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 practicing health or human sciences professionals who hold a current 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. The professional credential, certificate or license must be in the field in which the applicant is working or attempting to work.
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 apply for the B.G.S. degree must
be admitted to NIU
have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00
submit a B.G.S. application including a written professional goals statement and copy of the professional crediential. The B.G.S. application is available through the College of Health & Human Sciences advising office.
Upon successful completion of all B.G.S. requirements, 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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