Bachelor of General Studies
Introduction
The broad curricular structure of the Bachelor of General Studies (B.G.S.) degree allows students to pursue prescribed tracks (Computer Science and Law Enforcement, Digital Marketing, Nonprofit Management, or Pre-Health) or a self-designed course of study that represents a combination of disciplines not reflected by traditional majors. Students can create a B.G.S. degree path that prepares them for entry into professional careers, or to seek professional or graduate education opportunities.
General Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Curriculum | 42 | |
| Academic Minors (3 Required) | 54 | |
| Electives | 24 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
CIP Code: 24.0102
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Curriculum | ||
| Communication | 3 | |
| Communication | 3 | |
| Mathematics | 3 | |
| Life and Physical Science | 3 | |
| Life and Physical Science | 3 | |
| Language, Philosophy, and Culture | 3 | |
| Creative Arts | 3 | |
| American History | 3 | |
| American History | 3 | |
| Government/Political Science | 3 | |
| Government/Political Science | 3 | |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| Component Area Option | 3 | |
| First Year Seminar 1 | ||
| Component Area Option | 3 | |
| Subtotal: | 42 | |
| Prescribed Electives 2 | 54 | |
Self-Designed Track | ||
Pre-Health Track | ||
Computer Science and Law Enforcement Track | ||
Non-Profit Management Track | ||
Digital Marketing Track | ||
| Subtotal: | 54 | |
| Electives | ||
| As needed to complete 120 credit hours required. | 24 | |
| Subtotal: | 24 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
- 1
EDUC 1301 may be substituted for UNIV 1301 First Year Seminar
- 2
Required coursework for each track is provided below.
Prescribed Tracks
Self-Designed Track
Students pursuing the self-designed track must complete 3 minors from 2 of the university’s 3 colleges and electives as needed to bring the total number of SCH to 120.
Pre-Health Track
Students must complete 3 of the following 6 minors and elective credits as needed to bring the total number of SCH to 120. The 3 minors completed by the student must come from 2 of the university’s 3 colleges.
Biochemistry Minor
The following courses are required:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 1311 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 1111 | General Chemistry Lab I | 1 |
| CHEM 1312 | General Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 1112 | General Chemistry Lab II | 1 |
| CHEM 2323 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 2123 | Organic Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| CHEM 2325 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 2125 | Organic Chemistry II Lab | 1 |
| CHEM 4341 | Biochemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 4141 | Biochemistry Laboratory | 1 |
| CHEM 4342 | Biochemistry II | 3 |
| Total Credits | 23 | |
Biology Minor
To earn a minor in Biology, students are advised to take BIOL 1306 Gen Biology I-Attr Living Sys and BIOL 1307 Gen Biology II-Biol Organisms to fulfill their core requirements in the physical and life sciences in order to stay within 120 credit hours for their degree plans. A minor in biology thus consists of 6 credits in the core (General Biology I and II), and an additional 16-18 credit hours in BIOL. See below for specific courses and course-requirements for a Biology Minor.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 1306 | Gen Biology I-Attr Living Sys | 3 |
| BIOL 1307 | Gen Biology II-Biol Organisms | 3 |
| BIOL 1106 | General Biology I Lab | 1 |
| BIOL 1107 | General Biology II - Lab | 1 |
| BIOL 2411 | Genetics | 4 |
| Select an additional 10-12 credits in Biology 1 | 10-12 | |
| Total Credits | 22-24 | |
- 1
10 of which must be upper-division
Chemistry Minor
The following courses are required:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 1311 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 1111 | General Chemistry Lab I | 1 |
| CHEM 1312 | General Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 1112 | General Chemistry Lab II | 1 |
| CHEM 2323 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 2123 | Organic Chemistry I Lab | 1 |
| Select two additional upper-division (3000 or 4000) CHEM courses | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Psychology Minor
The minor consists of a total of 18 hours, including:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSYC 2301 | General Psychology 1 | 3 |
| PSYC 2388 | Psychological Research/Stats I | 3 |
| Select at least 12 hours of upper-division Psychology courses | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
- 1
A minimum grade of C in PSYC 2301 General Psychology is required of students pursuing a minor in Psychology.
