General Studies (BS)
This program was approved for students entering the university in the Summer 2022–Spring 2023 catalog year. For more information about catalog year, go to Catalog Year Information.
Bachelor of Science in General Studies
Unit: College of Arts and Sciences (AS)
Academic Plan Code(s): GENEBS_O
Program Information
This program is completed entirely online.
The purpose of the General Studies Studies Degree Program is to provide adult (24-65) Kentuckians who have some college credits with the opportunity to complete their undergraduate degrees in a timely and fiscally responsible manner.
The program goals are to:
- educate adult learners in various fields in Arts and Sciences such as communication, criminal justice, psychology, sociology, women and gender and sexuality studies, arts and humanities
- educate students in the skills associated with General Studies/Education: communication skills, teamwork, research methods, problem-solving skills, and a commitment to lifelong learning
- facilitate degree completion for adult learners
- prepare students for promotion in the workforce
- educate students on various diversity initiatives and skills to succeed in a diverse workforce
Degree Summary
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Requirements 1 | 31 | |
| College/School Requirements | 12-14 | |
| Program/Major Requirements | 75-77 | |
| Minimum Total Hours | 120 | |
| 1 | Some credit hours from the General Education Requirements may be satisfied by courses defined by the program, in which case additional electives will be required to complete the minimum hours for the degree. See the Degree Requirements tab for specific coursework. |
Specific coursework information can be found on the Degree Requirements tab.
Admission Requirements
Students must be admitted to the University. Admission to the program requires:
- Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above
- At least 40 institutionally-accredited college credits
- A break from college for at least two years (4 semesters, excluding summer terms)
General Education Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Requirements* | 31 | |
* All degrees require the completion of the University-wide General Education Program (link provided above). Some General Education requirements may be met in the requirements for the major or supporting coursework, in which case additional electives may be required to complete the minimum hours for the degree.
College/School Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Arts & Sciences Requirements | ||
| Foreign Language 1 | 6-8 | |
| Electives in Natural and/or Social Sciences OR electives in Humanities (depending on the areas of focus) at 300 level or above | 6 | |
| WR Courses - two approved courses at the 300 level or above 2 | ||
| Minimum Total Hours | 12-14 | |
Program/Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Studies Requirements | ||
| GEN 305 | General Studies Orientation and Prior Learning Assessment (variable credit; 3 credits for students seeking portfolio construction and PLA) | 3 |
| Other CUE-designated course | 3 | |
| Minor or certificate requirements Area 1 (must be in the College of Arts & Sciences) 3 | 9-33 | |
| Minor or certificate requirements Area 2 (can be in any college/school) 3 | 9-33 | |
| Minimum electives | 5-55 | |
| Minimum Total Hours | 75-77 | |
| 1 | Completion of the second semester of a single foreign language; hours will vary depending on the language taken. |
| 2 | May be met by completing other required courses designated WR. |
| 3 | All students are expected to pursue completion of 2 focus areas in the program by completing either 2 minors, 2 certificates, or the combination of a minor and a certificate. Students will choose their focus areas from programs that already exist (e.g., certificate in Geospatial Technologies and minor in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies); one must be in the College of Arts & Sciences but the second can be in any college/school. The specific courses completed will depend on the particular minor or certificate chosen. |
At least 50 of the total minimum hours required must be at the 300 level or above.
