Applied Studies Major, B.G.S.

Applied Studies Major, Bachelor of General Studies

BGS students pursuing an applied studies concentration in either public service or enterprising leadership will do so in an accelerated, cohort format.  Students in both of those applied studies concentrations will take a set curriculum in order to satisfy degree completion.  Students can pursue a BGS in either public service or enterprising leadership after completing sixty (60) credit hours and fulfilling the University of Southern Indiana Core 39 (not including the embedded experiences).  The BGS applied studies concentrations are designed for students to gain specialized knowledge for practical applications in either the public or private sector.  The technical supervision and leadership concentration was created to satisfy a regional need for graduates of apprenticeships in selected building trades. 

B.G.S. Degree Requirements

• All University general admission requirements, academic policies, and academic standards for other baccalaureate degree programs apply to the BGS program.
• All students seeking the degree Bachelor of General Studies must fulfill Core 39 requirements. Core 39 requirements are listed elsewhere in this bulletin.
• At least 39 hours must be at the upper division (300-400) level.
• A minimum of 30 hours of credit toward the degree must be earned at USI.
• Students seeking admission to the BGS program should make application to the USI Office of Admission. Students pursuing an individualized study concentration can declare the major immediately upon entering the University.  Students pursuing an applied studies concentration (public service or enterprising leadership) must have earned sixty (60) credit hours and fulfill the University of Southern Indiana Core 39, not including the embedded experiences, before applying to the BGS applied studies program.  Due to the accelerated, cohort nature of the applied studies concentrations, students wishing to pursue this degree program must be accepted into the program by the BGS program director.  The required sixty (60) credit hours can be earned at USI, transferred in from other accredited universities, or take the form of block credit based on an assessment of competencies (i.e., military experience).
• Students must have a cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale in order to be considered for admission into one of the applied studies concentrations.  Students cannot declare an individualized studies program of study with below a 2.0 cumulative undergraduate grade point average on a 4.0 scale.
• Up to six hours of credit may be earned through an occupational experience (
  BGS 490 General Studies Internship
   ).
• Individualized Studies Concentration: BGS students who select the individualized studies option will work closely with an advisor to design a program of study to meet individual educational and career objectives. This flexible program enables students to create their own “major,” utilizing courses from two or more academic disciplines. Previous hours earned at other institutions will be evaluated according to USI transfer policies.
• Applied Studies Concentration: This option is for students who have completed a formal associate degree program or have amassed considerable college credit.  In order to be admitted into this concentration, applicants must have completed the USI Core 39 (not including embedded experiences) and have accumulated at least sixty (60) credit hours of college credit.
• Up to 60 hours may be transferred from associate degree programs, depending on the transferability of specific courses or programs. For technical degrees and/or certificates, credit may be awarded as a block (not a recognition of individual courses for transfer). The amount of credit awarded will be determined by the BGS program director.

Public Service Concentration (60 credit hours)

Enterprising Leadership Concentration (60 credit hours)

Applied Studies Option for Graduates of Apprenticeships in Selected Building Trades

Through a partnership with the Indiana building trades apprenticeship and training programs and Ivy Tech Community College, the USI Bachelor of General Studies Program recognizes the technical training and the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree as a significant milestone toward the bachelor’s degree. Prospective students who have completed an apprenticeship program in selected building trades and hold an AAS from Ivy Tech are eligible to pursue the Applied Studies option with a concentration in Technical Supervision and Leadership. In addition to the required courses, students must complete all USI Core 39 requirements even if meeting the requirements means the student graduates with more than the minimum hours required for a baccalaureate degree. Students are encouraged to work closely with the BGS advisor to avoid duplication of coursework.

• MATH 111 - College Algebra Credits: 4 and
• MATH 112 - Trigonometry Credits: 3

• or

• MATH 118 - Comprehensive Pre-Calculus Credits: 5

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• CIS 151 - Computer Applications in Business Credits: 3
• ENGR 103 - Principles of Problem Solving Credits: 3
• ENGR 104 - Applied Problem Solving Credits: 3
• TECH 275 - Statistics and Safety in Manufacturing Credits: 3
• MNGT 201 - Survey of Management Credits: 3
• MNGT 315 - Management of Organizational Behavior Credits: 3
• CMST 314 - Organizational Communication Credits: 3
• ENGR 482 - Engineering Organization and Management Credits: 3
• MNGT 361 - Business Environmental Factors Credits: 3
• MNGT 341 - Human Resource Management Credits: 3
• MNGT 408 - Collective Bargaining and Industrial Relations Credits: 3
• BGS 490 - General Studies Internship Credits: 1-6 (6 hour internship required)
• Directed Elective 300-400 level, Credits: 3