Bachelor of General Studies
The Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) degree is an interdisciplinary degree program consisting of the Texas Core Curriculum, required courses in the major, and two student-selected subject areas called concentrations. Each concentration requires 12 upper division semester credit hours from courses sharing the same course prefix. Subject areas, one of which must be housed in the College of Arts, Sciences and Education (CASE), include the following:
- Biology
- Biotechnology
- Chemistry
- English
- Criminal Justice
- History
- Instructional Technology
- Leadership
- Mass Communication
- Psychology
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Business (no more than one subject from a business discipline may be used to comprise a concentration and it must be a pure prefix from one of the following business subjects: Accounting, Finance, General Business, Management, Management Information Systems, Marketing or Supply Chain Management.)
An Interdisciplinary Studies (I.S) concentration area can be used with the following stipulations. The student:
- is a junior or senior who is a former BSIS EC-6 major or has a plethora of hours with the urgent need to graduate.
- is approaching the maximum number of hours recommended for an undergraduate degree.
- is not a freshman or sophomore.
- has attained approval by a BGS advisor.
The BGS Program may not be used for undergraduate Teacher Certification Students.
BGS students can intern and work in a variety of career sectors including non-profit organizations and for profit organizations.
Bachelor of General Studies (BGS)
Students should refer to their DegreeWorks degree audit in their Web for Students account for more information regarding their degree requirements.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | ||
| General Education Requirements | 42 | |
| AAS 1100 | University Foundations for Adult Learners 1 | 1 |
| or IS 1100 | University Foundations | |
| MCOM 380 | Advanced Professional Communication | 3 |
| ENG 340 | Advanced Expository Writing (EL) | 3 |
| or ENG 345 | Advanced Composition for Educators | |
| or ENG 350 | Technical Writing (EL) | |
| ITED 350 | Technology and Digital Literacy | 3 |
| or ITED 315 | Introduction to Instructional Technology | |
| LEAD 310 | Leadership Theory and Practice | 3 |
| AAS 490 | Deductive Learning: Self-development in Professional Contexts 2 | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Organizational Behavior | ||
| Psychology of Interpersonal Interaction | ||
| Introduction to Leadership: Concepts and Practices | ||
| Subject Area #1 | ||
| Upper Division from Same Discipline Prefix Number | 12 | |
| Subject Area #2 | ||
| Upper Division from Same Discipline Prefix Number | 12 | |
| 3 semester credit hours upper division from any discipline (300 & 400 level course) | 3 | |
| Electives (as neeed to meet minimum degree requirements including 45 semester credits of upper division) | ||
| Total Minimum Hours | 120 | |
| 1 | Satisfies core curriculum component area option. |
| 2 | Taken during final semester prior to graduation |
Note: A minimum of 45 upper division hours are required for this degree. Resident credit totaling 25% of the hours is required for the degree.
Undergraduate Courses in General Studies
AAS 490. Deductive Learning: Self-development in Professional Contexts. 3 Hours.
As the summative course of the BAAS program, this course leads students through the deductive learning process of applying theoretical knowledge to experiential settings. The course requires students to develop and present a research project based on an area of professional development within their field of practice. Students will conduct a truncated literature review over the selected topic within the context of a specified setting, collect and analyze data utilizing quantitative methods, and complete a digital and written report of research and findings. Prerequisite: AAS 390 and ENG 340 or ENG 350 with a grade of C or better, and senior status.
ENG 340. Advanced Expository Writing (EL). 3 Hours.
This course advances individual writing ability by focusing upon analytical and rhetorical strategies through various exercises and the production of compositions. This course integrates the principles of Experiential Learning and meets criteria for undergraduate research. Prerequisite: ENGL 1301 and ENGL 1302 with a grade of C or better.
ITED 350. Technology and Digital Literacy. 3 Hours.
This course is designed to assist students with developing skills for using web applications and mobile computing. The activities in the course assist students with promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills by engaging them with digital tools being used in daily life. Topics covered include: technology in society, computers and digital components, the internet- how it works and making the most of web resources , applications for work and play, and systems software- operating systems, utilities and file management, information technology ethics, understanding and assessing hardware, digital devices and media and protection, information technology careers, software programming, databases and information systems, networking and security. There is an emphasis on using the Microsoft Office Suite of Products in this course including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.
LEAD 305. Introduction to Leadership: Concepts and Practices. 3 Hours.
This course is designed to provide a basic introduction to leadership by focusing on what it means to be a good leader. Emphasis in the course is on the practice of leadership. The course will examine topics such as: the nature of leadership, recognizing leadership traits, developing leadership skills, creating a vision, setting the tone, listening to out-group members, overcoming obstacles, and addressing values in leadership. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing.
LEAD 310. Leadership Theory and Practice. 3 Hours.
This course introduces leadership theory and practice. Students will develop an understanding of the behaviors and characteristics of leaders through the examination of current leadership models.
MCOM 380. Advanced Professional Communication. 3 Hours.
As students progress in their professional careers, advanced public speaking and presentations may be key to their success. This course will help students prepare and deliver presentations typical of governmental, business, educational and civil settings with focus on interview skills and intercultural communication.
MGT 321. Organizational Behavior. 3 Hours.
This class examines the study of human behavior in complex organizations with emphasis on individual, small group, and inter-group behavior and how it affects and is affected by the organization in pursuit of organizational goals.
PSY 320. Psychology of Interpersonal Interaction. 3 Hours.
The course examines the processes of social interaction, using the perspective of psychological theory and research. Topics include the growth of relationships, love, social exchange, impression management, communication, jealousy, loneliness, and games people play. Techniques for improving interactions are considered. Prerequisite: Junior standing. (NOTE: This course replaces IS 320.).
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