Online Bachelor of Science in General Studies
Customize and complete your bachelor’s, your way.
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Online Bachelor of Science in General Studies
You’ve made progress toward your development. Now it’s time to finish your degree, with purpose and intention. The online Bachelor of Science in General Studies at UofL is an interdisciplinary degree that gives working adults a structured and flexible path to complete their first undergraduate degree while balancing career, family and life responsibilities.
Built specifically for students with prior college credit, this transfer-friendly degree program helps you apply what you’ve already learned or earned and get up to 27 hours tuition-free credit for professional experience, training or military service.
You’ll have the opportunity to broaden your academic foundation, strengthen critical thinking and design a degree plan that supports long-term advancement.
U.S. News & World Report recognition
The Bachelor of Science in General Studies is offered by the College of Arts & Sciences at the University of Louisville. For over a decade, UofL Online bachelor’s degree programs have been consistently recognized as "Best in the Nation" and "Best for Veterans" by US News & World Report.
UofL's Online Bachelor’s in General Studies program
100% online. Earn credit for prior learning and graduate faster – get started today!
Bachelor of Science in General Studies
100% Online
The big picture
UofL’s general studies online program is built for adults who need options, not obstacles. With customizable tracks, generous transfer policies and opportunities to earn credit for prior learning, you can design a degree that reflects both where you’ve been and where you’re headed.
Finish what you started and leverage it
Completing your bachelor’s degree signals commitment, resilience and readiness for advancement. For many professionals, it’s the credential that unlocks promotion eligibility and long-term mobility.
Our degree is structured so you can customize your learning experience to gain additional skills and the education required for advancement in today’s competitive workforce. Whether you want to broaden your expertise, strengthen your leadership profile or prepare for graduate study, the online BS in General Studies offers structure and depth without rigidity as well as direction without limitations.
Turn experience into credit
You have the option to earn up to 27 tuition-free credits toward your degree for occupational learning through the Prior Learning Assessment (optional) component, saving you up to $15,000 in tuition cost as well as significant time to bachelor’s graduation.
Online BS in General Studies degree highlights
- Build on your knowledge and customize your bachelor’s degree by combining different areas of interest into one of 6 thematic tracks or a 7th option to earn 2 minors or certificates
- Transfer in credit hours from prior college courses completed at an accredited institution
- Earn up to 27 credits (tuition-free) for on-the-job learning and save time and money with the optional Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) class
- Learn from faculty with distinguished academic credentials, industry experience and a strong commitment to applied research
- Join a program with broad application in real world and designed to fit your life with 24/7 access to most coursework completed when it’s right for you
This is a student-centered, career-forward degree completion program, with 7 interdisciplinary tracks:
- Communication and creative expression
- Health and human studies
- Ethics, justice and society
- Culture and community
- Global studies
- Applied natural sciences
- Dual concentration option
Turn your knowledge into forward momentum toward degree completion.
"The BS in General Studies is the ideal program for anyone ready to turn their college credits into a degree. Complete the BS in General Studies online or on campus and help achieve your personal and professional goals."
Glynis Ridley, PhD
Program Director
Find out how UofL’s flexible Online BSGS program could help you finish your degree.
How to apply to UofL’s Online Bachelor’s in General Studies degree
Check out the typical application deadlines for the undergraduate online General Studies degree at UofL and prepare your application packet according to the requirements outlined below.
Application Deadlines
| Preferred Deadline | Term | Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| August 1 | Fall | August |
| December 1 | Spring | January |
| April 1 | Summer | May / June |
How to Apply for the Online Bachelor’s in General Studies
- Start your application for graduate admission
- Submit $30 non-refundable application fee
- Verify your identity - provide ID/documentation as requested
- Complete any checklist items listed on your Application Portal*
- Request official transcripts from all previously attended institutions. Transcripts are only accepted directly from the institution(s) by email: adetran@louisville.edu (recommended) or mail: University of Louisville, Office of Admissions, Dept AO, Louisville, KY 40292
- Create a financial plan
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Online Bachelor’s in General Studies admissions requirements and materials
New students and transfer students with less than 24 transferable credit hours from accredited institutions have no specific admission requirements for this degree program.
Transfer students with 24 or more transferable credits from accredited institutions must have:
- Minimum college GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale (applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA may inquire about conditional acceptance)
*Your Application Portal:
Once you have started an undergraduate application, you can check the status and review any additional checklist to-do items. Log in to your application using the email address you used to apply for admission and your password. Your checklist items may include additional materials or documentation that facilitate a smooth admissions process. You will also have access to important contact information and next steps after an admissions decision is made.
No ACT/SAT? Test-optional admissions are granted on a case-by-case basis and require a comprehensive review of high school transcript, including grades and college-preparatory courses. A personal statement may be requested during the admissions review process.
