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FAQ: Earning Your Bachelor of General Studies Online
There's a lot to consider as you select your undergraduate major. A Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) degree is a great option if you're not sure which academic area or career is right for you. It’s also good for transfer students and those who are switching majors, since you may be able to apply a higher number of credits to the degree for courses you've already taken.
The BGS gives students a solid educational foundation as well as the opportunity to explore a range of subjects and different types of jobs. In most programs, you can choose specialized courses from multiple concentrations or emphasis areas to design a degree that meets your needs.
Earning your Bachelor of General Studies online is an excellent choice if you have a busy life, work full time or just prefer learning on your schedule. Online BGS programs are often the most flexible and affordable way to complete the degree as well.
What Is a Bachelor of General Studies?
A Bachelor of General Studies is an undergraduate degree focused on helping students gain workforce-relevant knowledge across multiple academic disciplines. Coursework emphasizes critical thinking, problem solving and other high-demand skills that employers value. Because of its versatility, a general studies degree can prepare you to work in a variety of industries and career fields.
Arkansas State University's online Bachelor of General Studies program features emphasis areas in subjects ranging from political science, health and education to communications, psychology and sociology. You can even customize your degree plan with specialized coursework in industrial management or criminology. It’s easy to personalize your learning experience by choosing courses that fit your goals and interests.
Why Should I Enroll in an Online Bachelor of General Studies Program?
Because general studies programs are multidisciplinary, they offer a more diverse range of courses and learning opportunities than a single academic major can. A BGS program is also a great choice if you want to complete a bachelor's degree that you started in a different major, or at another university.
Since the BGS is designed to make the most of your existing course credits, you can meet your graduation goals as quickly (and cost-effectively) as possible. The online format is also more flexible than traditional on-campus programs, so you can fit study time around your busy schedule.
A-State's online BGS program accepts up to 90 transfer credits toward the 120 required to earn the degree. Accelerated courses and convenient, year-round study options make it easier to complete your undergraduate education on your timeline.
What Courses Will I Take for a Bachelor of General Studies Online?
Like most bachelor's degrees, a BGS includes general education requirements in mathematics, English, science, arts and humanities. If you've already completed your gen ed courses, you can move on to other program requirements.
In A-State's online BGS program, you'll take general education courses as well as electives from multiple emphasis areas. You can explore several career paths or focus on building specific skills. If you're thinking about a master's degree, A-State online BGS coursework can also prepare you to pursue that goal.
Visit the program page to learn more about general education requirements and view emphasis-area course descriptions.
What Is the Career Outlook for Graduates With a Bachelor of General Studies Degree?
Whether you're just starting out, changing careers or seeking a promotion or pay raise, earning a bachelor's degree can help you advance faster.
A Bachelor of General Studies may give you an advantage in the job market, due to the diverse knowledge and experience you gain while completing the degree. The communication, collaboration and leadership skills you can develop in BGS classes will also help you succeed in any industry after graduation.
What Jobs Can I Get With a BGS Degree?
The careers available to BGS graduates are too many to list, and that's one of the benefits of a general studies education. Having the flexibility to plan your degree around your goals can help you access a wide array of opportunities.
A-State's online BGS program emphasizes hands-on learning through coursework and projects designed to build essential skills and career-field expertise. The following table illustrates how BGS emphasis areas available online at A-State help prepare students for a variety of different job options.
| Emphasis Area | Sample Career Paths |
|---|---|
| Communications | Business, media, public relations, sales, marketing, writing, editing, consulting |
| Criminology | Law enforcement, criminal justice, corrections, security, private investigation |
| Education | Curriculum coordination, educational technology, advising, paraprofessional teaching, school-based programs |
| Health | Nutrition, wellness, public health education, consumer health advocacy, social services |
| Industrial Management | Manufacturing, logistics, inventory, finance, human resources, safety regulation, quality assurance |
| Physical Education | Recreation, sports, wellness, fitness training, athletic training, coaching |
| Political Science | Government service, nonprofit service, politics, research, fundraising, public administration, philanthropy |
| Political Science | Government service, nonprofit service, politics, research, fundraising, public administration, philanthropy |
| Preschool Education/Childhood Services | Early childhood education, child advocacy, preschool or daycare management, child and family services |
| Psychology | Mental health, wellness, research, training, community outreach, personal coaching, consulting |
| Sociology | Social work, research, social advocacy, education, public service, public relations |
How Much Does an Online BGS Cost?
The cost of an online Bachelor of General Studies degree depends on the college or university you choose. Factors such as your residency (in-state or out-of-state), the cost-per-credit and the number of credit hours required will all influence what you'll pay. If you've already completed some undergrad coursework or have transfer credits to apply, the savings could be significant.
Your total cost will usually be lower at public universities than at private ones, but research is the key to finding the right program for you. A high-quality online BGS program with affordable tuition, low student fees and no residency requirement is the best option for many students.
Students in A-State's online Bachelor of General Studies program pay $276 per credit hour and $828 per class, including fees. This rate applies to both in-state and out-of-state students. You can also transfer in up to 90 credits, subject to university approval. Visit the online BGS program page to estimate your degree cost based on your previous coursework.
