Bachelor [General Studies] From East Tennessee State University

The B.G.S. program is most suited for the mature student, generally 21 or older, who wishes to complete an undergraduate degree while still fulfilling employment and family responsibilities. Each student follows an Individual Learning Plan (ILP). 

This plan is a written summary developed by the student and B.G.S. advisor that includes the ETSU general education core, previous college-level work, and elective credits to meet both graduation requirements and the students’ personal or professional goals. Recognizing that learning often occurs in nonacademic settings, the School of Continuing Studies and Academic Outreach encourages its B.G.S. majors to pursue credit for college-level prior learning. 

Students may earn credit through such programs as the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), departmental challenge examinations, or submission of a prior learning portfolio to be evaluated by ETSU faculty. Students who have previously earned a four-year degree are not eligible to enroll in the B.G.S. program. Due to the unique nature of the B.G.S. degree, students may not double major.