The Bachelor of General Studies is a multidisciplinary degree program that provides a framework of individualized study within an Arts and Science or Applied Studies designation that offers you the freedom to choose courses to meet your specific goals.
With the BGS, you're not confined to one subject—you have the flexibility to mix and match online courses to align with your personal and career aspirations. And the best part? The BGS program doesn't have a residency requirement, which means you have the opportunity to transfer credits from other institutions, making your educational journey even more tailored and efficient.
Admission requirements
There are no formal admission requirements for this program. If you are 16 or older, you are eligible to enrol in the BGS. You can enrol anytime and start right away, regardless of your previous education.
Program details
Overview
The Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) degree is one of the most popular programs at Athabasca University. Unlike the other degrees offered by Athabasca University, the BGS does not have a residency requirement, and courses that make up the degree requirements may be completed at institutions other than Athabasca University.
Through your chosen program of studies, you will be supported to develop scholarly research and writing skills, learn how to integrate evidence and insights from several disciplinary areas, and achieve the learning outcomes that are meaningful for your desired education.
Because there are so many potential options, we provide help to make sure the BGS meets your career or personal needs. Our counsellors are available to assist you to define your educational, professional, and career goals. Our academic advisors are available to discuss your program plan.
Routes and options
There are two designations available: Arts and Science and Applied Studies. Your degree program must consist of at least 45 credits in your chosen designation.
Students in this route may receive transfer credit for courses in education, engineering, and physical education, as well as other coursework completed at recognized post-secondary institutions.
Completion times
Students can complete this program in 3 years or less of full-time study, depending on the amount of transfer credit awarded, and how quickly the student completes each course. There is no time limit for completing the degree. The program may be completed faster if transfer credit is applied toward your degree.
How to apply
You can apply to AU online, anytime. Once you’ve completed the online application form and paid the one-time general application fee (and transfer credit evaluation fee, if applicable), you’re officially an AU student and can start registering in courses.
If you have previous post-secondary education you may be eligible for transfer credit. If you have learning drawn from life and work experience that relates to this program you may wish to consider Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). These process could result in your having fewer courses to complete en route to your AU degree.
Once you have paid the initial application fee, tuition is pay-as-you-go for each course registration. Course fees vary depending on your location and other factors.
You can estimate your total program cost by multiplying the cost of a 3-credit course by the number of courses you need to take for the program. Remember that tuition costs may increase each year.
0 Credit
Student fees (regular and audit registrations) for a Province of Alberta student in a 0-credit course are calculated by combining the following:
The Bachelor of General Studies degree program offers an opportunity for you to design a unique curriculum and learning plan to suit your own needs and interests, whether it is to meet career, educational, professional, or personal goals. While 45 credits must be in your chosen focus area, you can select a wide variety of courses to design a curriculum and program outcomes that meet your specific needs.
To complete the program you will need to fulfil all the general requirements of the Bachelor of General Studies, with the necessary number of credits for your chosen designation.
Our program course plans can give you an idea of what courses you need to finish this program, and how to plan the order you'll take them in. If you're feeling stuck, our academic advisors can help.
Here are some of the most popular courses students take in this program.
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Career options
A Bachelor of General Studies degree is like a Swiss Army knife—it's versatile and opens doors to a wide range of career paths. You could find yourself working in areas like human resources, project management, sales, or even social services. It's also a solid foundation if you're considering further studies or professional training down the line. In short, the skills you'll gain are not just subject-specific but are transferable across multiple industries. So, whether you're pivoting in your career or just starting out, a general undergraduate degree keeps your options wide open.
Some careers could include:
administrator
conflict mediation and resolution
consumer advocate
counsellor
customer care and support
educator
employment services
English as a Second Language (ESL) instructor
human services
marketing
media work
government worker
researcher
recreation
retail
sales
self-employment
support worker
Resources and links
Additional information that you need to know about AU and this program.