Can Online Students Apply for Financial Aid?
Yes. Online students have access to financial aid just as on-campus students do, as long as the college or university where you study is accredited. To apply, simply fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Your eligibility for grants, loans and scholarships will be determined by your school's financial aid office based on program costs, your income and other factors.
Why Is Accreditation Important?
Accreditation is important for a number of reasons that can impact you as a student. For example, if your college or university isn’t accredited, you won't be able to:
- Use federal financial aid, state financial aid or military education benefits to pay for your degree
- Transfer course credits you've earned to an accredited college or university
- Apply for jobs that require an accredited bachelor's degree
- Qualify for most employer tuition assistance or reimbursement programs
- Qualify for federal student loan consolidation, repayment or forgiveness programs
Accreditation is also a process designed to protect students. Reviewers examine everything from degree programs and professor qualifications to financials, graduation rates and more.
A-State is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Among other criteria, HLC accreditation is awarded to institutions providing high-quality education and support services to students.
Can I Use My Military Education Benefits for an Online Degree?
Yes, as long as your university is accredited and participates in GI Bill programs or other forms of military education funding. You can also transfer your education benefits o your spouse or dependents for an online degree. Visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to learn more.
Veterans services at A-State include assistance with VA education benefit application and certification. You can also get information about using your Joint Services Transcript to apply for transfer credit toward an online BGS degree.
Can I Enroll If I'm On Active Duty?
Yes. Online programs are great for active-duty military personnel because courses are accessible from anywhere in the world and available 24/7. That means you can maintain your progress toward a degree even if you have frequent moves or deployments.
At A-State, you can also pause your studies without penalty during deployments or due to other life circumstances. With six course start dates per year and dedicated resources for service members, A-State offers strong support for military families.
What's Required for Admission to an Online BGS Program?
Application requirements will vary between online BGS programs, and based on your status (freshman, current student or transfer student). However, most programs set a minimum GPA for admission and request official copies of your high school and college transcripts. Many bachelor's programs, online or on campus, will also request standardized test scores.
A-State's streamlined application process for the online BGS program makes it easy to get started earning your degree. Visit the program page for additional information on current admission requirements.
Will I Study With the Same Faculty Online as on Campus?
At many universities, BGS faculty members teach both online and on campus. Online courses also have the same basic curriculum and content as on-campus classes, along with similar learning objectives for students.
Many instructors teaching exclusively online also have specialized training in instructional design and technology or other aspects of working with remote learners, in addition to meeting the standard qualifications for teaching courses in their academic discipline.
Can I Earn My BGS Degree Online While Working Full-time?
Absolutely. Online BGS programs are designed to give working students the flexibility and support they need to complete a bachelor's degree. Accelerated courses and weekly learning modules can help you fit study time into your busy schedule. Whether you prefer reading during a coffee break, watching a video while dinner is cooking, working on assignments once the kids are in bed or simply focusing on school during the weekends, you can do it. However study time works best for you also works for learning online.
How Do Online Courses Work?
Most universities offer online courses through a learning management system (LMS), where students login to access their classes. Each course contains a syllabus with assignments and deadlines, professor lectures on video, reading materials, a discussion board and a place to check your grades. You can upload assignments and download course documents as well.
You'll also interact with your professors and classmates, just as you would in an on-campus course. The difference is that learning 100% online allows you the freedom to work at your pace, and tailor the experience to your needs as a student.
How Do I Talk to My Professors?
You can reach your online professors via email or schedule one-to-one meetings and video chats. Many are available by phone and text as well. Just check the course syllabus for each class to learn more about ways to stay in touch with your professor. They may also have online office hours at set times or hold live lectures and class discussions that are recorded for students who can't attend.
Regardless of your preferred communication method, online instructors at A-State respond to students within 24-48 hours.
How Do I Interact With My Classmates?
Class discussion boards and group projects provide a convenient opportunity to connect with your classmates and work together. Some students form study groups online as well or use social media to stay in touch. Online meeting and co-working platforms make it easy to communicate with other students too, whether you need to do an assignment together or just want to hang out.
Online students at A-State are even encouraged to attend graduation, and many do. You'll have the chance to meet your classmates in person and celebrate your journey to the degree together.
What Kind of Technology Will I Need for an Online BGS Degree?
To work in your online courses, you'll need a computer or tablet with a reliable internet connection and programs you can use to create papers and projects for your assignments. You'll also need a camera and microphone for meetings with professors and peers.
Make sure you can stream video and audio materials without a problem as well. You may even be able to check grades, post to discussion boards or do other tasks on your smartphone.
If you run into any technical issues while studying online at A-State, ITS Helpdesk assistance is available 24/7.
Can I Get Library Access, Tutoring or Career Services Online?
Yes. Most universities make each of these support services available to online students. Just check to ensure that service you need is available from your school before you enroll in an online BGS program.
A-State's Dean B. Ellis library offers a number of resources for undergraduates studying online, from video tutorials and interlibrary loan services to research assistance. The university provides online writing center and online tutoring support as well, in addition to career services for current and graduating students.