Bachelor in General Studies
Whether you want to finish your bachelor’s degree to advance your career or continue your education, this transfer-friendly online program is ideal for those seeking an alternative path to degree completion.
Program Overview
Why the general studies bachelor’s degree online program is right for you
Earn your Bachelor in General Studies online from Youngstown State University to expand your opportunities in a broad range of settings. In this online program, you will work with a BGS advisor to develop two unique areas of concentration and create your personalized degree plan. Learn from supportive faculty and put your theories into practice with your choice of a final capstone project or internship experience.
Finish your bachelor’s in general studies faster with YSU’s generous transfer credit and Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) policies. Upon admission, an advisor will individually assess your credits acquired from other institutions, certificates and experiences, so you can utilize as many previously earned credits as possible.
The Williamson College of Business Administration at Youngstown State University is accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International).
In this bachelor’s in general studies program, you will learn how to:
- Write and speak effectively in a professional environment
- Acquire, process and present quantitative and qualitative information using the most appropriate technologies, including computers
- Reason critically, both individually and collaboratively; draw sound conclusions from information, ideas and interpretations gathered from various sources and disciplines; and apply those conclusions to one’s life and society
- Demonstrate preparedness for and the behaviors indicative of professionalism in the work environment
- Write and speak effectively in a professional environment
- Acquire, process and present quantitative and qualitative information using the most appropriate technologies, including computers
- Reason critically, both individually and collaboratively; draw sound conclusions from information, ideas and interpretations gathered from various sources and disciplines; and apply those conclusions to one’s life and society
- Demonstrate preparedness for and the behaviors indicative of professionalism in the work environment
- Write and speak effectively in a professional environment
- Acquire, process and present quantitative and qualitative information using the most appropriate technologies, including computers
- Reason critically, both individually and collaboratively; draw sound conclusions from information, ideas and interpretations gathered from various sources and disciplines; and apply those conclusions to one’s life and society
- Demonstrate preparedness for and the behaviors indicative of professionalism in the work environment
Graduates of this online bachelor of general studies program are prepared to work in a variety of settings, including:
- Business
- Marketing
- Communication
- Social Sciences
- Computer Science
- Criminal Justice
- Public or Allied Health
In this bachelor’s in general studies program, you will learn how to:
- Write and speak effectively in a professional environment
- Acquire, process and present quantitative and qualitative information using the most appropriate technologies, including computers
- Reason critically, both individually and collaboratively; draw sound conclusions from information, ideas and interpretations gathered from various sources and disciplines; and apply those conclusions to one’s life and society
- Demonstrate preparedness for and the behaviors indicative of professionalism in the work environment
- Write and speak effectively in a professional environment
- Acquire, process and present quantitative and qualitative information using the most appropriate technologies, including computers
- Reason critically, both individually and collaboratively; draw sound conclusions from information, ideas and interpretations gathered from various sources and disciplines; and apply those conclusions to one’s life and society
- Demonstrate preparedness for and the behaviors indicative of professionalism in the work environment
- Business
- Marketing
- Communication
- Social Sciences
- Computer Science
- Criminal Justice
- Public or Allied Health
Undergrad Admission FAQs
Your questions about YSU’s online Bachelor in General Studies answered. Take a look at some of our most frequently asked questions.
Tuition
Benefit from pay-by-the-course tuition
Expand your opportunities with a high-value online general studies degree program that features affordable, pay-by-the-course tuition. All fees are included in the total tuition.
Tuition breakdown:
*In-state tuition.
Note: No payment plans are available for accelerated online students.
| Program | Per Credit Hour | Per Course | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-State | Out-of-State | In-State | Out-of-State | |
| Bachelor in General Studies | $460 | $465 | $1,380 | $1,395 |
Calendar
Choose a start date and secure your spot
This Youngstown State University program features an accelerated online format optimized for flexibility and convenience. Review upcoming start dates and other important deadlines below.
Next Start & Application Due Dates:
| First Starts | Program Start Date | Application Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Tuition Deadline | Last Class Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 1 | 1/6/25 | 12/16/24 | 12/23/24 | 1/1/25 | 1/3/25 | 2/16/25 |
| Spring 2 | 3/10/25 | 2/17/25 | 2/24/25 | 3/5/25 | 3/7/25 | 4/20/25 |
| Summer 1 | 5/12/25 | 4/21/25 | 4/28/25 | 5/7/25 | 5/9/25 | 6/22/25 |
| Summer 2 | 6/30/25 | 6/9/25 | 6/16/25 | 6/25/25 | 6/27/25 | 8/9/25 |
| Fall 1 | 8/25/25 | 8/4/25 | 8/11/25 | 8/20/25 | 8/22/25 | 10/12/25 |
| Fall 2 | 10/20/25 | 9/29/25 | 10/6/25 | 10/15/25 | 10/17/25 | 12/7/25 |
Admissions
Look over the BGS online program admission requirements
To be admitted to a YSU online undergraduate program, you must meet specific requirements. Please read the admission guidelines for the Bachelor in General Studies online program to ensure you qualify.
Online application
Official transcripts
from all institutions previously attended
Minimum 2.0 GPA
Online application
Official transcriptsfrom all institutions previously attended
Minimum 2.0 GPA
Applying at Youngstown State University is a simple 3-step process and is the first step toward earning your online Bachelor in General Studies degree from Youngstown State University. The admission information below will detail what’s required, what additional materials you need and where you should send them. Review the Program Map to determine eligibility of this program in your state.
Admission Requirements
- Must be at least 25 years of age at time of enrollment
- If you are under 25, you still qualify for this program and other undergraduate programs. Visit the Online Degree Programs Page for more information.
- Have a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
- Be in good standing at the previously attended school
- Complete undergraduate admission application
Application Submission Requirements
- Pay $45 application fee (waived if you are an active duty/veteran military member)
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
Official Transcripts
Transcripts must be mailed from the granting institution or sent electronically through a secure server vendor.
Email Address: [email protected]
Fax Number: 330-941-3674
Mailing Address:
Office of Admissions
1 Tressel Way
Youngstown, OH 44555
Transfer Credits and PLA
Youngstown State recognizes that your journey to this point may not be a straight path. You may have credits from other institutions, along with certifications and experience that also may qualify for earned credits. Upon admission, Youngstown State’s advisors will work with you to maximize your credits earned to shorten the path to earning your degree.
For additional information on the Youngstown State credit transfer and prior learning assessment (PLA) policies, please see the Undergrad FAQ page.
Courses
Preview the online curriculum for this bachelor’s in general studies
For the online bachelor of general studies, you must complete 120 credit hours. If you have credits from other institutions, certifications and/or relevant experience, you may qualify for earned credits. A YSU advisor will help you determine your total credits earned upon admission. In the general studies bachelor's online program, an advisor will help you develop two areas of concentration and create your customized degree plan.
Two focus areas consisting of 18-24 s.h. each: 36-48 total
- Support courses 4 credit hours
- An approved capstone course 3 credit hours
- Completion of a Cultural/Diversity Requirement 6* credit hours
Minimum 24 of the 48 credits must be upper division.
*Students are required to complete two classes from an approved list.
Not Finding What You’re Looking For?
*Price includes in-state tuition and fees. For students from outside Ohio, tuition and fees total $465 per credit hour.
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