General Studies Major (B.G.S.)

Major code BG1116*

University College
Ohio University
140 Chubb Hall
Athens, OH 45701
Phone: 740.593.1935
university.college@ohio.edu
www.ohio.edu/university-college/

Julie Cohara, contact person
cohara@ohio.edu

Program Overview

The program in General Studies provides a rigorous education and requires students to demonstrate the ability to think critically, gathering, evaluating, and synthesizing information across fields/disciplines. The program curricula consist of an introductory course and capstone course, two minors or certificates, and general education requirements. The capstone focuses on an integrated portfolio of learning experiences. Instruction is offered by faculty across the university community, giving students a wide range of learning perspectives.

*The General Studies major was approved by the Ohio Department of Higher Education on 7/9/2024.

Admissions Information

Freshman/First-Year Admission

No requirements beyond Ohio University admission requirements. However, this program is not eligible for double-majoring and can only be completed as a stand-alone degree program. Additionally, this program is not an appropriate degree program for someone who has previously completed a bachelor’s degree.

Change of Program Policy

External Transfer Admission

Opportunities Upon Graduation

The degree is intended to signify a student’s readiness for 1) a career in the public, private, or nonprofit sectors, or 2) graduate study. Those who want to start a career will find demand for employees in every sector of the economy, including businesses, organizations, and agencies of all kinds. Employers increasingly see a need for critical thinking and understanding in an ever-changing world. Students wanting to advance their education and/or careers may look toward academic programs in General Studies as a mechanism for upward mobility.

Requirements

University-wide Graduation Requirements

Ohio University requires the completion of a minimum of 120 semester hours for the conferral of a bachelor’s degree. This program can be completed within that 120-hour requirement. For more information on the minimum hours requirement and other university-wide requirements, please review the Graduation Requirements – University-wide page.

General Education

Fulfill OHIO BRICKS General Education requirements. Additionally, 36 credit hours must be Ohio Transfer Module (OTM) approved. The OHIO BRICKS requirements provide 27 credit hours and students must choose an additional 9 credit hours of OTM approved coursework. Please visit the Transfer Credit page for more information on OTM.

Core Courses

Complete the following courses for a total of 6 credit hours. In addition, complete a combination of 2 Ohio University approved certificates or minors (minimum 24 credits).

UC 2610 - General Studies Seminar Credit Hours: 3
UC 4610 - General Studies Capstone Credit Hours: 3

Notes

Students must have a minimum 2.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) in the minors or certificates used to fulfill the program requirements; however, if the minor or certificate requires a higher GPA, the student must meet the minimum as set forth by the minor or certificate.
Students must complete at least 30 credit hours at or above the 3000-level.
Courses used to fulfill the minor or certificate program requirement can be used to fulfill the BRICKS General Education requirements.
In the event where overlapping credit between minor or a certificate exists, students must complete 12 unique credit hours that are not shared between the selected minors or certificates. Students would not be able to “double dip” on the 12 credit hours across the selected minors or certificates.
Students must earn a minimum of 50% of coursework taken to fulfill the major concentration, minor, or certificate requirements in residence.