Bachelor of General Studies (B.G.S.)
Ideally suited for working adults, the B.G.S. Program allows students the flexibility
to design an individualized, interdisciplinary curriculum that meets their professional
and educational needs. Students may complete their coursework through any
combination of traditional, Internet, video, or off-campus classes.
Specific Degree Requirements
Students may apply past college credit to the following categories, as
determined by their advisor:
ETSU General Education Core requirements...... 41 hours
Guided electives...... 76 hours
Students may choose to complete a minor or double minor
within the guided electives, although a minor is not required.
BGSD 4210 Professional Field Experience...... 3 hours
Total...... 120 hours*
*Note: 34 hours of total student coursework must be upper division—
3000 or 4000 level—courses. ETSU accepts a maximum of 9 upper
division credit hours transferred from other institutions.
Additional Graduation Requirements
• ETSU writing, oral and technology proficiency intensives
• Minimum of 50 hours from a 4-year institute
• Minimum of 30 hours from ETSU
• Minimum of two semesters and 12 hours in this major
• Overall GPA > 2.0; ETSU GPA > 2.0
Contact
Jerdan Swingle
School of Continuing Studies & Academic Outreach
(423) 439-4223 or
Web address:
Professional Field Experience
(BGSD 4210)
BGSD 4210 / Professional Field Experience is a 3-hour, writing-intensive course required
of all General Studies majors. Students must take this course during their senior year. The
purpose of BGSD 4210 is to increase and expand students’ knowledge in a concentration
of their choosing. The course is practical; it is a “capstone” educational experience course
grounded in a new learning project. The design and content of the experience are both highly
flexible and highly individualized. Students undertake much of the responsibility for designing
the subject and focus of their field studies, and they complete nearly all of their work
independently. Students must choose topics of NEW learning—they may not study something
they have done before. A faculty member will provide guidance and consultation throughout
the semester via occasional class meetings, email, and telephone. Students may also scheduleindividual appointments to meet with the faculty member.
The BGSD 4210 learning project may take one of the following forms:
1.An independent, unique learning project or activity beyond the boundaries of the
student’s current employment, but related to the student’s professional interests.
This may embody an individual’s interest in a particular topic related to his or her
profession or to his or her career goals. This may take the form of a traditional
research report.
2. A new project or activity at the student’s workplace. In this context, the studentmust participate in a new learning activity—the work cannot be a part of the
student’s normal, daily responsibilities.
3. An internship activity with a business, industry, or organization.
Course requirements:
1. A written project proposal,
2. A minimum of 60 documented clock hours (activity hours) on the field experience
project (not to include typing of reports),
3. A final report of approximately 20 to 25 pages. The document must be polished,
articulate, professional, and error-free.
Bachelor of General Studies
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bachelor of General Studies?
The Bachelor of General Studies is an ETSU degree program designed to accommodate the
needs of adult learners as they balance an academic career with family duties and employment
responsibilities. The B.G.S. program enables students and their advisors to design a
curriculum that meets individual and professional needs and interests not served by singular
majors. Due to its flexible nature, the program appeals to students who have the ability to
work more independently than is required in traditional degree programs. Students cite thisflexibility as the main reason they enter the program.
Who is the typical B.G.S. student?
The B.G.S. program is designed primarily, though not exclusively, for working adult students.
Our students range in age from 21 to 75. Most have previously attended college.
Can I specialize my studies?
Yes—Since you design your program, you may concentrate your efforts. You cannot duplicate
other majors, but we recommend that our students complete one or more minors to give theirIndividual Learning Plans more focus.
Why is it faster?
Most, if not all, of your previous college credit can be applied to the B.G.S. You may
combine your existing credit with new courses to develop your Individualized Learning
Plan. And, you are not limited to daytime, on-campus classes. You may take classes at
ETSU centers in Kingsport and Johnson City. Some adults benefit from the flexibility and
convenience of online, evening, CLEP tests (College Level Examination Program), andother non-traditional means to gain credit hours.
What is the Individualized Learning Plan?
At ETSU, you choose your courses! Your Individual Learning Plan is the written summary
you and your B.G.S. advisor develop to chart the courses you need to take to meet ETSU
requirements and your personal course selections to total 120 hours. The plan includes your
previous college credit. Your advisor will give you a copy of this written summary for futurereference.
How can the B.G.S. help working adult students?
Because of its flexibility, adult students can usually complete the B.G.S. in less time than they
can more traditional degrees, and B.G.S. students get to focus on the areas that truly meet theirneeds and interests.
Is it a popular program?
The B.G.S. is one of the fastest growing ETSU programs. There are currently more than 100
B.G.S. majors and more than 1000 graduates of the program.
What minors do B.G.S. students complete?
Popular minors include English, Management, Marketing, Religion, and Technology, but
students may complete any ETSU minor.
What is required to get started in the B.G.S.?
You must first apply and be accepted into ETSU; then, apply and be accepted into the B.G.S.
program. The B.G.S. application process includes a written application form. Before you
apply, however, we encourage an informal meeting with an advisor to outline your exact
degree requirements.
Can Igo on to graduate school?
Yes. B.G.S. graduates have entered a variety of areas such as education, law, pharmacy,
business, physician’s assistant, and other programs.
Must I attend classes on campus to earn the B.G.S.?
In many cases, no. With careful planning, students may complete the B.G.S. at ETSU’s main
campus in Johnson City and Kingsport. Students may also take a wide array of courses via the
Internet. However, some minors will require on-campus coursework.
How can I find out what is offered at off-campus sites?
Call: Kingsport: 392-8000
Or visit the ETSU Web site at and the General Studies Web site at
Will I have an advisor to help me?
Yes, a B.G.S. advisor is ready to help you in every step of your program. If you take courses at
ETSU’s off-campus sites, an advisor is also available there.
Whom do I contact for more information?
All students should contact Jerdan Swingle, current program advisor, for more information or
to set an appointment: (423) 439-4223 or .