Bachelor of Arts in General Studies
Online
Complete your studies on your own time.
250K+ Alumni Worldwide
Become a member of NU’s global community
Year-round enrollment
Our admissions team reviews applications year-round
Take the first step in your National University Journey
Focus Your Interests on a Comprehensive Degree Program
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts in General Studies
Application:
$0 application fee. No essays/exams.
If you’ve completed studies in a variety of areas, both academic and applied, the Bachelor of Arts in General Studies offers a flexible way to bring those diverse subjects together into a cohesive and respected degree.
The Bachelor of Arts in General Studies allows you to design your own interdisciplinary education to help you align your studies with your career goals. Guided pathways include Psychology and Organizational Leadership, Psychology and Criminal Justice, and Communications and Public Administration.
This customizable degree is ideal if you have varied areas of interest, or if you’re returning to school after time away. You can build on the studies you’ve already completed and use them as stepping-stones toward a degree that reflects your academic background and your professional aspirations, while developing durable skills such as communication, critical thinking, and leadership that are valued across industries.
Degree Requirements
To receive a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies degree, students must complete at least 180 quarter units as articulated below, 45 of which must be completed in residence at National University, and 76.5 of which must be completed at the upper-division level, including a minimum 69 units of the University General Education requirements. In the absence of transfer credit, additional general electives may be necessary to satisfy total units for the degree. The following are specific degree requirements.
Required Major Courses
(2 courses; 6 semester credit hours)
- BGS 301 Intro. to General Studies 3.00
- BGS 499 Capstone Project 3.00
Arts, Letters, and Sciences Requirement
(5 courses; 15 semester credit hous)
To satisfy this requirement, students choose 5 upper-division courses from any discipline within the School of Arts, Letters, and Sciences, which includes the departments of Arts and Humanities, Mathematics and Natural Sciences, and Social and Psychological Sciences. Consult the National University catalog for lists of courses in these departments. Courses may have prerequisites. Consult the catalog and/or your academic advisor to identify prerequisite courses. Courses transferred from outside NU can be applied to these requirements with approval of the advisor and relevant department head.
Focus Area Requiremen
(5 courses; 15 semester credit hours)
To satisfy this requirement, students choose 5 courses with the same prefix from any academic discipline, such as MKT, ENG, SOC, LED, etc. Not all disciplines offer 5 courses with the same prefix. Consult the National University catalog and/or your academic advisor to confirm that a discipline offers 5 courses. Courses may have prerequisites that must be satisfied. Consult the catalog and/or your academic advisor to identify prerequisite courses. Courses transferred from outside NU can be applied to these requirements with approval of the advisor and relevant department head.
Upper-Division Electives
(4 courses; 12 semester credit hours)
To satisfy this requirement, students can choose electives from any upper division courses not already applied to another requirement category. Courses may have prerequisites that must be satisfied. Consult the catalog and/or your academic advisor to identify prerequisite courses.
Guided Pathways for a Customized Degree
The Bachelor of Arts in General Studies at National University is designed for students who want flexibility and focus. Alongside a broad interdisciplinary foundation, you can choose a guided pathway that connects your studies to your career goals. Each pathway features recommended upper-division courses across two depth areas — helping you develop specialized knowledge and practical experience for the next step in your education or career.
Explore guided pathways in:
- Communications and Public Administration
- Psychology and Organizational Leadership
- Psychology and Criminal Justice
Examine the connection between human behavior and the justice system. The Psychology and Criminal Justice pathway blends psychological theory with foundational knowledge of law, ethics, and social justice, preparing you for meaningful roles in public service and law enforcement or for graduate study in criminal justice or forensic psychology.
Depth Area 1: Psychology
- History and Philosophy of Psychology
- Personality Theory
- Social Psychology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Positive Psychology
Depth Area 2: Criminal Justice
- Courts and Judicial Process
- Criminology
- Criminal Justice Management and Leadership
- Ethics and the Criminal Justice System
- Minorities, Crime, and Social Justice
Career Paths
Prepare for careers in law enforcement, corrections, policy analysis, or victim advocacy, or continue toward graduate study in criminal justice or psychology.
Note: Courses in this pathway are recommendations, not requirements. Speak with your advisor to determine the best fit for your goals and to learn whether your prior experience may qualify for academic credit.
Examine the connection between human behavior and the justice system. The Psychology and Criminal Justice pathway blends psychological theory with foundational knowledge of law, ethics, and social justice, preparing you for meaningful roles in public service and law enforcement or for graduate study in criminal justice or forensic psychology.
Depth Area 1: Psychology
- History and Philosophy of Psychology
- Personality Theory
- Social Psychology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Positive Psychology
Depth Area 2: Criminal Justice
- Courts and Judicial Process
- Criminology
- Criminal Justice Management and Leadership
- Ethics and the Criminal Justice System
- Minorities, Crime, and Social Justice
Career Paths
Prepare for careers in law enforcement, corrections, policy analysis, or victim advocacy, or continue toward graduate study in criminal justice or psychology.
Note: Courses in this pathway are recommendations, not requirements. Speak with your advisor to determine the best fit for your goals and to learn whether your prior experience may qualify for academic credit.
Explore how effective communication drives leadership and civic engagement. The Communications and Public Administration pathway connects strategic communication with government, policy, and nonprofit management—preparing you for leadership in public affairs, community organizations, or nonprofit administration.