Transfer Credit
Students may transfer up to 60 hours from a community college and up to 90 hours from an accredited four-year college. Transfer applicants must have a minimum college GPA of 2.0 to be admitted in good standing. Review the Transfer Evaluation System to get an idea of how many credits you'll be able to transfer in toward your UofL bachelor's degree and visit our General Transfer Student page for more details.
Are you a KCTCS student? KCTCS students can transfer completed associate degrees in their entirety and begin immediately with online upper level coursework at UofL. Visit our KCTCS Transfers Page for more information.
See the UofL Transfer Credit Policy for more information.
Start working on your application early and contact us anytime if you have questions or need further guidance.
How much it costs to earn an Online bachelor’s in graduate studies degree at UofL
Academic year tuition
$559 per credit hour
$250 per credit hour active-duty tuition rate
This program is a Title IV federal financial aid eligible program. Tuition rate does not include costs associated with a specific course or program, such as textbooks.
Please note that other fees apply – check our tuition page for all applicable costs.
Tuition, fees and charges are subject to change and effective on the date enacted. For additional information on educational expenses and the cost of attendance, please visit the Student Financial Aid Office website.
Does your employer offer tuition reimbursement?
Many employers often have programs available to assist their employees financially in their educational pursuits. Do not miss out on any potential opportunities. Reach out to your organization’s HR department to learn about available options.
Online Bachelor’s in General Studies tracks
UofL’s online bachelor’s in general studies offers superior flexibility by allowing you to tailor your education to your personal interests and career goals. Through a track, you can customize your learning experience by focusing on specific knowledge, skill sets and industries.
Completion of a minimum of 36 credit hours is required for each track, within the minimum of 121 total credit hours required for degree completion and graduation.
Track courses must be taken across at least three disciplines. Related courses from other disciplines may be approved on a case-by-case basis by the program director.
Communication and creative expression
This track helps you to explore the interconnectedness between communication and creative expression and their relevance to individuals and to modern society. Relevant disciplines include Art, Art History, Communication, English, Comparative Humanities and Theatre Arts.
Health and human studies
This track explores scientific, social and environmental aspects of health and wellness, and can be customized to prepare you for professional healthcare programs like Physician’s Assistant, Physical Therapy and Speech Language Pathology. Your academic advisor can offer guidance for a more personalized interdisciplinary pre-health pathway. Track disciplines include Anthropology, Biology, Geographic and Environmental Sciences, Psychology, Sociology and Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies.
Ethics, justice and society
This track helps build knowledge on the relationship between the ethical principles and values that govern our social institutions and the challenges and issues faced in creating a morally just society. Track disciplines include Criminal Justice, Pan-African Studies, Peace Studies, Philosophy, Political Science, Social Change and Sociology.
Culture and community
This track explores cultural and social contexts and how culture interacts with an individual’s experience and perception of the world. Track disciplines include Anthropology, Deaf Studies, Disability Studies, Pan-African Studies, Religious Studies, Sociology and Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies.
Global studies
This track analyzes global issues and cultural perspectives, preparing you to live and work in settings with diverse ethnic and cultural populations and to function more effectively as a citizen of an increasingly interconnected world. Track disciplines include Anthropology, Art History, Asian Studies, Classical and Modern Languages, History, Humanities, Jewish Studies, Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies, Latin American and Latino Studies, Linguistics, Pan-African Studies and Political Science.
Applied natural sciences
This track will allow you to explore the ways in which scientists from a variety of disciplines engage in research with visible, practical, global application and to consider how scientists communicate the results of their work to the widest possible audience. This track will allow you to demonstrate an understanding of a range of discipline-specific scientific methods. Track disciplines include Biology, Chemistry, and Geographic and Environmental Sciences.
Dual Concentration
Students pursuing the dual concentration track are expected to complete either two minors, two certificates or the combination of a minor and a certificate.
Not sure which track fits best?
Upon acceptance into the program, you will work with your advisor to map your experience and degree to your goals.
Get started today!
Find out how UofL’s flexible Online BSGS program could help you earn a degree that aligns with your interest and passion.
What you learn in the Online Bachelor of Science in General Studies
Unlike traditional majors with a rigid sequence, the online BS in General Studies allows you to strategically select courses that support your goals. In collaboration with your advisor, you’ll build a cohesive academic plan across disciplines, strengthening competencies in communication, research, quantitative reasoning, cultural awareness and applied problem solving.
This customizable structure ensures your coursework is relevant, purposeful and aligned with your professional trajectory.
Online courses
The online Bachelor of Science in General Studies is a 121-credit hour program. Completion of a minimum of 36 credit hours is required for each of the degree tracks. See below curriculum components:
- General Education Requirements: 31 credit hours
- College/School Requirements: 7 credit hours
- Program/Major Requirements: 83 credit hours
Minimum Total Hours Required: 121 credit hours
To see all available online courses and degree requirements, please visit UofL's Academic Catalog page (select Degree Requirements tab).
