BGS Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Bachelor of General Studies (BGS)?
2. What are the degree requirements?
3. What is a "discipline"?
4. What are "advanced hours"?
5. How do I know if a course is junior or senior level?
6. What can a person do with a BGS degree?
7. What specific post-baccalaureate programs and/or occupations are BGS graduates pursuing and/or involved in now?
8. Can technical credit hours be used as elective hours on the BGS?
9. I am interested in the BGS - what is my next step?

1. What is the Bachelor of General Studies (BGS)?
The Bachelor of General Studies is a multidisciplinary general degree, which exists to provide an individual with the opportunity to self-design a personal curricular plan, i.e. to take courses in more than one area of interest, resulting in a broadbased program of study. The Bachelor of General Studies is offered through the Center for General Studies.

2. What are the degree requirements?
The BGS is awarded upon completion of 120 semester credit hours, which include completion of the University core curriculum, 42 elective hours, and 30 advanced hours. The thirty advanced hours must consist of at least 9 hours in each of three disciplines. In addition, a minimum 2.0 grade point average is required in all advanced elective coursework as well as a cumulative grade point average of 2.0. (For more information concerning the core curriculum, click here).

3. What is a "discipline"?
A discipline is an academic area of specialization, such as English, history, biology, chemistry, sociology, criminal justice, computer science, marketing, economics, kinesiology, communication, music, art, etc., just to name a few.

4. What are "advanced hours"?
Advanced hours are upper-division (junior and senior) level courses.

5. How do I know if a course is junior or senior level?
The numeric portion of the course code for a junior level course begins with the number "3," and a senior level course begins with the number "4." For example, SOCI 3310 is a junior level course, and MISY 4360 is a senior level course.

6. What can a person do with a BGS degree?

Advanced degrees
Some students may continue their education by entering graduate school to pursue a master's or doctoral degree. Other students may enter professional schools to pursue careers such as law, medicine, or business.

Job Opportunities
Individuals who seek full-time employment after graduation find many job opportunities, especially in business and government agencies.

Job Promotion
For individuals who have already established themselves in a stable job/career with a particular employer, opportunities for advancement are enhanced after earning any four-year university degree, including the BGS.

Other
For some individuals, earning the BGS is a fulfillment of a lifelong personal goal of obtaining a four-year college degree. Because the BGS provides a broadbased program of study, each individual can tailor a degree plan for personal enrichment through study in those academic areas of which he or she has a special interest.

7. What specific post-baccalaureate programs and/or occupations are BGS graduates pursuing and/or involved in now?
(Note: This is not a comprehensive list. Please consult with an advisor for any questions concerning post-baccalaureate programs or possible career fields/occupations).

BGS graduates have entered professional schools

Dentistry
Law
Medicine
Optometry

BGS graduates are pursuing advanced degrees (master's and/or doctorate)

Business
Criminal Justice
Clinical Psychology
Education
Family & Consumer Science
Fine Arts
Library Science

BGS graduates are employed in various career fields

Banking
Computer Technology
Marketing
Education
Music Industry
Government
Research
Law Enforcement
Sales

BGS graduates are employed in a wide variety of occupations

(Note: Average beginning salary range is $18,000 - $40, 000)

Artist
Arts Council Director
Assistant Manager
Attorney
Business Owner
Campus Manager
Computer Support Technician
Database Support Assistant
Day Spa Owner/Manager
Day Care Owner/Manager
Director
Federal Correction Officer
Fireman
Health Club Owner/Manager
Interpreter/teacher for the deaf
Manager
Teacher

8. Can technical credit hours be used as elective hours on the BGS?
No. Only academic courses taken at a college or university may be accepted on the BGS.

9. I am interested in the BGS - what is my next step?
Contact the Center for General Studies and make an appointment to speak with an advisor. The advisor will review your transcript, explain the BGS degree plan, and assist you in determining if the BGS is the degree plan best suited to meeting your educational and career goals. To earn the BGS, you must be a General Studies major. If you decide the BGS is right for you and General Studies is NOT your current major, you must change your major to General Studies by submitting an official change of major form; the advisor will help you with this process.