriculum Area V - English Composition: Credits 9


Curriculum Area VI - Emerging Issues: Credits 7


Additional Requirements: Credits 6

Students may select from the following three-credit courses or consult with academic advisor for additional courses for this area:

Total Required for General Education: Credits 41


Departmental Requirements


Area of Concentration: Credits 27


Courses must be from a specific major area and at the 300-400 level.  A grade of ‘C’ or better is required in each course.

Lower Level Electives: Credits 34


Any 100-200 level courses

Upper Level Electives: Credits 18


Courses may be from any area at the 300-400 level

Total Required: Credits 120


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs of Study