Bachelor of General Studies
The Bachelor of General Studies degree is one of the most popular programs at Athabasca University. It provides a framework of individualized study within an Arts and Science or Applied Studies designation that offers students the freedom to choose courses to meet career or educational goals. Unlike the other degrees offered by Athabasca University, the Bachelor of General Studies does not have a residency requirement, and degree requirements may be completed at institutions other than Athabasca University.
The Bachelor of General Studies degree requires the completion of 90 credits and is comparable to a three-year program. Students may specialize or diversify their course selection, subject to the following requirements. This degree allows students the freedom to develop their own intellectual and academic interests. This does not mean that course selection should be casual. Students are expected to ensure their vocational or personal needs are well defined. All courses transferred to this degree must be university-level credit as determined by Athabasca University faculty.
Students are strongly encouraged to register in ENGL 255 early in their program. The English writing skills requirement is waived for students enrolling in the second undergraduate degree.
Prior Learning and Assessment Recognition (PLAR) offers you the opportunity to demonstrate your prior learning and receive credit toward your program. For more information, visit the PLAR website.
Planning your program
Our online program plans can assist you in selecting the courses needed to fulfill your program requirements.
Counselling Services offers an assessment website, Mapping Your Future.
Athabasca University has also developed program learning outcomes that describe the career options that may be available to you upon graduating.
Program requirements
Students must choose either an Arts and Science or an Applied Studies designation.
Students complete the program regulations in effect at the time of their enrolment.
Program structure
| Total credits in the program | 90 |
| Residency requirement | None |
| Graduation with Distinction or Great Distinction. At least 24 credits must be obtained through Athabasca University in order to be considered. | 24 |
| Maximum Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition Credits | |
| Arts and Science | 9 |
| Applied Studies | 21 |
Minimum credits required
| Credits in the area of designation | 45 |
| Senior (300 or 400) level credits in the area of designation | 30 |
| Total senior-level credits (including above 30) | 45 |
| Humanities area of study* *The 100-level ENGL courses will not satisfy the Humanities area of study requirement in this program. These courses may, however, count as part of the total number of credits required for the degree. | 6 |
| Social Science area of study | 6 |
| Science area of study | 6 |
Maximum credits allowed
| At the preparatory (100) level | 6 |
| At the junior (200) level in any one discipline | 15 |
Arts and Science designation
To satisfy the 90-credit requirement to complete the BGS degree, students must complete 45 credits in courses with an Arts (Humanities and/or Social Science) or Science designation (30 of these credits must be taken at the senior (300 or 400) level). Refer to Minimum Credits Required above.
Applied Studies designation
The Applied Studies designation includes courses in Business and Administrative Studies. Transfer courses in engineering, education, physical education, etc. are also applicable to the Applied Studies designation.
To satisfy the 90-credit requirement to complete the BGS degree, students must complete 45 credits in courses with an Applied Studies designation (30 of these credits must be taken at the senior (300 or 400) level). Refer to Minimum Credits Required above.
Students in the Applied Studies designation in the Bachelor of General Studies degree must also complete ADMN 233 or ENGL 255. ADMN 233 will partially satisfy the Applied Studies area of study requirement in this program.
Bachelor of General Studies second undergraduate degree regulations
Minimum credits required
| Minimum credits not applied to a previous degree | 48 |
| Credits in the area of designation | 30 |
| Senior (300 or 400) level credits in the area of designation | 30 |
| Total senior-level credits (including above 30) | 36 |
| In the Humanities area of study | 6 |
| In the Social Science area of study | 6 |
| In the Science area of study | 6 |
| Residency requirement | None |
| Graduation with Distinction or Great Distinction. At least 24 credits must be obtained through Athabasca University in order to be considered. | 24 |
Maximum credits allowed
| At the preparatory (100) level | 0 |
| At the junior (200) level in any one discipline | 12 |
| Maximum Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition credits | None permitted |
Students must choose either an Arts and Science or an Applied Studies designation and complete at least 30 senior credits in the chosen designation.
The English writing skills requirement is waived for students enrolling in the second undergraduate degree.
Teaching credential
For purposes of upgrading towards an Alberta professional teaching certificate, Alberta Education has specific requirements for the certification of teachers. Students planning to obtain a Bachelor of General Studies degree in order to meet certification requirements are advised to have completed a basic teacher preparation program acceptable to the Alberta minister of education.
To obtain information regarding an assessment of the basic teacher preparation program towards the minimum requirements for certification in Alberta, and regarding the Bachelor of General Studies degree as a possible means to fulfilling the academic degree requirements, contact:
The Registrar
Alberta Education
Professional Standards Branch
2nd floor, 44 Capital Boulevard Building
10044-108 St.
Edmonton, AB
T5J 5E6
780.427.2045
Alberta teachers wishing to have Athabasca University courses or programs considered for salary purposes are recommended to contact:
Alberta Teachers’ Association
Teacher Qualifications Service
Barnett House
11010 - 142 Street
Edmonton, AB T5N 2R1
780.447.9400 (in Edmonton)
800.232.7208 (toll-free in Alberta)
tqs@teachers.ab.ca
Updated July 12, 2022 by Office of the Registrar (calendar@athabascau.ca)