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

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.

How to Apply for the Online BS in General Studies

1. Start your application for undergraduate admission
2. Submit $30 non-refundable application fee
3. Complete any checklist items listed on your Application Portal* 
4. Request official transcripts from all previously attended institutions. Transcripts are only accepted directly from the institution(s) by email: adetran@louisville.edu (recommended) or mail: University of Louisville, Office of Admissions, Dept AO, Louisville, KY 40292
5. Create a financial plan

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Online Bachelor of BS in General Studies Admissions Requirements and Materials

New Students and Transfer Students with less than 24 transferable credits from accredited institutions must have:

• Not eligible for the General Studies program; applicants must have earned at least 40 accredited college credits hours

Transfer Students with 24 or more transferable credits from accredited institutions must have:

• Minimum college GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale (applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA may inquire about conditional acceptance)

*Your Application Portal:
Once you have started an undergraduate application, you can check the status and review any additional checklist to-do items. Log in to your application using the email address you used to apply for admission and your password. Your checklist items may include additional materials or documentation that facilitate a smooth admissions process. You will also have access to important contact information and next steps after an admissions decision is made.

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

* 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