The focus of this program is baccalaureate-level education for health and human sciences professionals. This interdisciplinary individualized program of study leads to the degree Bachelor of General Studies (B.G.S.) in health and human sciences. To receive the degree, a student must satisfy all university graduation requirements. The requirement of the B.G.S. major replaces the requirement of a regular departmental major. (See “Other Graduation Requirements.”)
Applicants must be health or human sciences professionals who hold a professional credential, certificate, or license in a health or human sciences field and have completed an applied associates degree program or equivalent number of credits. Other professional recognitions in health or human sciences may be considered on an individual basis. Applicants must be eligible for admission to NIU.
The B.G.S. program allows a student with well-defined academic interests to design a major in the health and human sciences with the assistance of a B.G.S. adviser. The student who wishes to earn this B.G.S. degree must
have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00.
submit a written professional goals statement for approval.
design a multidisciplinary program, with the approval of a B.G.S. adviser, that may be accommodated within existing university resources and facilities.
include in the program at least 50 semester hours of course work comprising courses basic to the area of interest. These 50 semester hours must include at least 21 semester hours in upper-division courses from the College of Health and Human Sciences and must not include more than 24 semester hours from the offerings of a single department in the College of Health and Human Sciences.
complete 30 semester hours at NIU, excluding proficiency credit.
Upon successful completion of these 50 semester hours, the student may be awarded up to 30 semester hours of proficiency credit for the learning experiences and education in the discipline in which he or she holds certification and/or licensure. Students in this program are exempt from the 30 semester hour university residence requirement.
A student who completes an approved program and all other graduation requirements will receive the degree Bachelor of General Studies in health and human sciences.
NOTE: The degree Bachelor of General Studies is not as well understood outside the university as traditional baccalaureate degrees. Students earning this degree may be required to convince prospective employers or graduate schools that the degree will enable them to succeed in a health or human sciences related position or pursuit of an advanced degree or certification.
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