Bachelor of General Studies
BGS Program Overview
Are you considering returning to school to complete a degree you started years ago? USF's Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) degree program can help you complete your bachelor's degree. This degree is a customized, interdisciplinary degree that allows you to choose an academic program that fits your educational and professional goals. The BGS degree program empowers you to complete your bachelor's degree while maintaining your busy lifestyle.
As a BGS student, you will take an active role in creating your academic program. Rather than choosing a traditional major, you can choose from a variety of concentrations, including several online options. Concentrations are between 24 - 27 credits, including your core courses, electives and a capstone.
Admission Requirements
In order to be admitted into the Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) degree program, applicants must:
- Have completed 60 or more credits at a regionally-accredited college or university
- Have a break in education of three years or more
- Complete a screening process conducted by a BGS advisor
- Be in good standing with most recent former educational institution
- Demonstrate ability and desire to complete the degree (personal statement)
- Be a nontraditional student with extensive work experience
- Meet USF general admissions standards for transfer students; a minimum transferrable GPA of 2.30 is required (except for applicants with an A.A. degree from a Florida College System institution and a minimum transferrable GPA of 2.00).
- Be pursuing first bachelor degree (the BGS degree program is not an option for students seeking a second bachelor's degree).
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
REQUIREMENT |
CREDIT HOURS |
|
General Education |
36 hours |
|
Area of Concentration |
24-27 hours |
|
Electives |
51-54 hours (may include a 2nd concentration) |
|
Capstone Experience (IDS 4934) |
3 hours |
|
Writing Intensive Exit Course |
3 hours |
|
Total Hours for BGS Degree |
120 hours |
In addition, students must meet the following requirements:
- Students must complete all USF general education requirements or approved equivalents, unless an A.A. degree was completed at another FL public institution
- Students must meet USF Tampa residency requirements (at least 30 hours of the last 60 hours earned at USF)
- Students must select one or two concentrations and have these selections approved by a BGS advisor
- Students must meet the foreign language entrance requirement
- Students must complete a minimum of 42 credit hours of upper-level work (courses numbered 3000 and above)
- Students must complete all USF exit requirements
Other Information
The following BGS Areas of Concentration are offered fully or partially online:
• Computer Systems Technology (partially online)
• Criminal Justice (fully online)
• Educational Foundations (partially online)
• Environmental Policy (partially online)
• Information Studies: Information Architecture (fully online)
• Public Administration (fully online)
• Public Health (fully online)
• Urban Studies (partially online)
Consult a BGS advisor for availability of online course offerings.
Note: If you are a former USF student, please note that former USF students returning must meet with a BGS advisor prior to applying for the program.
The BGS degree program is not intended for currently enrolled USF students making satisfactory progress towards degree completion, or students who have already earned a bachelor's degree.
Students may not pursue the Bachelor of General Studies as a second major, dual degree, or second baccalaureate degree. Bachelor's degree holders who wish to continue their education are encouraged to pursue admission to a graduate degree program.