General Studies

The Bachelor of General Studies (B.G.S.) at the University of Idaho is designed to provide a broad-based, individualized education. As a B.G.S. major, you’ll have the latitude to customize a study program that explores a wide range of subjects across disciplines.

The B.G.S. gives you maximum flexibility to take courses that interest you. You’ll have the opportunity to benefit from the diverse strengths of several university departments in both the humanities and sciences. And if you plan your program wisely, you’ll graduate with the well-rounded understanding, cross-functional knowledge and critical thinking skills that will open doors to a variety of professional career opportunities, especially in business and social services. The degree is also excellent preparation for law school or graduate school.

Generally, the B.G.S. degree program serves two types of students:

1. Intellectually demanding students who want a rich, broad-based education that expands beyond traditional academic boundaries. These are curious, high-achieving students who see their university experience as an opportunity to learn about a wide range of interesting subjects and perspectives. These students graduate with a broad understanding of the world and a breadth of interdisciplinary knowledge that will prepare them for a variety of professional careers.
2. New students who want to examine a number of possible academic options before selecting a major in a traditional discipline. These students might also include those who are unsure about what they want to do when they graduate. The general studies degree allows them to learn about a wide range of fields and potential career paths.

Prepare for Success

If you have a natural curiosity and you want the flexibility to learn about a variety of subjects, the Bachelor of General Studies (B.G.S.) is the ideal degree for you. The program is also a great option for entering students who aren’t sure which major to choose and who want to gain exposure to a variety of disciplines.

The key to success in the general studies program is to plan your course of study with extreme care and thought. You must be self-motivated with the ability to work independently and to self-initiate.

Your First Year

During your first year of the program, you will enroll in general university core requirements. Students are advised not to make a firm decision with respect to the B.G.S degree before the end of the freshman year.

As a general studies student, you will be encouraged to take courses across disciplines. You will receive close personal guidance from an advisor to develop an individualized coherent course of study that meets both your educational and career goals.

Students in the general studies program may transfer to any degree program at any time if they satisfy the grade-point average and course requirements of those programs

What You Can Do

A degree in general studies opens doors to many rewarding and exciting career opportunities. The diverse skill set and well-rounded intellectual capital that you develop through the program are highly valued by employers in social services, law, human resources, business and other fields. Specific opportunities are highly dependent on the courses you take and on the various fields you study as part of your individualized program.

You may also choose to continue your education by pursuing a graduate degree in the social sciences or humanities or by entering law school.

Opportunities

We strongly encourage general studies majors to seek the guidance of the University of Idaho Career Center and the Counseling and Testing Center. You’ll receive one-on-one guidance from experienced advisers to identify career paths that match your interests. They will also help you develop a plan that will best prepare you for future career opportunities.

Current Research

University of Idaho faculty members in the College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences and in colleges and departments across the university are conducting innovative research programs. The general studies program gives you the flexibility to design a curriculum that will allow you to potentially engage in research alongside these leading experts in their fields.

Hands-On Experience

Hands-on learning is an integral part of your undergraduate experience at the University of Idaho. You will have many opportunities to expand your study and learning beyond the classroom into real-world settings.

Many departments have established service-learning programs, which give students valuable practical experience working with members of the community on actual projects. Faculty advisers will also work with you to help you find quality internship opportunities that will enhance your customized curriculum.