Health Minor
The minor in Health will complement existing BS programs in kinesiology, psychology, sociology, and others. These courses will prepare students for careers in the public and community health sector. Students wishing to minor in health must complete 18 semester credit hours from the following:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 18 credits of the following: | 18 | |
| Consumer Health | ||
| Growth Dvlpmnt and Sexuality | ||
| Drug Education | ||
| Community Health | ||
| Women's Health | ||
| Disease Entities/Epidemiology | ||
| Prgrm Plan for Hlth Promotion | ||
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Exercise Science and Pre-Physical Theory Minor
The Exercise Science and Pre-PT minor is for students interested in a non-public school teaching profession, continuing their education in Exercise Science, or applying to a PT program to further their education:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| EDKN 3426 | Basic Physiology of Exercise 1 | 4 |
| EDKN 3315 | Functional Anatomy 2 | 3 |
| EDKN 4325 | Biomechanics 1 | 3 |
| EDKN 4401 | Exercise Test and Prescription 3 | 4 |
| EDKN 1301 | Foundations of Kinesiology | 3 |
| or EDKN 1338 | Fitness and Wellness | |
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Exercise in Chronic Disease and Disabilities | ||
| Adv Physiology of Exercise | ||
| Motor Dev and Motor Learning | ||
| Total Credits | 20-21 | |
- 1
EDKN 3315 Functional Anatomy is a prerequisite.
- 2
BIOL 1306 Gen Biology I-Attr Living Sys is a prerequisite.
- 3
EDKN 3426 Basic Physiology of Exercise is a prerequisite.
Computer Science and Law Enforcement Track
Students must complete 3 of the following minors.
Criminology and Criminal Justice Minor
To earn a minor in criminology and criminal justice, a student must complete:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CRIM 1301 | Intro to Criminal Justice | 3 |
| CRIM 2330 | Theories of Crime Causation | 3 |
| CRIM 3350 | Crime & Justice Policy | 3 |
| CRIM 3385 | Criminal Law | 3 |
| Select six additional hours of upper division CRIM courses | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Political Science Minor
The minimum requirement is 18 hours to include:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| POLS 3302 | Research and Analy in Pol Sci | 3 |
| POLS 3341 | International Relations | 3 |
| POLS 3351 | Comparative Politics | 3 |
| POLS 3321 | Pol Theory Ancient & Medieval | 3 |
| or POLS 3322 | Polit Theory Early Mdrn &Mdrn | |
| Select six additional hours of upper-division POLS courses | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Psychology Minor
The minor consists of a total of 18 hours, including:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSYC 2301 | General Psychology 1 | 3 |
| PSYC 2388 | Psychological Research/Stats I | 3 |
| Select at least 12 hours of upper-division Psychology courses | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
- 1
A minimum grade of C in PSYC 2301 General Psychology is required of students pursuing a minor in Psychology.
Business Administration Minor
The following courses are required:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| ACCT 2301 | Principles of Financial Acct | 3 |
| MGMT 3311 | Principles of Management | 3 |
| MKTG 3311 | Principles of Marketing | 3 |
| Select nine hours from the following: | 9 | |
| Bus Communication | ||
| Business Law | ||
| Business and Society | ||
| Management Information Systems | ||
| Human Resources Mgmt and Proc | ||
| Digital Marketing | ||
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Computer Information Systems Minor
Available only to non-business majors
The following courses are required:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CISA 1305 | Business Computer Applications | 3 |
| CSCI 1436 | Programming Fundamentals I | 4 |
| CISA 2356 | Systems Analysis and Design | 3 |
| CISA 3358 | Management Information Systems | 3 |
| Select four approved advanced CISA courses | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 25 | |
Computer Science Minor
Available to any major
The computer science minor consists of the following required courses (18 hours):
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CSCI 1436 | Programming Fundamentals I | 4 |
| CSCI 1437 | Programming Fundamentals II | 4 |
| CSCI 2436 | Programming Fundamentals III | 4 |
| CSCI 3304 | Database Systems | 3 |
| Select three additional semester credit hours from an upper-division CSCI course or approved CISA/CETE elective | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Education Minor
The minimum number shall be 18 semester hours (beyond EDCI 1301 Introduction to Teaching), 12 of which must be advanced.
