Bachelor in General Studies (BGS)

The Bachelor in General Studies degree is an alternative to the traditional department-centered baccalaureate program. A student follows the core requirements of the Bachelor of Science degree and then takes 44 hours within one of the five interdepartmental clusters -- Humanities, Social Sciences, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, or Visual Arts -- in place of a single departmental concentration.

The degree is designed principally to meet the needs of transfer students and adult learners returning to the college after an absence of several years. The degree allows the student with an eclectic set of transfer credits to earn a bachelor’s degree. The BGS is not appropriate for most students planning to go on to graduate or professional study. A student seeking a BGS should consult with the Admissions Office, a department chairperson in the proposed Interdepartmental Cluster, and the director of undergraduate advising prior to enrolling in this degree program.

Composition of the Interdepartmental Clusters:

• Communication and Journalism (courses as designated by the department)
• Theatre Arts
• English
• History
• World Languages and Cultural Studies
• Philosophy
• Women’s and Gender Studies (courses with a humanities focus)

Social Sciences:

• Communication and Journalism (courses as designated by the department)
• Economics
• Education and Human Services
• Government
• History (Note: Can be used by transitional students only)
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Women’s and Gender Studies (courses with a social science focus)

Life Sciences:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Medical Biophysics
• Radiation Biology

Physical Sciences:

• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Environmental Studies
• Mathematics
• Physics

Visual Arts:

• Art
• Graphic Design
• Art History
• Illustration
• Interior Design
• Foundation