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Online Bachelor of Science in General Studies

The online Bachelor of Science in General Studies is designed for adult students with previous college credit, who are ready to maximize their previous learning experiences—on the job and in the classroom—to complete their bachelor’s degree.

UofL’s online bachelor’s in general studies is a student-focused, degree-completion program that enables students to finish their degree in two focus areas of their choice and on their schedule through 100% online coursework. You will gain additional skills and the education required for advancement in today’s competitive workforce, as well as tuition-free credit toward your degree for occupational learning through the Prior Learning Assessment component.

The Bachelor of Science in General Studies is offered by the College of Arts & Sciences at the University of Louisville. This program is reserved for students pursuing their first undergraduate degree.

Academic Year Tuition

Tuition, Fees & Aid    

Online BS in General Studies Program Highlights

  • Earn your bachelor’s degree by combining two areas of interest through the completion of two minors, two certificates or a minor and an a certificate.
  • Take advantage of a fully online program—designed to fit your life with 24/7 access to classes and coursework completed when it’s right for you.
  • Earn credit for on-the-job learning and save time and money with the optional Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) class.
  • Learn from faculty with distinguished academic credentials, industry experience and a strong commitment to applied research.
  • Transfer in credit hours from prior college courses completed at an accredited institution.

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100% ONLINE COURSES

With UofL Online, you can complete this degree on your own time through fully online coursework.

120 CREDIT HOURS

This program is comprised of 120 credit hours in core and elective courses.

SAVE UP TO $13K IN TUITION

Save up to $13,716 in tuition for workplace learning and training with our Prior Learning Assessment (PLA).

Online learning - Online Bachelor of Science in General Studies

"This program is designed specifically for returning adult learners who have earned college credits but stopped-out of college and do not have a bachelor’s degree. It provides those who have some college credit with the opportunity to complete their undergraduate degrees in a short period of time, improving their career readiness and employability"


Joseph Grant, PhD
Program Director

What Can I Do with a BS in General Studies?

Completing a bachelor’s degree can vastly improve your employment outlook and earning potential. Employment in bachelor’s-level occupations is projected to grow by 10% from 2016 to 2026, faster than the 7% average projected growth for all occupations. Additionally, in 2017, the median annual wage for occupations requiring a bachelor’s degree was $36,730 more than those required to hold a high school diploma or similar (bls.gov).

Depending on your focus areas, organizations hiring bachelor’s in general studies graduates include but not limited to:

  • Advertising agencies
  • Federal, state, and local government agencies
  • Event companies
  • Businesses and trade associations
  • Colleges, universities and schools
  • Not-for-profit and special interest groups
  • Public relations firms
  • Political organizations
  • Real estate management firms
  • Healthcare organizations
 

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Online BS in General Studies Application Deadlines

Application Deadline Term Start Date
August 1 Fall August
December 1 Spring January
April 1 Summer May/June

Note: We admit students on a rolling basis. The preferred deadlines help you complete the application process on time, be notified of acceptance and enroll before the term begins. We review applications as they become complete, and admit students for a specific term up to the day classes start. We recommend you work on and submit your complete application well in advance of the preferred deadline, as obtaining transcripts and other materials may take more time.


Steps to Apply for the Online BS in General Studies

  1. Complete undergraduate application
  2. $30 non-refundable application fee
  3. Submit official college transcripts from all previous institutions

Note: Electronic transcripts are only accepted directly from the institution(s). Please have electronic transcripts sent to adetran@louisville.edu.

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Online BS in General Studies Admission Requirements

  • 2.0 GPA or higher (on a 4.0 scale)
  • Minimum of 40 transferred credits from an accredited institution

International Students

If you live outside of the United States and intend to complete an online academic program from your home country, be sure to view special requirements for international students.

Online BS in General Studies Courses

UofL’s online BS in General Studies is a 120-credit hour program. All students are expected to complete either 2 minors, 2 certificates, or the combination of a minor and a certificate. Courses may be delivered in standard term or 8-week lengths. All students are expected to complete either 2 minors, 2 certificates, or the combination of a minor and a certificate.

Core Courses

Courses Credit Hours
General Education Requirements * 31
Arts & Sciences Requirements 12-14
Foreign Language 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
Program/Major Requirements 75-77
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) 9-33
Minor or certificate requirements Area 2 (can be in any college/school)3 9-33
Minimum electives 5-55
Minimum Required Credit Hours 120

* All degrees require the completion of the University-wide General Education Program. 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.

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. Some of the most likely minors and certificates are listed below.

Students must complete a minimum of 50 hours at the 300+ level in order to qualify for graduation, as a certain percentage of your degree must be at the upper level.


Online BS in General Studies Minors

  • Business Administration
  • Communication
  • Criminal Justice
  • English
  • Healthcare Leadership
  • Humanities
  • Psychology
  • Political Science
  • Sociology
  • Sport Administration
  • Women's Gender and Sexuality Studies

Online BS in General Studies Certificates

  • Accounting
  • Geospatial Technologies, Applied
  • Human Resource Leadership
  • Healthcare Leadership

Note: some focus areas have higher admissions standards than 2.0 GPA


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Online BS in General Studies FAQ


  • What can I do with this degree?
    Depending on your focus areas, organizations hiring bachelor’s in general studies graduates include but are not limited to advertising agencies; federal, state, and local government agencies; businesses and trade associations; colleges, universities, and schools; not-for-profit groups; political organizations; and more! For more information about the career outlook for the BS in General Studies, check out our Outcomes tab. For more information on the focus areas, view our Courses tab.
  • How many credits can I earn from the Prior Learning Assessment?
    The Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is completed as part of the GEN 305 course in the General Studies major. Based on past work experience and training illustrated within the course, you can earn up to 27 credit hours tuition-free toward completion of your bachelor’s degree.
  • What are the focus areas I can choose from?
    The BS in General Studies is a 120-credit hour program that includes including 2 focus areas. As a student, you will choose between 2 minors, 2 certificates, or the combination of a minor and a certificate. Minors offered include but are not limited to Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Healthcare, Humanities, English, Leadership, Political Science and Sociology. Certificates offered include, but are not limited to Accounting, Human Resource Leadership and Healthcare Leadership. You can view all the available minors and certificates on our Courses tab.
  • How does the Prior Learning Assessment work?
    The Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is completed as part of the GEN 305 course in the General Studies major. Through the course, students create a prior learning assessment portfolio and become acclimated to writing requirements and style guidelines within the major. Based on past work experience and training illustrated within the course, students can earn up to 27 credit hours tuition-free toward completion of their bachelor’s degree.
  • Is financial aid available for this program?
    Yes, there is financial aid available for this program. You can learn more by visiting our Financial Aid tab on the tuition page.

Online BS in General Studies Success Team