General Studies, B.G.S. – Online

About the Bachelor of General Studies

The Bachelor of General Studies with a major in General Studies is a multidisciplinary degree in the College of Arts & Sciences for students with postsecondary education experience who are looking for a pathway to completion of their first bachelor’s degree. Students in the program are typically seeking degree completion as a means of moving from a paraprofessional career to a professional career and/or as a means of finishing an already expansive or extended postsecondary educational experience. The major coursework will be defined by a 54-hour concentration area, each of which must contain a minimum of 30 hours of Arts & Sciences coursework and 24 hours of upper-level (3000-4999) coursework. At least 18 of the 54 hours must be taken in residence at TTU. Students interested in this major must meet with a General Studies advisor to determine admission to the program.

Students will choose one concentration area from the list below. Concentrations for the B.G.S. in General Studies are defined by applicable subjects listed therein. This provides some level of focus for each student while still allowing for flexibility in course application. Additional courses and disciplines may be approved for each concentration through an academic advisor.

Life Sciences. Students pursuing a concentration in life sciences may choose coursework from the following disciplines: biology, biochemistry, botany, environmental toxicology, health, kinesiology, microbiology, and zoology.

Applied STEM. Students who are interested in any area of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics may declare a concentration in applied STEM. This concentration may include coursework from the following disciplines: accounting, anthropology (selected courses), astronomy, atmospheric science, biology, botany, chemistry, computer science, economics, engineering (all), environmental toxicology, finance, forensic science, general business, geochemistry, geographic information science and technology, geography, geology, geophysics, health, kinesiology, mathematics, microbiology, physics, renewable energy, technical communication, wind energy, zoology, and any other course that satisfies core mathematics or life and physical sciences in the state of Texas.

Social Sciences. Students pursuing a concentration in social sciences may choose coursework from the following disciplines: anthropology, criminology, economics, geography, global studies, political science, psychology, sociology, sport management, social work, and any other course that satisfies core social and behavioral sciences in the state of Texas.

Liberal Arts and Humanities. Students pursuing a concentration in liberal arts and humanities may choose coursework from the following disciplines: classical and modern languages and literatures, English, Mexican American and Latino/a studies, philosophy, and any other course that satisfies core language, philosophy, and culture in the state of Texas.

Arts and Sciences. Students pursuing a concentration in arts and sciences may choose any coursework, with the exception of personal fitness and wellness courses, housed in the College of Arts & Sciences.

Applicability of coursework and exceptions to these course lists will be determined in consultation with a General Studies Academic Advisor.

The Bachelor of General Studies with a major in General Studies may not be used as a dual degree, double major, or second bachelor’s degree option.