Non-traditional degree lets students design their own program

"The bachelor of general studies allows students maximum flexibility to custom-design a curriculum to their personal and career goals," says Dr. Miriam J. Shillingsburg.

Shillingsburg, associate vice president for academic affairs and a BGS graduate herself, says the individually crafted curricula must ensure “both a depth and breadth of academic study.”

Applicants must have a minimum 2.0 high school grade-point average (on a 4.0 scale).

A total of 128 class hours are required to complete the degree: 64 in lower-division, 36 in an upper-division concentration, and 28 in electives.

"To assure coherence, a student must construct and explain the rationale for the program's direct relationship to his or her personal and career goals," Shillingsburg adds.

To do this, the student must find advisers in at least two academic disciplines who agree to sponsor the student in drawing up the proposed curriculum, formulating the written rationale and presenting the case to the General Studies Committee. These requirements must be met prior to beginning the program.

"Normally, the committee meets within two weeks of pre-registration during the fall and spring semesters and students must make written application at least 30 days prior to pre-registration," Shillingsburg says.

Application for the general studies program may be made through the Office of Academic Affairs, Box BQ, Mississippi State, MS 39762. The telephone number is 325-3742.