General Studies, B.S.

Mandeville Hall:105C
Telephone: (203) 576-4452

Program Description

The Bachelor of Science degree in General Studies is for the student who wishes great flexibility in pursuing college work as well as for the student with well defined goals. The candidate for the B.S. Program will “custommake” his or her course of study, which may include interdisciplinary work that does not fit well into conventional degree programs. Planning and revision of the programs will be done with a faculty advisor. Many graduates holding this degree have been accepted for advanced work by other institutions. However, since graduate school admissions policies vary greatly depending upon the program and institution, students contemplating graduate study should inform themselves of such requirements.

Learning Outcomes

By completing the program in General Studies, students will: 1) be able to communicate effectively in writing so that one may advance professionally and apply to graduate programs; 2) be able to comprehend, analyze, and interpret texts in a variety of disciplines; 3) be able to present orally one’s own thoughts and plans; 4) be able to recognize a problem and devise a plan of action to solve it; 5) be able to show mastery of several disciplines within an academic area of concentration; and 6) demonstrate an ethical mindset and exercise professional responsibility in a global context.

Degree Requirements

1. A minimum of 120 hours with minimum cumulative quality point ratio of 2.00.
2. The student must have an area of concentration with a minimum of 30 semester hours (no maximum), in one of the following areas: Business Studies; Humanities; Natural Science/Mathematics; Science, Engineering, or Computer Related Fields; and Social Sciences. Students may also elect a second area of concentration. A grade of “C” or above is required in all courses used to fulfill this requirement. No more than four 100 level courses can be counted in an area of concentration.
3. At least half of the semester hours to be counted in the area of concentration must be completed at the University of Bridgeport.
4. Students may not take core courses or courses counting in an area of concentration or a minor on a pass/fail basis. The University policy on pass/fail courses limits this option to a maximum of six courses (two courses per semester) during a student’s academic career, for free electives only.
5. General Studies majors may include one or more minors in their programs. Courses used to fulfill requirements for a minor may not be counted in an area of concentration.