Bachelor of General Studies (B.G.S.)

General Studies

Become a general studies major at McNeese and enjoy the freedom and flexibility to tailor your class schedule to explore your interests while also acquiring the knowledge and experience to pursue a variety of careers in a range of industries.

Program Highlights

General Studies Degree Program Highlights

The bachelor’s degree in general studies is an integrative program that offers students the opportunity to personalize their course of study to develop a broad knowledge base and skill set. As a general studies major at McNeese, you will have the opportunity to design and individualize your curriculum tract to cater to your interests or specific career goals, all while gaining the skills and experience needed to adapt to rapid changes in the workforce. And since McNeese’s general studies program is available 100% online, or as a combination of online and on-campus classes, you can work towards your degree while studying at your own pace.

Earn an associate's degree in General Studies

McNeese also offers an associate’s degree in general studies both on-campus and online. This degree is a great choice for working professionals or other nontraditional students who are looking to take specific classes to develop their personal or professional skills while also earning a valuable degree.

At a Glance

Degree Type: Bachelor of General Studies (B.G.S.)

Program Length: 4 years (120 credit hours)

Availability: online, in person, hybrid

General Studies is offered 100% Online.
Program overview

Explore More for General Studies Majors

Here are just a few reasons McNeese’s general studies degree program is the first choice for hundreds of undergraduate students across Southwest Louisiana, Southeast Texas and the country:

Applied Learning:

At McNeese, you’ll have opportunities for immersive learning through hands-on experience, one-on-one training, personal mentorships, internships in professional settings and study abroad programs. No matter which concentration you decide to focus on, you’ll have the chance to experience real-world learning while applying the knowledge and skills you’ve gained inside the classroom.

Expert Faculty:

Comprised of renowned scientists, distinguished subject-matter experts, innovative researchers and published authors, the faculty at McNeese are committed to ensuring student success through personalized faculty advising. As a general studies major, you’ll have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with professors and staff members to discuss available opportunities, your educational and career goals and get any help needed in order to ensure you’re getting the most for your degree program — and college experience.

Financial Aid and Scholarships:

In addition to offering one of the most affordable tuition rates in Louisiana, McNeese also has a number of scholarships available for general studies majors. Learn more from the Office of Financial Aid.

Excellence With a Personal Touch:

Small class sizes on the McNeese campus help create a close-knit community of faculty, staff and students. With over 100 student organizations available to join, you’ll be able to find your fit no matter what your personal degree tract is.

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General Studies Bachelor's Degree Program Concentrations

Applied and Natural Sciences

Encompassing ecological sciences, physics, chemistry and computer science, the applied and natural science concentration will introduce you to a wide variety of scientific disciplines.

Applied and Natural Sciences Curriculum
Arts and Humanities

For students interested in art, foreign languages, music, theatre, philosophy and other liberal arts subject areas, the arts and humanities concentration is the perfect choice.

Arts and Humanities Curriculum
Behavioral Sciences

Learn about people, cultures and social structures with a concentration in behavioral sciences. Here, you’ll have the chance to study a wide range of topics, including criminal justice, economics, health and human performance, psychology and more.

Behavioral Sciences Curriculum
Applied English and Professional Writing

In this concentration, you'll step into the world of STEM-related writing. Discover how to develop content for marketing high-tech products and practice writing proposals for potential business customers and instructions for software developers.

Applied English and Professional Writing Curriculum
Careers and Opportunities

What Can You Do with a General Studies Degree?

The bachelor’s degree in general studies prepares you to succeed in many different career paths and serves as a strong foundation for graduate or other professional studies. Here are just a few of the graduate programs you can pursue after graduation; or, start your career in a range of different fields:

Graduate Schools or Programs

  • Master of General Studies
  • Doctor of Philosophy in General Studies

Potential Job Titles or Employers

  • Administrative or Executive Assistant
  • Operations/General Manager
  • Program Manager
  • Project Coordinator
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Clerical Administrator
  • Sales Representative
  • Marketing Director
  • Technical Writer
  • Software Consultant
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Meeting, Convention and Event Planner
  • Business Analyst
  • Research Assistant

We can help

Program Contact

Jodi Willis - Department Head
jwillis2@mcneese.edu

Schedule Appointment