Non-Profit Management Track
Business Administration Minor
The following courses are required:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| ACCT 2301 | Principles of Financial Acct | 3 |
| MGMT 3311 | Principles of Management | 3 |
| MKTG 3311 | Principles of Marketing | 3 |
| Select nine hours from the following: | 9 | |
| Bus Communication | ||
| Business Law | ||
| Business and Society | ||
| Management Information Systems | ||
| Human Resources Mgmt and Proc | ||
| Digital Marketing | ||
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Communication Minor
The following lower division courses are required:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required | ||
| COMM 1307 | Intro to Mass Communication | 3 |
| COMM 2300 | Multimedia Literacy | 3 |
| Select 12 hours of the following: | 12 | |
| Principles of Advertising | ||
| History of Journalism | ||
| Public Relations | ||
| Theories of Communication | ||
| Media Effects | ||
| Media Ethics | ||
| Mass Media Public and the Law | ||
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Sociology Minor
The minor consists of:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SOCI 1301 | Principles of Sociology | 3 |
| SOCI 1306 | Social Problems | 3 |
| Select 12 hours of upper-division Sociology courses | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Women's and Gender Studies Minor
This minor requires Intro Women's and Gender Stds (WGST 2301) and 15 additional semester hours of courses from the list below, at least 12 of which must be upper-division. No more than 9 hours in any one discipline may apply toward the Women’s and Gender Studies minor.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| WGST 2301 | Intro Women's and Gender Stds | 3 |
| Select 5 from the following, including at least 12 upper division: | 15 | |
| Women's Health | ||
| Intersectional Shakespeare | ||
| Special Topics in English 1 | ||
| Studies in Women's Literature | ||
| Women in History | ||
| Women & Gender-Latin America | ||
| Childhood in America | ||
| Crucial Topics in History (When taught from a Women's and Gender Studies perspective.) | ||
| Women in Music | ||
| Women and Politics | ||
| Intimate Relationships | ||
| Gender Issues | ||
| Human Sexuality | ||
| Gender and Society | ||
| LGBTQ+ | ||
| Myths & Reality-Marrige/Family | ||
| Inequality/Social Stratificatn | ||
| Families and Inequality | ||
| Selected Topics in Family (When taught from a Women's and Gender Studies perspective.) | ||
| Deconstructing Disney: Race, Gender, and Age | ||
| Sex, Sexuality, and Society | ||
| Women of Color | ||
| Selected Topics in Sociology (When taught from a Women's and Gender Studies perspective.) | ||
| Total Credits | 18 | |
- 1
When taught from a Women’s and Gender Studies perspective
Exercise Science and Pre-PT Minor
The Exercise Science and Pre-PT minor is for students interested in a non-public school teaching profession, continuing their education in Exercise Science, or applying to a PT program to further their education:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| EDKN 3426 | Basic Physiology of Exercise 1 | 4 |
| EDKN 3315 | Functional Anatomy 2 | 3 |
| EDKN 4325 | Biomechanics 1 | 3 |
| EDKN 4401 | Exercise Test and Prescription 3 | 4 |
| EDKN 1301 | Foundations of Kinesiology | 3 |
| or EDKN 1338 | Fitness and Wellness | |
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Exercise in Chronic Disease and Disabilities | ||
| Adv Physiology of Exercise | ||
| Motor Dev and Motor Learning | ||
| Total Credits | 20-21 | |
- 1
EDKN 3315 Functional Anatomy is a prerequisite.
- 2
BIOL 1306 Gen Biology I-Attr Living Sys is a prerequisite.
- 3
EDKN 3426 Basic Physiology of Exercise is a prerequisite.
Digital Marketing Track
Business Administration Minor
The following courses are required:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| ACCT 2301 | Principles of Financial Acct | 3 |
| MGMT 3311 | Principles of Management | 3 |
| MKTG 3311 | Principles of Marketing | 3 |
| Select nine hours from the following: | 9 | |
| Bus Communication | ||
| Business Law | ||
| Business and Society | ||
| Management Information Systems | ||
| Human Resources Mgmt and Proc | ||
| Digital Marketing | ||
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Computer Science Minor
Available to any major
The computer science minor consists of the following required courses (18 hours):
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CSCI 1436 | Programming Fundamentals I | 4 |
| CSCI 1437 | Programming Fundamentals II | 4 |
| CSCI 2436 | Programming Fundamentals III | 4 |
| CSCI 3304 | Database Systems | 3 |
| Select three additional semester credit hours from an upper-division CSCI course or approved CISA/CETE elective | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
History Minor
The minimum requirement shall be 18 semester hours, consisting of:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HIST 2321 & HIST 2322 | World Civilizations I and World Civilizations II | 6 |
| HIST 3301 | Intro to Historical Analysis | 3 |
| HIST 4301 | Methods of Historical Research | 3 |
| Adv. HIST Elective | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Sociology Minor
The minor consists of:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SOCI 1301 | Principles of Sociology | 3 |
| SOCI 1306 | Social Problems | 3 |
| Select 12 hours of upper-division Sociology courses | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Education Minor
The minimum number shall be 18 semester hours (beyond EDCI 1301 Introduction to Teaching), 12 of which must be advanced.
