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Bachelor of General Studies
The Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) is an interdisciplinary degree that allows students to enhance personal goals by connecting three Texas State minors, two General Studies courses and appropriate supporting courses.
Students who are challenged by choosing one major can find 67 minor options. The BGS degree may also be ideal for students who have invested a large number of hours in another degree but wish to change academic goals.
The BGS Student of the Month:
Name: Javier Resendez
Classification: Senior
Hometown: Austin, TX
Nominated by: Amy Beck, Supervisor, Academic Advisor: University College
1. Why did you select BGS as your major?
I arrived at Texas State four years ago set with the idea of becoming a music teacher. As I completed my core curriculum, I discovered that I excelled in other areas besides music. I became extremely fascinated in psychology and the study of the mind. I realized that music wasn't all I was good at, and by combining my interest I could create a field of ideas which would influence many more than just the students of a band hall setting. I selected BGS as my major because it was the most logical decision in combining all I eventually want to do.
2. What are your three minors?
Music, Psychology, and Family & Child Development
3. How did you select your minors?
Well, I have always known that I would do something with music. Working as a Camp Counselor for summer camps in high school and volunteering at Austin Community Steel Band paved the way to combining music and my joy of working with children. Having the opportunity to teach and develop such young musicians reminded me of my own musical journey and insprired me to put everything I had into growing more with this group of musicians. As I finally entered college, I took an Intro to Psychology course taught by Professor Claudia Brown and loved everything about the class. She was engaging, enthusiastic, and overall an amazing teacher that opened my eyes to the world of psychology. This class alone sparked my own curiosity of studying the powerful effects that music has on the human psyche.
4. How does this major fit with your career goals?
I will never let go of the fact that I can naturally teach anything I set my mind to. In the future, I plan to teach on the collegiate level in Music Therapy; a combination of music and psychology from an educational and therapeutic perspective. I plan to explore and develop how to use music as a form of occupational therapy. My three minors stand as the basis of what I eventually want to be.
5. What advice do you have for students considering majoring in BGS?
Be bold, creative, and a leader. Do not be afraid to make change happen. I like to remind myself that anything is possible with proper determination and guidance. This interdisciplinary major is for the "Jack-of-all-trade" students whose many talents don't quite fit into the pre-established degree system of academia. BGS students are the future of tomorrow. We are strong, creative people whose abilities are not limited or set by just one degree. In fact, we are inventors of a multitude of degrees combined all into one. My advice for future students is to always stick with your passion and never give up.
The BGS Minor of the Month: English
(The Minor of the Month is selected by the University College Advising Center. Email us to let us know if you would like to nominate a particular minor.)
A minor in English requires 24 semester hours in ENG 1310 and 1320; 6 hours of Sophomore Literature; and 12 advanced hours of ENG Electives. Students should speak with their BGS advisor about which ENG classes they would like to take. Minors are encouraged to complete one course that centers on genre, theme, or theory.
An example of courses that may be taken for this minor include:
ENG 3303 - Technical Writing: The study and practice of expository writing in technical and scientific professions. Emphasis on planning, writing, revising, editing, and proofreading proposals, reports, and other forms of professional communication for a variety of audiences. Computer technology included.
ENG 3321 - The Short Story: The short story throughout the world since Poe and Gogol.
ENG 3385 - Children's Literature: A survey of traditional and contemporary literature for children with attention to literary history, aesthetic qualities, and critical approaches.
Dennis R. ChandlerFor More Information:
- The BGS Undergraduate Curriculum
- Declaring the BGS Major
- BGS Minor Checksheets
- BGS Graduation Information
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For more information or to declare a General Studies major contact:
University College Advising Center
Office: Academic Services Building North 100
Phone: 512.245.2218
Fax: 512.245.8765
E-mail: ucadvising@txstate.edu
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