Bachelor of General Studies Program Highlights
A brighter future begins with a general studies degree.
Certain skills will always be in demand. It doesn’t matter what type of career you’re interested in, the right foundation of skills and knowledge will help you go far. Our bachelor of general studies helps you start building that foundation. With so many new opportunities open to you, the direction of your future is entirely up to you.
- You’ll study a wide range of subjects, including math, science, communications and human relations.
- After completing this program, you’ll be able to start a career, but you could also use your bachelor of general studies as a starting point to go further in your education.
- With the bachelor’s in general studies, you’ll gain a better understanding of the world around you and build valuable skills that will serve you well in every area of your life.
Learn Your Way
General Studies classes are taught on our Cadillac, Jackson, Muskegon, Owosso, and Royal Oak campuses, as well as online. Plus, general education and prerequisite courses are typically available online and on all campuses throughout Michigan.
Learn MoreWhy Earn a General Studies Degree?
A bachelor of general studies provides opportunities to develop valuable, lifelong skills in oral and written communication, critical thinking, problem solving, evaluation, analysis and synthesis. The degree in general studies offers a curriculum to establish a core of knowledge, which can lead to many different careers or lay the groundwork for further studies and specialization. The general studies bachelor degree is intended for students who have already earned substantial college credits prior to enrolling in the program.
General Studies Curriculum
The Baker College bachelor's degree in general studies degree is a 4-year program consisting of 120 credit hours (21 hours across one concentration area, 21 hours across a second concentration area, 30 hours of general education courses, 45 elective credit requirements, and 3 hours of degree capstone requirements). Our curriculum includes college composition, cultural diversity and a capstone.
View Full CurriculumSample Courses
Composition and Critical Thinking I
Personal, Civic, and Global Perspectives
General Studies Capstone
Additional General Studies Requirements
A minimum of fifteen semester credit hours of the 87 credit hours in the two concentrations and elective credit hours must come from 3000 or 4000 level courses. A concentration is a group of courses that generally are from the same discipline, for example, a Psychology concentration or a Marketing concentration. Concentrations must be approved at the time of enrollment in this program.
Frequently Asked Questions
While both degrees offer a broad education, there are distinct differences between them. A general studies degree is highly customizable, allowing students to tailor their coursework to specific interests across various disciplines. This flexibility enables students to design a program that aligns closely with their individual career goals and personal interests. In contrast, a liberal arts degree focuses on the humanities and social sciences and has a more defined curriculum with less flexibility in course selection. It provides a comprehensive understanding of these fields but offers less opportunity to customize.
The bachelor’s in general studies is ideal for students who:
- Have varied academic interests and do not want to be confined to a single major
- Are undecided about a specific career path and wish to explore different fields
- Seek to customize their degree to align with specific career objectives
- Wish to complete a degree by combining previously earned credits from other institutions
The bachelor of general studies requires the completion of 120 credit hours, including:
- General Education Courses: Foundational courses in English, mathematics, social sciences, and natural sciences
- Core Requirements: Essential courses that develop critical skills
- Electives: A wide range of courses chosen by the student to tailor their education
Students work closely with academic advisors to create a customized academic plan that aligns with their interests and career aspirations.
Yes, we accept transfer credits from accredited institutions. The bachelor’s in general studies is particularly accommodating for transfer students, allowing them to apply previously earned credits toward degree completion. Official transcripts are required for evaluation to determine eligible credits.
Absolutely. Each student is assigned an academic advisor who assists in:
- Course Selection: Choosing classes that meet degree requirements and personal interests
- Degree Planning: Mapping out a plan to ensure timely graduation
- Career Guidance: Aligning academic choices with career goals
Yes, students can focus on specific areas by selecting electives that align with their interests, such as: business, psychology, health sciences, or information technology. This customization allows for a more directed study within the flexible framework of the general studies program.
Students will develop a versatile skill set, including:
- Critical Thinking: Analyzing information and forming reasoned conclusions
- Effective Communication: Enhancing written and verbal communication abilities
- Problem-Solving: Tackling complex issues with innovative solutions
- Interdisciplinary Understanding: Integrating knowledge from multiple fields
- Adaptability: Adjusting to various professional environments
The general studies program accommodates adult learners by offering:
- Flexible Scheduling: Evening, weekend, and online classes
- Online Learning Options: Complete coursework remotely
- Credit for Prior Learning: Potential to earn credits for professional experience or previous training
- Support Services: Resources tailored to adult learners balancing education with other responsibilities
Yes, graduates of the general studies program are eligible to pursue graduate degrees in fields such as business administration, education, public administration, healthcare management, and more. The program’s broad-based curriculum provides a strong foundation in critical thinking and analytical skills that are valuable for advanced studies. Baker College also offers the Bachelor Alumni Scholarship, providing financial support for those that qualify.
Graduates can pursue careers in various sectors, including:
- Business: Roles in management, marketing, or human resources
- Education: Opportunities in educational administration or support services
- Healthcare Administration: Positions in hospital administration or healthcare services
- Social Services: Careers in non-profit organizations or community programs
- Government: Roles in public administration or policy-making
The degree provides transferable skills like critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving that are valued across industries. Learn more about the versatility of a general studies degree.
On Campus Available
View campus locationsAvailable on Baker Online
Courses for this degree program are available through Baker Online.
100% online, this format offers flexible scheduling with 8-week semesters
Baker OnlineUnavailable on Online Live
Core courses for this degree program are not offered through Online Live.
For those interested, a selection of general education and prerequisite courses are available through Online Live each semester.
Online Live