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 68 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:

^{(Students are selected by nominations and recommendation submitted to the University College Advising Center: ucadvising@txstate.edu.)}

November 2009: Wakiko Nagae

Name: Wakiko Nagae
Classification: Senior
Hometown: Toyama, Japan
Nominated by: Claudia Treviño, Academic Advisor: University College

   1. Why did you select BGS as your major?

I selected BGS because I was interested in many different fields and I did not want to limit my interests. I think college is the time that you explore and find out more about yourself.

   2. What are your three minors?

My three-minors are Communication Studies, Anthropology and Geography.

   3. How did you select your minors?

I used to be a Communication Studies major but as I took different core classes, I realized that I wanted to learn other subjects more. I actually wanted to study many other fields, but I picked Geography and Anthropology for multiple reasons.

   4. How does this major fit with your career goals?

I do not have a particular career goal yet, but I do have a job offer in Japan. My minors will help me to communicate with various people in any job I pick.

   5. What advice do you have for students considering a Bachelor of General Studies major?

I think the General Studies major is good major in terms of the "free choice" in your minors. Still, I would advise that students should have some clear idea about what they are doing. And of course, it would be great if you can find something that you really love to learn!

The BGS Minor of the Month: French

^{(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 French requires 15 upper division hours in the language. The first two years of introductory and intermediate level course work (FR 1410, 1420, 2310 and 2320) serve as prerequisites to all upper division courses. Students may satisfy these prerequisites by passing a credit-bearing test (e.g. CLEP or departmental proficiency exam) or successfully completing the courses.   

An example of courses that may be taken for this minor include:

FR 3305 - Acting French: An introduction to upper division courses in French designed to strengthen reading skills and oral command of the language through the study and performance of short French plays from the classical to the contemporary period.

FR 3381 - Business French I: A course designed for students interested in business related careers. The course will help students to become familiar with basic French business language and the specifics of Francophone business cultures.

FR 4370 - French Civilization (WI): A survey of the cultural institutions of France designed to provide a background for a better understanding of the French people, encompassing the development of French culture and the forces that have shaped modern France. Recent essays, films, and comparative analyses of French-American relations will be presented. Repeatable for credit with different emphasis. 

Number of Current BGS Students Minoring in French: None at this time. 

For More Information:

• The BGS Undergraduate Curriculum
  
• BGS Minor Checksheets

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