What is General Studies?
B.G.S. is a program designed to identify students’ knowledge in areas such as agriculture, art, science and more. There are 16 focus areas to choose from, and they are defined by subject. Each consists of 18 credit hours minimum.

Get in touch with our knowledgeable admissions team to get all your questions answered.
All UW faculty are part of B.G.S. and contribute to students’ learning in different
departments within each college.
Our faculty have won teaching awards, led impactful research, published books, and
continue to bring relevant real-world experiences to the classroom. With their support,
students in the B.G.S. program have access to the resources that will help them complete
their degrees and prepare for life beyond school.

What Can You Do with a Bachelor of General Studies?
A variety of career opportunities are available to those with a B.G.S. Their focus area will impact the type of work they may pursue. Our program recognizes that the connection between degree and career is not a straight line. Instead, students are acquiring a diverse range of knowledge and competencies that employers highly value. By studying a broad range of subjects, you will develop critical thinking, communication and problem-solving skills applicable to various professional fields.
- ANB Bank
- National Print Group
- State of Wyoming
- Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino
- Black Diamond Digital Imaging
- and many, many more!
UW’s B.G.S. program gives students a chance to complete their degree in an area that interests them, all while receiving the best resources we have available. Student organizations, research opportunities and more will show students all the places they can explore.
This program helps students build the essential skills needed to succeed and adapt in today’s ever-changing professional world. These skills are developed through six categories, including:
- Communication
- Human Culture
- the Physical & Natural World
- Quantitative Reasoning
- the U.S. & Wyoming government
- First Year Seminar
Yes, you can pursue a graduate degree with a B.G.S. Many graduate programs accept students from diverse academic backgrounds, as long as you meet the specific prerequisites and admission requirements for the program you're applying to.
“This program is a good option for students returning to school to best utilize their earned hours that may be in different academic areas and ultimately help students finish their degree they started many years ago."
- UW Academic Advisor