Academic Programs

As a BGS student, you have the option to choose an established BGS theme, or create a generalized interdisciplinary plan of study that matches your goals and interests. You can also pursue a minor in a variety of academic subjects. Your BGS academic advisor will work with you to make the best choices.

BGS Themes

Each BGS theme is a specific interdisciplinary plan of study of 15 credits at the 2000 level or above that has been preapproved for the student's campus or online. For all themes, students will select 5 courses from 3 different departments related to the student's area of interest. Additionally, each theme requires an integrative capstone experience of 3 credits (Integrating General Studies course, summary project, internship, electronic portfolio, or an approved academic unit course), which provides an opportunity to integrate the concepts and knowledge gained. BGS students must satisfy all University of Connecticut General Education requirements and earn a minimum of 120 total credits for degree completion.

• Human Services
  This theme draws on courses from the disciplines of psychology, sociology, human development, family studies and others to provide students who are either interested in or who are working in the fields of mental health, family services, employee assistance programs or counseling services with knowledge related to these fields. Click here for course listing.
• International
  This theme provides you with an opportunity to develop a global perspective from a selection of courses in anthropology, economics, literature, history, and politics. Click here for course listing.
  
• Public and Community Engagement
  This theme offers you the opportunity to study one or more areas of urban and/or community life in order to understand the strengths, weaknesses, challenges and opportunities of the area you selected. You accomplish this by studying the history, the political components, the geographic impacts, the cultural considerations and the economic realities that are part of any community. Click here for course listing.
  
• Society and Justice
  This theme offers you the opportunity to make connections between justice, law and society, history, and criminology. Click here for course listing.
  
• Arts and Humanities
  This theme offers you the opportunity to study and understand the artistic, cultural and historical process of humanity. Students select courses from English, History, Philosophy, Music, Drama and other related disciplines. Click here for course listing.
  
• Social Science
  This theme offers you the opportunity to study and understand how individuals, groups, institutions, and societies behave and influence one another and the natural environment. Students select courses from Anthropology, Political Science, Sociology, Economics, and other related disciplines. Click here for course listing.
  
• Diversity and Multiculturalism
  This theme offers you the opportunity to study the ideas, history, values, and creative expressions of diverse groups, particularly those that have been under-represented and that might be characterized by features such as race, age, ethnicity, disability, gender, sexual identities, political systems, or religious traditions. Click here for course listing.

Generalized Interdisciplinary Plan of Study Students work with their BGS academic advisor to create a plan of study consisting of 15 credits at the 2000 level or above, with courses selected from a minimum of three different academic units. Additionally, the plan of study requires an integrative capstone experience of 3 credits (Integrating General Studies course, summary project, internship, electronic portfolio, or an approved academic unit course).

NOTE: Students admitted to the BGS program prior to Summer 2008 must complete a BGS focus or generalized plan of study, which are different from BGS Themes. If you are one of these students and need information on a BGS focus, please click here, or contact your BGS academic advisor.