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General Studies Program

The Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) is a four-year baccalaureate degree program administered by the University College. The program is designed to meet the needs of the non-traditional student. However, traditional students may be considered for admission based upon unique circumstances.

This flexible program is especially attractive to students who feel that the current curriculums do not meet their educational needs. It provides maximum freedom for students who wish to design their own educational programs. Students who graduate with the BGS will have the basic preparation needed to pursue careers in many fields. For students who already have careers, degrees, or jobs, the BGS can help provide additional learning experiences and/or enhance their chances for job promotion and advancement.

To be eligible for admission, a student must meet the following criteria:
  • The applicant should not have enrolled full-time or part-time in any previous baccalaureate degree program during the year prior to applying for admission to the BGS program.
  • The applicant should have a history of full-time employment during one or more of the past five years.
  • The applicant must have completed at least 30 semester hours with a minimum GPA of 2.00 on a 4.00 scale at the time of application.
  • Applicants must participate in a personal interview with the BGS admissions committee.
  • All applicants must write, at the interview, a one-page essay detailing why they would like to be admitted to the program, their educational and career goals, their area of concentration, and how the program will lead to the accomplishment of their professional goals and objectives.
The baccalaureate degree in General Studies requires a total of 120 semester hours of successfully completed credits as follows:
General Education and Institutional (45 credit hours)
Area of Concentration (30 credit hours)
Track I (Junior/Senior level courses from area of Concentration) (18 credit hours)
Track II (Junior/Senior level courses from any area of Concentration) (12 credit hours)
Free Electives (11 credit hours)
Computer Applications (3 credit hours)
General Studies Seminar (1 credit hour)
Total:    120 Hours
Other program requirements include the following:
  • At least 30 semester credit hours must be taken during program enrollment.
  • A grade of "C" is required in all courses in the area of concentration and the two tracks.
  • University requirements regarding residence, pre-requisites, required exams, e.g., comprehensive exams, English Proficiency exams, etc. and English, mathematics and reading apply to this degree.

Location: Corbin Hall, Room 100
Mailing Address:
University College
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
1200 N. University Drive, Mail Slot 4946
Pine Bluff, AR  71601
(870) 575-8335