BGS Program Overview

For almost every college student "general studies" are part of going to college.  Most students, however, also specialize in a single subject.  That subject may be history, chemistry, accounting, civil engineering, elementary education, or another major.  However, as an alternate path in your education you may decide not to concentrate in one subject, but to diversify.  At many universities, degree programs in general studies or interdisciplinary studies have been created to serve students who want something other than a traditional major.

The Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) degree is a degree program administered by the Metropolitan College which functions as a senior college parallel to the Colleges of Business Administration, Education and Human Performance, Engineering, Liberal Arts, Sciences and.  The BGS degree is an interdisciplinary program intended to provide versatility for students seeking an individualized learning experience. The program’s primary focus is adult learners and part-time students who need the flexibility of a curriculum designed to balance work and life responsibilities with educational opportunities. In order to meet the diverse social, cultural and educational needs of BGS students, the program strives to continue development of a comprehensive program utilizing both on-campus and off-campus credit opportunities.

Programs of study leading to the BGS degree include 56 semester hours of courses designed to satisfy UNO general degree requirements in English, mathematics, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, computer literacy and oral competency.  Students plan the remainder of their program around an Individualized Learning Plan (ILP) of special interest to them.  The program allows students to design a BGS academic plan that meets individual and professional needs that may not be served by traditional majors. Popular ILP's in recent years have included such areas as Business and Urban Studies, Health Management and Marketing, Legal Studies, American Studies, Public Relations, Child and Family Development, Pre-Counseling and Social Work, Multicultural Studies, and many others.

How to apply

Students currently enrolled at UNO in another college can contact the BGS office (504-280-6566) for an appointment to evaluate their prior credit and discuss program development options. 

Students not currently enrolled at UNO can contact the Office of Admissions to begin the admission process.  Students entering with transfer credit should have the Office of Admissions complete an official evaluation of transfer credit upon their formal application to UNO. That application process will require students to provide official transcripts from all prior institutions.

Advising

A valuable feature of the BGS Degree Program is personalized academic planning and advisement.  Initial student screening and program orientation is completed in the BGS offices.  The Individualized Learning Plan (ILP) is introduced at this initial session.  Program staff are available to help students develop their ILP and provide continuing academic advisement to ensure compliance with degree program requirements. Personal and telephone appointments are available during normal office hours.  Students should contact the BGS office by phone (504-280-6566) or email to arrange for an appointment.  Email advisement is also a popular option for many students.  Evening advisement is available by appointment.  Career counseling is also available by appointment through Metropolitan College.  Call 504-280-7100 to make an appointment for career counseling.

Students should meet with their advisor during the university’s registration periods to allow the advisor to monitor their progress and help them select their courses for the coming semester.  Note: academic advising may be required before registering.

Registration

Registering for courses for the BGS program is similar to registering for any course UNO provides.  However, if students are registering for distance learning courses, they should be advised that distance learning courses fill very quickly.  Students should contact their BGS advisor as soon as registration opens if they intend to take a distance learning course. Information on registration, important dates, and fee payment can be found in the Course Bulletin.

Program Requirements

Completing the BGS program requires students to take a total of 120 creditable hours of course work.  Of these 120 hours, 56 hours are to be taken from General Education Requirements, 36 are completed in the student’s Individualized Learning Plan (ILP), and 28 are to come from supporting or elective course work.  Students are responsible for all decisions regarding selection of course work and meeting prerequisites.  For course descriptions and prerequisites see the UNO Catalog.  The Curriculum Outline and Student Advising Checklist are available as resources for BGS prospective and current students.

Locations

As part of its mission to support the educational, economic, cultural, and social well being of the New Orleans metropolitan area, UNO maintains several locations for taking courses and other student services such as registration.  BGS students living in the area may wish to take advantage of these as appropriate.  Day, evening and Saturday courses are available on our Lakefront main campus and at our satellite campuses located in Metairie, Slidell, the Downtown Center, on the West Bank, and Michoud. Distance learning course work is also available. 

Student Services

From time to time, BGS students may need to take advantage various student services offered by UNO.  The offices listed here provide web sites containing information on services, workshops, and various other types of assistance for UNO students.

Admissions
Students must be admitted to the university prior to registering. Admissions information is available on the UNO Admissions page. Students may also wish to visit the UNO Catalog. Complete information on admissions and graduation requirements, degree programs and courses, financial aid and other important topics can be found on the UNO home page.

Athletics
UNO is a founding member of the Sunbelt Conference and a NCAA Division I institution. Information concerning all Privateer athletic teams and schedules is available here.

Bookstore
Operational hours and other information concerning the UNO Bookstore can be found here.

Fee Payment
Fee schedules and information on paying fees can be found here.

Financial Aid
Financial aid information can be found in the Office of Financial Aid.

Honors
Information concerning honors programs at the University can be found here.

International Study Programs
Information on study abroad opportunities may be found within the Division of International Education.

Learning Resource Center
The mission of the Learning Resource Center (LRC) is to help UNO students succeed. For information on services offered go to LRC.

National Student Exchange (NSE)
The University is a member of the National Student Exchange (NSE). Through NSE programs, undergraduate students at UNO can experience educational and cultural life in a new geographic setting by attending any of 177 participating colleges and universities across the United States , Puerto Rico , Canada , the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. More information . . .

New Student Orientation
New Student Orientation also known as Privateer Preview is designed to assist you with the transition to UNO academic and student life, provide you an opportunity to become familiar with your college, meet faculty and administrators, and to help you register for your first semester of classes.

Policies
Students will find UNO’s student policies listed on the UNO Student Policy Manual home page (this page is temporarily unavailable).  Other important information such as admissions and graduation policies, grading system and courses can be found online in the University of New Orleans Undergraduate/Graduate Catalog.

Registration
Information on registration can be found in the Course Bulletin.

Student Affairs
Information concerning student health and wellness, counseling, academic success, career development, international students, disability services, children’s center, judicial affairs, student leadership, student development, multicultural affairs and Greek life at UNO can be found on within the Division of Student Affairs.

Information on Campus Housing
Information on Bienville Hall, Privateer Place and Lafitte Village and meal plan information can be found here.

University Computing and Communications
At UCC you will find online resources for Help Desk support , "How-To" documentation, as well as information on training, hardware and software, computer policies, and ongoing technology projects at UNO.

Student Services Quick List

Distance Learning

Metropolitan College at the University of New Orleans offers several distance learning options. BGS students may find distance learning course options fit their schedule and provide flexible access to learning.  Distance Learning is a gateway to information on and support for distance learning students.