Bachelor of General Studies
(Three years—90 credits) |
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Regulations
amended, effective September 1, 2009 |
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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. Students complete the program regulations in effect at the time of their enrolment.
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.
Program Plans
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: Your Career and Athabasca University." Athabasca University has also developed program learning outcomes that describe the career options that may be available to you upon graduating.
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Degree Regulations
Students must choose either an Arts and
Science or an Applied Studies designation. |
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Program Structure |
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Total credits in the program |
90 |
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Residency requirement. |
None |
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Graduation with Distinction or Great Distinction. At least 24 credits must be obtained through Athabasca University in order to be considered. |
24 |
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Maximum Prior Learning
Assessment and
Recognition (PLAR) credits |
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Arts and Science |
9
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Applied Studies |
21 |
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Minimum Credits Required |
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Credits in the area of designation |
45 |
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• Senior (300 or 400) level credits in the area
of designation |
30 |
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Total senior-level credits(including above 30) |
45 |
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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 |
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Social Science area of study |
6 |
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Science area of study |
6 |
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Maximum Credits Allowed |
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At the preparatory (100) level |
6 |
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At the junior (200) level in any one discipline |
15 |
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English Writing Skills Requirement
In order to graduate, students must meet the following English writing skills requirement: |
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hold credit in ENGL 255 (Students are strongly encouraged to register in ENGL 255 early in their program.);
or
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have a grade of B- (70 percent)
or better in an Athabasca University English course above the preparatory
(100) level;
or
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receive credit for
an English course in which a grade of B- or better was achieved. |
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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 (Humanites 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.
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Applied Studies Designation
The Applied Studies designation includes
courses in 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.
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Course Notes
The following courses can satisfy the requirements in either
the Social Science area of study or the Science area of study, not both. If you want the course to satisfy the Science area of study, complete the course and request Admissions and Evaluation Services to make the change.
eval@athabascau.ca
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PSYC 289 |
Psychology
as a Natural Science |
(3) |
PSYC 355 |
Cognitive
Psychology |
(3) |
PSYC 387 |
Learning |
(3) |
PSYC 402 |
Biological
Psychology |
(3) |
PSYC 304 |
Research Methods in Psychology*
*Students who have taken PSYC 404 may not take PSYC 304. |
(3) |
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Bachelor of General Studies
Second Undergraduate Degree Regulations |
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The English writing skills requirement is waived for students enrolling in the second undergraduate degree. |
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Minimum Credits Required |
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Minimum credits not applied to a previous degree |
48 |
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Credits in the area of designation |
30 |
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• Senior (300 or 400) level credits in the area
of designation |
30 |
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Total senior-level credits (including above 30) |
36 |
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In the Humanities area of study |
6 |
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In the Social Science area of study |
6 |
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In the Science area of study |
6 |
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Maximum Credits Allowed |
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At the preparatory (100) level |
0 |
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At the junior (200) level in any one discipline |
12 |
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Students must choose either an Arts and Science or an Applied
Studies designation and complete at least 30 senior credits in
the chosen designation.
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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:
Alberta Education
Professional Standards Branch
44 Capital Boulevard
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)
pd@teachers.ab.ca
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