Bachelor of General Studies Advising
Overview
The Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) is a flexible, interdisciplinary degree designed for students who seek a broad education while exploring multiple fields of interest. Because the program does not confine students to a single major, advising plays a critical role in helping them create a coherent and meaningful academic plan.
Why Advising Matters
Advisors assist students in:
- Identifying personal and professional goals.
- Selecting courses that satisfy both university requirements and individual interests.
- Balancing general education, elective, and specialization requirements.
- Exploring career pathways, graduateschool options, or certifications.
- Addressing academic challenges early, such as scheduling conflicts or prerequisite gaps.
Effective advising ensures that a BGS degree remains purposeful rather than a collection of unrelated classes.
Key Components of the BGS Program
Core Curriculum
All BGS students must complete the universitys core curriculum, which typically includes courses in:
- Writing and communication
- Quantitative reasoning
- Natural sciences
- Humanities and social sciences
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion
Interdisciplinary Concentrations
Students may choose one or more concentrations to give their degree focus. Examples include:
- Business and Entrepreneurship
- Health and Human Services
- Environmental Studies
- Digital Media and Communications
- Public Policy and Governance
Each concentration has a small set of required courses and recommended electives.
Electives and Free Choice
Because the BGS is designed for breadth, students have considerable freedom to select electives from any department, provided they meet credit and prerequisite requirements.
Advising Process
1. Initial Meeting
During your first appointment, the advisor will gather information about your background, interests, and longterm objectives. Bring any transcripts, a list of potential career ideas, and questions about the program.
2. Academic Planning
Using a degree audit tool, the advisor and student map out a semesterbysemester plan. This includes:
- Core curriculum sequencing
- Selection of a concentration (if desired)
- Placement of electives to support career or graduateschool goals
- Consideration of internships, study abroad, or research opportunities
3. Ongoing CheckIns
Advisors meet with students at least twice per year, or whenever a major shift in the plan occurs. They help with:
- Course registration and waitlist strategies
- Monitoring GPA and academic standing
- Connecting to tutoring or support services
- Updating the degree audit as courses are completed
4. Career Integration
Advisors collaborate with the Career Services Center to align coursework with internships, networking events, and resume building.
Resources for BGS Students
- Degree Audit System: An online tool that shows completed requirements and remaining credits.
- Course Catalog: Detailed descriptions, prerequisites, and crosslisting information.
- Advising Center: Walkin hours, appointment scheduling, and virtual advising options.
- Academic Success Workshops: Sessions on study skills, time management, and academic writing.
- Career Services: Resume reviews, interview preparation, and employer networking events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my concentration after I start?
Yes. Because the BGS is flexible, you may switch concentrations or add a second one. Your advisor will review any implications for credit fulfillment and graduation timing.
How many total credits are required?
Typically, a BGS requires between 120130 credits, depending on the universitys core curriculum and chosen concentrations.
Is it possible to graduate in three years?
Accelerated graduation is feasible if you take a full course load each semester, enroll in summer sessions, and have transfer credits or Advanced Placement scores that apply toward core requirements.
Do I need a senior project or capstone?
Most programs do not require a formal capstone, but many students choose to complete an internship, a research project, or a portfolio that demonstrates interdisciplinary learning.
What if I am undecided about a career?
Advisors can guide you through exploratory electives, informational interviews, and career assessments to help clarify interests.
Contact Your Advisor
To make an appointment, visit the Undergraduate Advising Portal or call the advising office at (555) 1234567. Email inquiries can be sent to bgs.advising@university.edu. Office hours are MondayThursday, 9am4pm, with virtual slots available upon request.
