Bachelor of General Studies

The Bachelor of General Studies, offered through Temple’s University College, is designed specifically for adult learners with prior college and at least 60 transferable credits who are ready to complete their undergraduate degree. This 120-credit bachelor’s program focuses on creating a solid foundation for a wide variety of careers or graduate school, and it allows students the opportunity to customize their degree path. 

The general studies degree combines major coursework (including two writing-intensive courses), general education courses and electives. The curriculum is tailored to enhance students’ critical thinking skills, effective communication abilities and interdisciplinary knowledge to achieve their personal and professional goals. Students receive personalized guidance from the University College Academic and Student Services team to choose coursework that best meets their needs. Students also have access to courses and resources available at any of Temple’s campuses, including Main Campus, Ambler Campus, Temple University Harrisburg, Temple University Center City and online. 

Students can customize their degree by choosing a combination of minors and/or certificates across our schools and colleges, or by focusing their coursework in a broad subject grouping that builds on coursework they’ve already completed.

The general studies degree is flexible, customizable and prepares students to adapt to an ever-changing workplace. Students will complete their degree with a capstone course, which provides opportunities to integrate academic learning with professional experiences in a culminating project that combines knowledge, skills and reflection within the selected subject grouping. 

There is also opportunity to earn academic credits for prior learning experiences that occurred outside the classroom setting, including employment, military and volunteer experiences. In addition, students can earn credit for internship and on-the-job learning experiences that provide them with an opportunity to enhance their skills, provide practical experience and establish contacts in their career field.

Classes and Curriculum

This program comprises coursework offered by Temple’s schools and colleges. Students can customize their degree by choosing two or more existing minors or certificate programs, or by choosing a broad subject grouping that builds on their previous coursework. These areas—which include arts and architecture; business, sports and communication; health and human services; humanities, education and social sciences; and science, technology, engineering and mathematics—are flexible and customizable through collaboration with a University College advisor.

Learn more about the Bachelor of General Studies curriculum.

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the general studies degree program will be prepared to

• evaluate and synthesize knowledge from interdisciplinary perspectives.  
• communicate clearly, concisely and effectively, both orally and in writing.  
• demonstrate critical analysis and evaluation of an argument, including the argument’s assertions, background and assumptions; evidence used to support assertions; and the explanatory utility, and present conclusions, interpretations and implications.  
• build and apply research and critical analysis skills in ways that are informed by discipline-specific methodologies.  
• critically reflect on the relationship between their prior academic and nonacademic life experience with the skills and knowledge acquired through their academic subject grouping.

Related Graduate Degrees

• Africology and African American Studies MA

• Anthropology MA 

• Art History MA

• Master of Business Administration

• City and Regional Planning MS

• Communication Management MS

• Development and Social Change MS

• Advocacy and Organizational Development MEd

• Master of Liberal Arts

Related Graduate Certificates

• Bioinformatics (STEM focus)

• College Access and Success

• Computer Science

• Conflict Management

• Destination Management

• Disability Studies

• Public Relations

• Strategic Communication and Cross-Cultural Leadership

Explore More Graduate Options

The flexibility of the general studies degree extends to many options for advanced study. Your individualized academic coursework can influence your related graduate degrees and certificates. Learn more about graduate programs at Temple.

Your Academic and Student Services Team

General studies degree students receive personalized support from the University College Academic and Student Services team. Students work collaboratively with staff to select courses and discuss post-graduation plans. Students are encouraged to meet with their advisor each semester, and may do so virtually and in-person at most Temple campuses.

Questions

For more information about this program and how to apply for admission or reenroll, contact the University College Academic and Student Services team.

Email: BGSadmissions@temple.edu
Phone: 215-204-6565

Program Administrators

Vicki Lewis McGarvey, vice provost for University College.
Nicole Nathan, faculty director for University College.
Tara E. Stasik, director of academic and student services for University College.

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of General Studies offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. You can view the full Cost of Attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

These tuition costs apply to the 2024–2025 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $786 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,413 per credit