Bachelor of General Studies

Hours: 120 On-Campus Online

About

The Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) at Fort Hays State University offers a flexible and customizable path to earning your degree. Designed for students who want to shape their own academic journey, this program allows you to build a curriculum that aligns with your career goals and interests. Offered through the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, the BGS provides a strong liberal arts foundation while allowing you to focus on a specific area of concentration.

The BGS degree helps you develop critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills—all highly valued by employers and graduate programs alike.

Who is this program for?

The Bachelor of General Studies is designed for students who:

Have well-defined career goals that don’t align with a traditional major
Want the flexibility to design a degree that fits their personal and professional aspirations
Plan to advance in their current career or transition into a new field
Are considering graduate school and need a broad yet tailored academic foundation
Seek a versatile degree that opens doors to multiple career opportunities

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Bachelor of General Studies program will:

Develop strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills applicable to a variety of fields.

Gain a broad understanding of the liberal arts while specializing in a chosen area of concentration.

Be well-prepared for careers that value interdisciplinary knowledge and adaptability.

Have the academic foundation needed to pursue graduate or professional studies.

With its flexibility and career-focused approach, the BGS degree empowers students to design an education that works for them—whether entering the workforce or continuing their education.

The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere

Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $3,055.95* (on-campus) or $3,975.75* (online) per semester.

*Estimated cost based on 15 credit hours at the Undergrad resident/regional tuition rate ($203.73/credit hour) for on-campus courses, or the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate (265.05/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.

Ready for the next step?

Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.

Apply

Concentrations

Fort Hays State University provides various concentrations for the Bachelor of General Studies. All BGS students must choose a concentration. To learn more, visit the course catalog and connect with your FHSU advisor.

Business Communication
Child Development
Criminal Justice Studies
Education
General Business
Geoscience Studies
Gerontology
Health Promotion
Historical Studies
Human Services (Sociology)
Informatics Studies
Leadership Studies
Military Specialties (Must be part of the military partnership program)
Political Leadership and Public Service
Psychological Studies
Rural Studies
Sustainability
Tourism and Hospitality Management
Web Development Studies

FAQ

What is the Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) degree?

The BGS is a flexible, four-year liberal arts degree offered through the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at FHSU. It allows students to design their own academic path based on their career goals.

What career opportunities are available with a BGS degree?

The BGS prepares students for a wide range of careers that don’t require a specific major. It also serves as a strong foundation for graduate programs in various fields.

Can I use this degree to apply for graduate school?

Yes! Many students go on to graduate school after earning their BGS. Admission will depend on factors like GPA, entrance exams, and program-specific requirements.

What courses are required for the BGS degree?

BGS students are required to complete the university general education program, UNIV 301—Information Literacy, UNIV 402—Upper-Level Writing, and a 21-credit-hour area of emphasis. Full degree requirements can be found in the FHSU course catalog.

Who do I talk to about getting into the BGS program?

Students can apply online through the FHSU website. Admission requires an application, fee, and official transcripts. Once admitted, students can access early registration benefits.

General Studies

Associate
Bachelor's

On-Campus
Online

General Studies