General Studies Degree
Mailing Address
Cleveland State University
College of Arts and Sciences
2121 Euclid Ave
Cleveland, OH 44115
Campus Location
Berkman Hall, 218
Science and Research, 353
Email
artsandsciences@csuohio.edu
Phone
216-687-5580
The Bachelor of General Studies is a program that provides students with the knowledge, skills, and credentials necessary to advance in a rapidly changing workplace. It is designed to be equally suitable for traditional students seeking a nontraditional degree as well as for returning learners who are in the workforce but lack the bachelor’s degree required to move up in their careers.
The major is flexible to meet student needs and aspirations, to provide an efficient pathway to graduation, and to allow for focused studies in four concentration areas - including an individualized option. The curriculum uses guided course selection along with existing concentrations, minors, and certificate programs to craft tailored fields of study.
Options for General Studies Students | ||
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Accumulated Credits
Credit for Prior Learning comes in many forms including previous credits from Community Colleges and Instituations. Transfer credits can potentially cover CSU courses. If you have accumulated college credits for an institution but were unable to acquire a degree, they may be used towards a B.G.S. degree!
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Work Experience Towards Degree
The General Studies portfolio is an assessment of real-world skills through various life experiences (e.g. work, military, or volunteering) that can match course outcomes. During the GEN 200: Life Design for General Studies, a faculty member will guide you through the process of portfolio creation.
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Designer Degree for Specific Interest
A General Studies degree is perfect for a student who is looking for a degree that can be adjustable to match a unique career path. Through this degree, students can gain a variety of skills in the Sciences, Humanities, and Arts.
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FAQs
The General Studies program is NOT:
- Being “undecided” on a major. General Studies is designed for students who want flexibility while still pursuing a purposeful and carefully structured degree. Students work closely with advisors to build an intentional course plan that connects themes, skills, and disciplines in meaningful ways.
- An “easy” path. General Studies students complete the same rigorous coursework, learning outcomes, and graduation requirements as any other major. Their coursework is drawn from existing electives, certificates, and minors.
- Lacking in direction or purpose. Rather than specializing in one field, General Studies students design an interdisciplinary pathway aligned with their goals. The program builds adaptable skills that translate across industries and help students get ahead.
General Studies students will have access to all the support services provided at CSU: tutoring, academic coaching, financial aid assistance, career development, and more. Students will be guided in their studies by a General Studies Navigator, and through engagement with the faculty in their area(s) of interest. Students will also receive support in pursuing credit for prior learning, as applicable.
Timeline and cost vary on the amount of credits rewarded towards the degree:
- Students who seek a General Studies degree to design a degree without using credit for prior learning will complete the degree in roughly 4 years.
- Students with prior learning and seeking credits through a portfolio will be granted credits after a comprehensive portfolio assessment. The cost per rewarded credit is $175, which is significantly less than the standard cost per credit. Many students are able to earn credits and significantly decrease the amount of time of degree completion and total tuition cost.
STEP 1: Assessing your Experience
You and your professor will assess if a portfolio fits your needs during the GEN 200 class and evaluate your academic goals.
STEP 2: Build Your Portfolio
During GEN 200, you will draft and refine various components of your portfolio. You will collect and evaluate your prior experience documentation to demonstrate how your experiential learning align with course outcomes.
STEP 3: Portfolio Submission and Assessment
Once you are ready to submit your final portfolio, a trained faculty panel will assess of your portfolio to determine whether college credit can be awarded. Steps including payment, appeals, and remaining credit requirements will happen once the portfolio assessment has been concluded.
No, you do not need to create a portfolio if you are not seeking credit for prior learning. However, everyone is required to take GEN 200: Life Design for General Studies and GEN 400: Workforce Integration Capstone Experience in order to effectively design their General Studies degree.
The General Studies degree is only offered as a bachelor’s degree in the College of Arts and Sciences. The B.G.S. is a great bridge to obtain a master’s degree at CSU (i.e. Urban Studies, Business, Communication, etc.). Speak to your Academic Coach to help navigate a path.
General Studies Overview
If you have a wealth of hands-on experience from previous college credits, military, or the workforce, General Studies allows you the opportunity to be awarded college-level credit toward a bachelor’s degree.
While completing required courses, students work with an Academic Coach to choose interest-based courses in the Arts, Humanities, and Sciences.
The General Studies degree is designed to apply to the widest variety of career paths due to its breadth and adaptability. The program provides students with the opportunity to combine multiple fields of study in order to diversify their skill sets.
Mailing Address
Cleveland State University
College of Arts and Sciences
2121 Euclid Ave
Cleveland, OH 44115
Campus Location
Berkman Hall, 218
Science and Research, 353
Email
artsandsciences@csuohio.edu
Phone
216-687-5580