Depth Area 1: Communications
- Interpersonal Communication
- Intercultural Communication
- Organizational Communication
- Persuasion
- Strategic Writing
Depth Area 2: Public Administration
- Introduction to Public Administration
- Public Policy Development
- Government Relations
- Nonprofit Management
- Urban Environments
Career Paths
Graduates are prepared for positions in public administration, communications, nonprofit leadership, and community engagement, or for advanced study in public affairs or communication management.
Note: Courses in this pathway are recommendations, not requirements. Speak with your advisor to determine the best fit for your goals and to learn whether your prior experience may qualify for academic credit.
Program Learning Outcomes:
As a graduate of National University’s Bachelor of Arts in General Studies, you’ll understand how to:
- Develop a holistic appreciation of General Studies as a progressive and advantageous career path.
- Analyze career options available to generalists.
- Write a reflective narrative that integrates and articulates the value of the student education experience in the Bachelor of Arts in General Studies program.
- Research, synthesize and write a strategic plan to assess potential skills areas that need to be strengthened.
- Create a professional digital e-portfolio leveraging networking platforms.
Admissions
Transfer Students Welcome
Enrolling in a university is a big decision. That’s why our dedicated admissions team is here to guide you through the admissions process and help you find the right program for you and your career goals.
To that end, we’ve simplified and streamlined our application process, so you can get enrolled in your program right away. Because we accept and review applications year round, you can begin class as soon as next month, depending on your program and location of choice.
Learn more about undergraduate, graduate, military, plus admissions information for transfer students. You can also learn more about our tuition rates and financial aid opportunities.
To speak with our admissions team, call (855) 355-6288 or request information and an advisor will contact you shortly. If you’re ready to apply, simply start your application today.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
National University is dedicated to making higher education affordable, as well as accessible. Through NU scholarship offerings, eligible students are able to reduce the financial burden of college, start classes sooner, and finish their programs faster while focusing on achieving their goals.
Accreditations
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.
Why National University?
We’re proud to be a Veteran-founded, San Diego-based nonprofit. Since 1971, our mission has been to provide accessible, achievable higher education to adult learners.
Today, we educate students from across the U.S. and around the globe, with over 250,000 alumni worldwide.
“Balance life and business – may seem difficult but it’s not impossible. Stick with it and great things will follow.”
Cecilia M.,
Class of 2011
What makes a degree
with National University unique?
Free Tutoring Sessions
Access personalized tutoring sessions at no cost — empowering your learning.
Online and In-Person
Flexibility meets quality education with our online and in-person learning options.
24/7 Support
Get assistance anytime, anywhere with our round-the-clock support services.
Military Friendly
Committed to serving those who serve — diverse resources and support for veterans and family. Military and Veteran Admissions.
Mentoring Network
Individual student and alumni career guidance, professional development opportunities, and customized career support.
Transfer Students Welcome
NU makes it easy to get your degree, even if you started it with another university. Learn more about transferring to NU.
Accelerate Your Career With NU
At National University, you’re part of a family. As a student, you’ll have the support of staff, faculty members, students, and alumni who will be there with you every step of the way, cheering you on as you pursue your goals.
Our network of 250,000 alumni is a large global community that provides our graduates with the professional connections to get a leg up in your new career.
Frequently Asked Questions
A bachelor’s in general studies provides you with a solid foundation for a wide variety of industries and careers, including education, communication, manufacturing, politics, marketing, logistics, nutrition, public health, social work, and more.
To receive a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies degree, students must complete at least 120 semester credit hours as articulated below, 30 of which must be completed in residence at National University, 51of which must be completed at the upper-division level, and a minimum 46 semester credit hours of the University General Education requirements.
When it comes to transferrable skills across career interests, a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies offers students a lot of opportunities. If you’ve completed studies in a variety of areas, both academic and applied, this degree is a way to bring those diverse subjects into a cohesive degree program.
As an enrolled student, you can create your own degree experience by cultivating your interests into the makeup of the program. Learn from a dedicated and accomplished faculty of scholarly researchers, published authors, and thought leaders in their respective focus areas.
You have the option to complete the program online, from anywhere in the country, or in—whatever suits your learning style and flexibility. And you’ll be introduced to an in-depth and interesting curriculum, covering a variety of specialties and applications—featuring a capstone experience where you can develop a career-focused digital portfolio.
The BA in General Studies is infused with versatility, a national approach designed to equip you with future-focused, marketable skills. You’ll emerge with research-intensive cultural knowledge and the writing and critical thinking skills to advance your career, pursue a new role, or prepare for a graduate degree.
The general studies degree allows you to build on the studies you’ve already completed and use them as stepping stones to a respected and rounded degree program. This degree is an excellent choice if you aren’t certain which course of study to pursue. With your general studies degree, you’ll be equipped with the qualifications to pursue the following positions:
Popular Industries
- Professional, scientific, and technical services
- Manufacturing
- Communications
- Finance and insurance
- Healthcare and social assistance
- Educational services
Popular Roles
- Project manager
- Administrator
- Human resources generalist
- Program manager
- Account executive
- Media and public relations
- Strategic communications
To receive a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies degree, students must complete at least 120 semester credit hours as articulated below, 30 of which must be completed in residence at National University, 34 of which must be completed at the upper-division level, and a minimum 47 semester credit hours of the University General Education requirements.
In the absence of transfer credit, additional general electives may be necessary to satisfy total semester credit hours for the degree.
Additional Resources
Program Disclosure
Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.
Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.
NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.
All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.
National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.
Back to top