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA): Course GNST 305 (3 credit hours)
Available for General Studies returning students who have extensive prior work experience and/or job-related college credit that can be applied toward bachelor’s degree completion requirements.
The PLA course must be taken within the first year of studies and entails documentation of workplace learning and assessment of student’s mastery of the program requirements and standards. Students in this course complete a portfolio that is required for requesting Prior Learning Credit (PLC).
Completing the course or submitting the PLC request does not guarantee credit will be granted. The credit award is determined by an academic committee outside of this course.
Start working on your application and feel free to connect with us anytime if you have questions or need further guidance.
Take the next step with confidence and build up momentum toward your bachelor’s completion.
What can I do with a bachelor’s in general studies?
A bachelor’s degree remains one of the most powerful career accelerators in today’s workforce. Completing your BS in General Studies strengthens your professional credibility while expanding the adaptable skills employers value: communication, analytical reasoning, ethical decision-making and cross-disciplinary problem solving. UofL’s general studies degree can help you:
- Advance into supervisory or leadership roles
- Transition across industries with versatile credentials
- Strengthen qualifications for graduate or professional school
- Increase long-term earning potential
According to Lightcast.io occupation outlook data, on average, jobs in fields that hire General Studies graduates are widely spread and projected to grow 5% between 2025 and 2033, with 870,108 annual job postings. The median salary for those jobs is $61,500 (Lightcast.io).
Career opportunities and earnings vary based on actual role and responsibilities, geographic location, prior experience and employer or industry. These figures reflect overall trends and are not a guarantee of individual results.
BSGS graduates are prepared to advance within their current organizations, pivot into new industries or pursue graduate education with confidence and a broader intellectual foundation. Our bachelor’s graduates go on to succeed in a variety of careers. Organizations hiring general studies graduates include but are not limited to:
- Advertising agencies
- Federal, state and local government agencies
- Event companies
- Businesses and trade associations
- Colleges, universities and schools
- Not-for-profit and special interest groups
- Public relations firms
- Political organizations
- Real estate management firms
- Health care organizations
Find out how the flexible Online BSGS program at UofL could help you finish your degree faster.
What your support network looks like
Success in an online graduate program, especially one preparing you to support young children and families, requires more than strong coursework. It requires meaningful, responsive support. From application through graduation, students in General Studies program are supported by a dedicated team that understands the realities of working professionals.
| Name | Title | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Tea Rupert | Online Enrollment Counselor | online@louisville.edu | 800-871-8635 |
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Glynis Ridley | Program Director | Glynis.ridley@louisville.edu |
|
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Danielle Dolan | Assistant Dean and Director of Advising in the College of Arts & Sciences | danielle.dolan@louisville.edu | 502-852-4115 |
Whether you need more info or are ready to apply and need further guidance, reach out to us – we are here for you!
What else should you know
The questions and answers below help you learn more about our program, delivery method, application and admission, internship process and options or how to succeed as an online student at UofL and beyond.
What can I do with this degree?
Depending on your focus areas, organizations hiring bachelor’s in general studies graduates include but are not limited to advertising agencies; federal, state, and local government agencies; businesses and trade associations; colleges, universities, and schools; not-for-profit groups; political organizations; and more! For more information about the career outlook for the BS in General Studies, check out our Outcomes tab. For more information on the focus areas, view our Courses tab.
How many credits can I earn from the Prior Learning Assessment?
The Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is completed as part of the GNST 305 course in the General Studies major. Based on past work experience and training demonstrated within the course, you can earn up to 27 credit hours tuition-free toward completion of your bachelor’s degree. For a typical student, this means reducing the course load by up to 9 courses and saving up to $15,000 in tuition cost over the duration of the program.
What are the focus areas or tracks I can choose from?
The BS in General Studies has 7 track options that let you focus on specific areas of interest or experience to build a degree that suits your unique goals. Tracks include:
- Communication and Creative Expression
- Health and Human Studies
- Ethics, Justice and Society
- Cultural and Community
- Global Studies
- Applied Natural Sciences
- Dual Concentrations
How does the Prior Learning Assessment work?
The Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is completed as part of the GNST 305 course in the General Studies major. Through the course, students create a prior learning assessment portfolio and become acclimated to writing requirements and style guidelines within the major. Based on past work experience and training illustrated within the course, students can earn up to 27 credit hours tuition-free toward completion of their bachelor’s degree.
Is financial aid available for this program?
Yes, there is financial aid and some scholarships available for this program. You can learn more about financial aid and scholarship options on the tuition page.
Whether you need more info or are ready to apply and need further guidance, reach out to us – we are here for you!
