Bachelor of General Studies: Degree Overview

A bachelor of general studies degree program allows for personalized academic study. In these programs, students participate in coursework from a broad range of disciplines. Furthermore, those who have acquired coursework from multiple majors may use the general studies degree option to finish out the bachelor's degree program. Read on for an overview.

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Bachelor of General Studies Coursework

Students who pursue a Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) are often looking for educational programs that provide a multidisciplinary platform suitable for multiple career paths. Degree programs often incorporate an even amount of coursework from each of the major academic fields, including arts and humanities, arts and sciences, social sciences, behavioral sciences and mathematics. Most general studies degree programs have strict restrictions on the amount of coursework students can complete in each academic field and last about four years.

Enrollees are often encouraged to speak with general studies academic counselors prior to choosing degree coursework. Counselors can help them choose specific courses for potential career paths. They can also recommend potential electives that may help students explore complementary interests.

Specialties

Although universities allow students to choose general studies coursework with an interdisciplinary approach, some universities offer slightly more structured curriculum options, sometimes known as concentrations or themes. Many of these structured curriculum options are geared toward multidisciplinary career fields. Options can include, but are not limited to, society and justice, health and social reform, multiculturalism, management or international studies.

Advantages

Completion of a Bachelor of General Studies program provides graduates with a broad range of academic skills, which can translate into the ability to understand the duties of multiple entry-level career positions. General studies students also learn about different communication styles used for professionals in nearly all fields, including the humanities, sciences and business. By gaining additional academic training and a formal bachelor's degree, even in the broad field of general studies, workers can more easily transition between careers. Some may even choose to complete the BGS program as a faster way to get into graduate school and obtain professional degrees needed for job advancement.

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