The Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) is designed to give students the opportunity to develop a personalized program of study to meet their professional, academic, and personal aspirations. Through a multidisciplinary curriculum, the program attempts to provide a unique and flexible learning pathway for that segment of student population with specific educational and career interests that would not otherwise be met by a traditional degree track or major.

By tailoring their major, students develop a plan of study that provides curricular opportunities to explore multiple disciplines and increase skills in critical analysis, problem solving, and professional competencies. The Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) program equips students with the aptitude needed to be successful in an array of professional settings and provides an essential academic undergraduate foundation for those seeking to pursue a graduate- level degree or career advancement.

In consultation with their academic advisors, students determine the composition of their own plan of study. Students must select a minimum of 30 hours of course work in two areas of emphasis. A minimum of 18 hours of upper-level course work is required in each of the two areas of emphasis. Emphases may include areas as approved by the department or most areas in which A-State offers a major or minor. Students pursuing this degree are responsible for having on record a complete planned program of study approved by his or her academic advisor. Students are also responsible for complying with the general academic regulations of the university as well as all other university policies and requirements. A 2.0 cumulative grade point average is required within the emphasis areas and core courses, as well as a 2.0 average for all course work at A-State and a 2.0 average on all coursework presented for graduation. With the exception of laboratory courses, no more than three one-credit courses can be applied to an emphasis area (i.e., physical education activity, music ensembles, etc.). The number of semester hours earned in the Neil Griffin College of Business is limited to thirty (30) or fewer. The program does not duplicate the offerings of the other colleges of the university, but may include curriculum offerings of any college.

Students seeking a minor must use classes independently of those used in an area of emphasis. Students seeking a double major concurrently with their General Studies degree or students who have completed a degree and are returning to complete a degree in General Studies may only apply their general education courses toward an additional second program of study.

A complete 8-semester degree plan is available at https://www.astate.edu/info/academics/degrees/