Academic Advising & Student Development
Bachelor of General Studies
Turn Your Passions Into Possibilities By Completing a General Studies Degree.
OFFERED AS:
Major
FORMAT:
In-Person
CREDITS REQUIRED:
120
A Bachelor of Science General Studies degree offers the flexibility to design an academic program that fits your unique interests, goals, and schedule. Whether you're a new student looking to build an interdisciplinary major tailored to your career goals or a current student seeking a pathway to complete your degree, general studies offers an adaptable curriculum that values your experience and empowers your future.
Why Choose Kutztown University for a General Studies Degree
Kutztown University’s general studies major empowers students to shape an academic path that truly fits their goals. By combining a focused concentration area with a wide range of student-defined electives, our programs let learners customize their studies around interests such as business, education, the arts, and the sciences. Ideal for new students to craft a unique major, current students looking for a new path to graduation, or returning adults looking to finish what they started at other institutions, the general studies degree offers a practical and purposeful route to graduation.
General Studies for Students Starting their Degree at Kutztown
The Bachelor of General Studies program requires students to complete 21 credits in a concentration area, like art or chemistry, plus 30 to 39 credits as defined by the student. Students also need to satisfy Kutztown University’s General Education requirements.
This option is well-suited for current students who are looking to craft a unique, interdisciplinary major attuned to their educational and career goals, as well as students who are looking to complete their undergraduate degree but are unable to complete their current major due to time or financial constraints.
General Studies for Students Transferring into Kutztown
The Bachelor of General Studies: Professional Studies program requires students to complete one of two options: 30 credits in a single concentration area or 36 credits split equally between two concentration areas. Students also need to satisfy Kutztown University's General Education requirements.
This option is available to readmit and transfer students who have not been enrolled in an institution of higher education for the past 3 years and have previously completed 90 credits of coursework.
The General Studies Program at Kutztown University helped me find the right pathway for me! With the tremendous help of my advisors, Dr. Lem and Dr. Mayrhofer, I was able to create and tailor my own academic journey, choosing the classes I needed and would later come to excel in! I graduated with my Bachelor's Degree in General Studies in May of 2025, and I am so grateful for the opportunities I was given, as it has pushed me to pursue my academic career, and I will be receiving my Master's Degree in Elementary Education PreK-4: Initial Certification in the Fall of 2026!
Danielle R, '25General Studies Degree Highlights
Your experience as a general studies major provides you with interdisciplinary preparation for a variety of careers and fields. By exploring coursework across fields such as communication, social sciences, humanities, technology, and business, students develop adaptable skills that employers consistently value, like critical thinking, problem‑solving, writing, communication, and teamwork. By emphasizing a well-rounded academic experience, general studies program graduates develop strong foundational skills that employers are looking for.
Program Highlights:
- Build your own degree to meet your professional and personal interests
- One-on-one faculty mentoring to help you refine and reach your academic goals
- Flexible options for transfer students who have previous credits from other institutions
- Graduate prepared for a career or to pursue a graduate degree
- Earn an affordable degree on Kutztown’s scenic campus
- Experience vibrant campus life to gain even more professional experiences
Student Learning Outcomes
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Student Learning Outcomes
- Critically analyze complex issues and evaluate diverse perspectives.
- Integrate knowledge from multiple disciplines to answer questions and solve problems.
- Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills across different contexts and audiences.
General Studies Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the difference between a general studies degree and a liberal arts degree?
General studies degrees and liberal arts degrees are similar but have some key differences. A Bachelor of General Studies offers maximum flexibility, allowing students to choose coursework across many disciplines, including business, technology, communication, social science, the arts, and more. Liberal arts degrees are more defined, with a focus on more traditional academic disciplines, such as the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics.
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Is the general studies degree the same as undecided or undeclared?
No, becoming a general studies major is not the same as being undeclared or undecided. General studies students are designing a bachelor’s degree to meet their personal and professional goals. Kutztown University students seeking guidance on selecting a major enter our Exploratory Studies program to work with academic advisors, career specialists, and faculty to identify an academic area of interest.
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What can I do with a degree in general studies?
A general studies degree prepares students for a range of career pathways, equipping them with a skill set to impress employers. All general studies students graduate with critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills, making them ready to solve real-world problems across industries or continue their education in graduate school.
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Is an internship required for a Bachelor of General Studies?
No, an internship is not a requirement to graduate with a general studies degree. Students are encouraged to complete an internship in their field of interest to gain practical, hands-on experiences, build skills, and expand their professional network.
Program Guides and Contact
Students who are interested in the General Studies program can access the program guides.
Interested students may also contact the General Studies program coordinator, Dr. Steve B. Lem at lem@kutztown.edu.