Choosing the Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) program at Ohio University means embracing a unique blend of flexibility, relevance and support. With BGS, you have the freedom to customize your degree by selecting from a variety of minors and certificates, allowing you to shape your education based on your interests and career goals. This approach gives you the practical skills employers want, making you a competitive candidate in the job market.
Bachelor of General Studies
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Bachelor of General Studies
The Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) program at Ohio University is designed for students interested in a multidisciplinary education. The program challenges students to think critically and process information from a variety of academic areas, preparing them for an array of career opportunities or graduate study.
- Convenient online or hybrid classes
- Streamlined pathway to graduation with 120 credit hours
- Prepares graduates for a variety of career paths
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Why BGS?
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Multidisciplinary Learning for Real-World Impact
The BGS program at Ohio University lets you bring together your academic interests to give you a high-level understanding of complex issues. This approach not only broadens your perspective but also improves your critical thinking, problem solving and communication skills — essential tools for navigating today’s interconnected world.
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Career Opportunities for BGS Graduates
OHIO’s BGS program prepares you for roles across industries such as business, health care, government and education. Your practical skills will empower you to pursue rewarding opportunities and make meaningful contributions in your chosen field.
Choosing Your Path: BGS vs BSS
University College offers two similar but very different undergraduate programs so it's important to understand the distinctions between them. The Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) and the Bachelor of Specialized Studies (BSS) programs each offer unique benefits tailored to different student needs and preferences. Here's a breakdown to help you determine which program aligns best with your goals:
| Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) | Bachelor of Specialized Studies (BSS) | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of individualized degree | Institutionally-designed major via selection of pre-existing programs | Student-designed major via a proposal |
| Core courses | 2 general studies courses and 2 minors and/or certificates | 30 hour major credit residency, 39 credit hours of 3000 level courses, and proposal inclusive of 15 courses |
| Who is this degree best for? | Best for students seeking a flexible degree plan that allows them to choose between online, Athens, and regional campuses, while providing comprehensive learning across various disciplines and topics. | Best for students interested in designing their degree program with guidance from faculty mentors. |
| More Information | Full BGS Details | Full BSS Details |
Curriculum
To earn a Bachelor of General Studies, students must complete a total of 120 semester hours, which includes meeting the OHIO BRICKS General Education requirements. As part of their degree, students will choose two minors or certificates from existing degree programs. Entry to these minors or certificates are subject to the college's requirements.
Additionally, students must complete the following courses for a total of 6 credit hours:
- UC 2610 - General Studies Seminar
- UC 4610 - General Studies Capstone
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Tuition & Fees
U.S. News & World Report ranked Ohio University the #1 Best Value Public University in Ohio and 30th in the nation. We're continuously striving to make college more affordable and accessible, while maintaining the high quality and value of an OHIO education.
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Financial Aid & Scholarships
Our Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships provides services to students and parents both in-person and remotely. You can visit our office on the ground floor of Chubb Hall or reach us at financial.aid@ohio.edu or 740.593.4141.