Nov 11, 2024  
2023-24 Undergraduate Bulletin 
    
2023-24 Undergraduate Bulletin ARCHIVED

General Studies, BS


Joyce Johnston, coordinator
Ferguson Building, Room 273 AA
Phone: (936) 468-6537
Email: mdp@sfasu.edu
Web: sfasu.edu/oidp

The Bachelor of Science in general studies is one of three interdisciplinary degrees offered in the College of Liberal and Applied Arts . It remains distinct from others (the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences and the Bachelor of Arts in liberal studies) in that students can select areas of study from any of SFA’s colleges. Unlike those enrolled in a traditional degree program, students pursuing the BS in general studies will work with the program coordinator to design a degree plan comprising three areas of study. The areas of study must be complementary to one another. Students wishing to pursue this degree must be able to demonstrate how these areas can be logically, academically and professionally integrated.

In most cases, students may include areas of study from any of the academic programs that currently offer minors. However, only those students pursuing the physical science secondary teaching certification may include secondary education as one of the three areas of study. In addition, only one area of study within any degree plan can be based on a defined interdisciplinary minor (a list of these minors can be obtained through the Division of Multidisciplinary Programs ).

Students interested in pursuing the BS in general studies must meet the following prerequisite requirements:

  1. Students must have a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA to be eligible for the program.
  2. Students must meet with the program coordinator before changing their major to the BS in general studies program.

University Core Curriculum Requirements


A. Communication


B. Mathematics


C. Life and Physical Science


D. Language, Philosophy and Culture


E. Creative Arts


F. American History


G. Government/Political Science


H. Social and Behavioral Science


I. Component Area Option


Three hours from:


Foundation of Knowledge


Additional Science


Six to eight additional semester hours from one of the following sequences:

Additional Mathematics


Three to four additional semester hours from mathematics (MATH) courses numbered MATH 1314  or above (excluding MATH 1332 , MATH 1350 , MATH 1351 , and MATH 1352 ).

General Studies Major


Students may select areas of study from any of SFA’s academic colleges.  Students will work with the program coordinator to design a degree plan comprising three areas of study. The areas of study must be complementary to one another.  

Discipline Area 1


Minimum 18 hours

Discipline Area 2


Minimum 18 hours

Discipline Area 3


Minimum 18 hours

Advanced Coursework


The student must complete a total of 27 advanced hours from the combined Discipline Areas.

General Electives


The student may be required to complete additional elective hours to complete the degree. University Core Curriculum co-requisite lab hours will be applied to this area of the degree.

Double-dipping Rule


Double-dipping is using the same course to fulfill two different requirements in a degree plan. Normally, students may not double-dip more than six to seven hours across their degree plan. Anything beyond that must be approved by the dean.

Writing Requirement


All students completing a degree program in the College of Liberal and Applied Arts must meet the standards for writing in the discipline set by their major. Students should see their departmental advisor for those standards.

College Advanced Hours


A minimum of 33 hours of advanced coursework (courses numbered 3000-4999) is required.

Grade Requirements


  • A grade of at least C in each first-year English course (ENGL 1301 , ENGL 1302 )
  • A C average in work completed in the major field
  • A C average in work completed in the minor field

The required averages are based on those SFA courses taken in each category that are included in the student’s official degree plan (CAPP). Transfer and advanced placement coursework are not included in GPA calculations.

In-Residence Requirement


Undergraduate Degree Programs

Undergraduate degrees require at least 25% semester credit hours completed in-residence.

Undergraduate degrees with 120 hours total degree program hours require a minimum of 30 advanced (upper level) in-residence semester credit hours. The in-residence hour requirement will be fulfilled as part of the individual discipline major, which includes as least 12 advanced in-residence semester credit hours. Minor requirements also may contribute to the total in-residence hours as at least six advanced in-residence semester credit hours are required. The balance of in-resident hours will be fulfilled through additional advanced semester credit hours and may include further major and minor coursework.

Undergraduate degrees with more than 120 total degree program hour requirements will ensure semester credit hours for the specific discipline include at least 25% of total semester credit hours in-residence.

View HOP policy 02-214.

Texas Success Initiative Program


All students must satisfy provisions of the Texas Success Initiative program. See the TSI information  bulletin page.

Degree Map


The following is the recommended sequence of course completion for this degree.

Freshman Year


Fall


Spring


Sophomore Year


Fall


Spring


Junior Year


Fall


Spring


Senior Year


Fall


Spring