Health Minor
The minor in Health will complement existing BS programs in kinesiology, psychology, sociology, and others. These courses will prepare students for careers in the public and community health sector. Students wishing to minor in health must complete 18 semester credit hours from the following:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 18 credits of the following: | 18 | |
| Consumer Health | ||
| Growth Dvlpmnt and Sexuality | ||
| Drug Education | ||
| Community Health | ||
| Women's Health | ||
| Disease Entities/Epidemiology | ||
| Prgrm Plan for Hlth Promotion | ||
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Mexican American, Latinx, and Borderlands Studies Minor
This minor consists of SOCI 2361 Introduction to Mexican American, Latinx, and Borderlands Studies and 15 additional semester hours of courses from the following list:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SOCI 2361 | Introduction to Mexican American, Latinx, and Borderlands Studies | 3 |
| Select 15 additional semester hours of the following: 1 | 15 | |
| LatinX Art Appreciation | ||
| Border Security Issues | ||
| Borderland Rhetorics | ||
| Literature of the Americas | ||
| Mexican American Literature an | ||
| Special Topics in English (When taught from a Mexican American Latinx and Borderlands Studies perspective.) | ||
| Latinx Literature | ||
| Multilingual & Multicult Educ | ||
| Working with Diverse Families and Young Children | ||
| Multicultural Children's Literature | ||
| Texas History | ||
| Native American History | ||
| Mexican American History | ||
| History of the Spanish Borderlands | ||
| Europe in the Middle Ages | ||
| The American West | ||
| Mexico | ||
| Crucial Topics in History (when appropriate) | ||
| Entrp: Spcl Topics Entrprnrshp | ||
| International Relations | ||
| Govt and Politics of Mexico | ||
| Spec Studies in Polit Sci | ||
| Mexican Americans: Identity, Movements, and Social Justice | ||
| Immigration, Racial Politics, and Nation | ||
| Soci & Natural Sys US-Mex Brdr | ||
| Mexican American Families | ||
| Race and Ethnicity | ||
| Afrx-Latinxs: Race, Culture, and Transnationalism | ||
| Latin American Film History | ||
| Hispanic Culture | ||
| Topics in Span Literature (When taught from a Mexican American Latinx and Borderlands Studies perspective.) | ||
| Total Credits | 18 | |
- 1
At least 6 semester hours of advanced work are required.
This suggested plan of study is intended to be used as a guide in conjunction with official degree requirements outlined in the catalog. While this plan demonstrates a course of study that covers eight semesters, each student’s academic path is unique and your timeline may look different. Students should regularly consult with academic advisors as they plan their course schedules as course offerings may vary.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| First Semester | Credits | |
| Communication Core | 3 | |
| American History Core | 3 | |
| Mathematics Core | 3 | |
| Life and Physical Science Core | 3 | |
| UNIV 1301 | First Year Seminar | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| Communication Core | 3 | |
| Life and Physical Science Core | 3 | |
| Language, Philosophy, and Culture Core | 3 | |
| American History Core | 3 | |
| Government/Political Science Core | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
| First Semester | ||
| Government/Political Science Core | 3 | |
| Component Area Option Core | 3 | |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences Core | 3 | |
| Creative Arts Core | 3 | |
| Prescribed Electives (As needed based on selected track.) | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| Prescribed Electives (As needed based on selected track.) | 3 | |
| Prescribed Electives (As needed based on selected track.) | 3 | |
| Prescribed Electives (As needed based on selected track.) | 3 | |
| Prescribed Electives (As needed based on selected track.) | 3 | |
| Prescribed Electives (As needed based on selected track.) | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Third Year | ||
| First Semester | ||
| Prescribed Electives (As needed based on selected track.) | 3 | |
| Prescribed Electives (As needed based on selected track.) | 3 | |
| Prescribed Electives (As needed based on selected track.) | 3 | |
| Prescribed Electives (As needed based on selected track.) | 3 | |
| Prescribed Electives (As needed based on selected track.) | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| Prescribed Electives (As needed based on selected track.) | 3 | |
| Prescribed Electives (As needed based on selected track.) | 3 | |
| Prescribed Electives (As needed based on selected track.) | 3 | |
| Prescribed Electives (As needed based on selected track.) | 3 | |
| Prescribed Electives (As needed based on selected track.) | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| First Semester | ||
| Prescribed Electives (As needed based on selected track.) | 3 | |
| Elective (As needed to complete 120 credit hours.) | 3 | |
| Elective (As needed to complete 120 credit hours.) | 3 | |
| Elective (As needed to complete 120 credit hours.) | 3 | |
| Elective (As needed to complete 120 credit hours.) | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| Prescribed Electives (As needed based on selected track.) | 3 | |
| Elective (As needed to complete 120 credit hours.) | 3 | |
| Elective (As needed to complete 120 credit hours.) | 3 | |
| Elective (As needed to complete 120 credit hours.) | 3 | |
| Elective (As needed to complete 120 credit hours.) | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |