Bachelor of General Studies in General Studies

Learn more about the Bachelor of General Studies.

University College offers an undergraduate Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) for adult learners who have earned previous college credits and have some work/life experience.

The BGS is an interdisciplinary program which consists of major coursework offered by Temple's highly esteemed Schools and Colleges. Students can customize their degree by choosing either an area of focus, or by completing a minimum of 2 minors and/or credit certificates.

Areas of focus include:

  • Arts and Architecture
  • Business, Sports and Communications
  • Health and Human Services
  • Humanities, Education and Social Sciences
  • Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
  • Interdisciplinary (complete at least 2 existing minors and/or credit certificates)

A combination of major coursework (including 2 writing intensive courses), General Education courses and electives will prepare students with the critical thinking skills, effective communication abilities, and interdisciplinary knowledge necessary for achieving both academic and professional goals. The final writing intensive course taken is a capstone that provides students with an opportunity to reflect on their development as learners, their ability to communicate effectively, and synthesize the knowledge and skills learned with their work/life experiences and their career goals.

Courses are offered in the day and evening at Temple's Main, Ambler and Center City campuses plus online, providing adult learners with the flexibility needed while balancing work and life priorities.

For more information, contact a University College advisor at 215-204-6565 or BGSadvising@temple.edu. Additional information is also available on the BGS site.

Summary of Requirements

University Requirements

MATH 0701 (4 s.h.) and/or ENG 0701  (4 s.h.), if required by placement testing.

All Temple students must take a minimum of two writing-intensive (WI) courses as part of the major. The writing-intensive courses required for this major are CLA 2096 and UC 4096. 

Students must complete requirements of the General Education (GenEd) Program. See the General Education section of the Undergraduate Bulletin for more details.

University College (UC) Program Requirements

Completion of a minimum of 120 credits.

A minimum of 30 credits must be at the upper level (numbered 2000-4999).

A minimum GPA of 2.0, cumulative, and in the major.

Unless otherwise specified within the program requirements of a minor or certificate, a grade of C- or higher is required for all major coursework. Please consult with your advisor for additional information.

Major Requirements

Students fulfill the academic requirements by completing a minimum of 36 credits. Choose one of two options:

  • Complete two minors and/or certificates offered by Temple's Schools and Colleges.
    Note: Students will adhere to the School/College academic policies and requirements for the chosen minors and certificates.

OR

  • Complete coursework from academic groupings such as: arts and architecture; business, sports and communications; health and human services; humanities, education and social sciences; science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
    Note:     A minimum of 18 credits within one academic discipline must be completed. Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding the academic discipline options. 

The following applies to all BGS students:

  • A minimum of 12 credits in the major must be at the upper level (2000-4999).
  • A minimum of 12 credits in the major must be completed at Temple University.
  • With academic advisor approval, courses at the 0800 level may be considered for inclusion if not satisfying a General Education (GenEd) requirement. 
  • 0800 level courses may be counted toward the major if not used to satisfy a General Education requirement with academic advisor approval. 
  • Alternative WI courses taken at Temple University may be considered for substitution of CLA 2096 with academic advisor approval.
  • Credits for the 2 writing intensive (WI) courses will count toward the 36 credits in the major.  

Note: The academic plan reflects a traditional 8-semester format; however, individualized academic plans are developed for each student based on transfer credits and academic/professional goals. See an academic advisor for assistance in developing a plan for all courses.

Suggested Academic Plan

Bachelor of General Studies in General Studies

Requirements for New Students starting in the 2022-2023 Academic Year

Year 1
FallCredit Hours
ENG 0802, 0812, or 0902Analytical Reading and Writing [GW]4
GenEd Breadth Course3
GenEd Breadth Course3
GenEd Quantitative Literacy Course [GQ]4
Major Course3
 Term Credit Hours17
Spring
IH 0851 or 0951Intellectual Heritage I: The Good Life [GY]3
GenEd Breadth Course3
GenEd Breadth Course3
GenEd Breadth Course3
Major Course3
 Term Credit Hours15
Year 2
Fall
IH 0852 or 0952Intellectual Heritage II: The Common Good [GZ]3
CLA 2096Approaches to Liberal Studies [WI]3
Major Course3
Major Course3
Major Course3
 Term Credit Hours15
Spring
GenEd Breadth Course3
Major Course3
Major Course3
Major Course3
Elective3
 Term Credit Hours15
Year 3
Fall
GenEd Breadth Course3
Major Course3
Major Course3
Elective3
Elective3
 Term Credit Hours15
Spring
Major Course3
Elective3
Elective3
Elective3
Elective3
 Term Credit Hours15
Year 4
Fall
Elective3
Elective3
Elective3
Elective3
Elective3
 Term Credit Hours15
Spring
UC 4096General Studies Integrative Seminar [WI]3
Elective3
Elective3
Elective2
Elective2
 Term Credit Hours13
 Total Credit Hours: 120

NOTE:  A minimum of 30 credits must be at the upper level (numbered 2000-4999) and can be fulfilled with a combination of major and/or elective courses.