College of General and Applied Studies

The College of General and Applied Sciences serves as a unique and dynamic hub that offers an academic degree program and provides leadership for a variety of academic student support services designed to help students reach their educational and career goals. Its main degree, the Bachelor of Science in General Studies, is ideal for students who want a customizable program, especially those with previous college credits or broad interests. Students work with advisors to build a personalized plan using courses from different areas, making it easier to finish their degree and prepare for a wide range of careers. The College also supports students through Workforce Pathways, which helps apply Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)—like military service or job training—toward designated degrees, and through Academic Advising, which guides students on course planning and college readiness standards. Additionally, the Texan Smart Financial Education Center helps students build strong money management skills through workshops and coaching. Together, these programs make the College a valuable resource for academic success.

Bachelor of Science in General Studies

The Bachelor of Science in General Studies is designed for students seeking a customizable degree program that accommodates a wide range of academic interests and professional goals. This program is particularly well-suited for students with previously earned college credits, those returning to complete a degree, or individuals with interdisciplinary academic and career aspirations.

Students work closely with academic advisors to develop an individualized plan of study that draws from multiple disciplines. The degree structure allows for the consolidation of coursework from various institutions and fields, enabling students to complete their degree efficiently while aligning their education with personal and professional objectives. To ensure compliance with SACSCOC 9.1, the advising process for the BS General Studies program will emphasize intentional planning and documentation to support a coherent body of study. Academic Advisors and/or Faculty Mentors will engage students in strategic conversations about their reasons for pursuing and/or changing their major to the General Studies degree, their post-graduation goals, and how their remaining coursework aligns with those goals. Although the curriculum offers significant flexibility, advisors/mentors will use a standardized template to document how selected courses form a meaningful and goal-oriented sequence. This approach ensures that each student’s degree plan reflects academic purpose, tailored to their individual aspirations.

Mission

The mission of the Bachelor of Science in General Studies program is to provide a flexible, interdisciplinary academic pathway that empowers students to integrate diverse fields of study, maximize previously earned credits, and develop the critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills necessary for success in a dynamic and evolving workforce.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the General Studies program will be able to: 

• Demonstrate effective communication and analytical skills across disciplines; 
• Integrate knowledge from multiple fields to address complex problems; 
• Apply critical thinking and ethical reasoning in academic and professional contexts; 
• Adapt to diverse professional environments through interdisciplinary knowledge and skills.

Program Features

• Flexible Curriculum: Students may design a personalized academic plan that integrates coursework from multiple disciplines.
• Credit Maximization: Previously earned credits from Tarleton or other accredited institutions may be applied toward degree completion.
• Accelerated Completion: The program may be completed more quickly than traditional majors, depending on prior coursework.
• Advising Support: Students collaborate with advisors to ensure academic coherence and alignment with career goals.
• Delivery Options: Courses are available in face-to-face, online, and hybrid formats to accommodate diverse learning needs.

This degree can also provide a strong foundation for graduate study in various disciplines.

Bachelor of Science in General Studies Program Requirements

General Education Requirements		42
ENGL 1301 [shared] [WI]	Composition I
ENGL 1302 [shared] [WI]	Composition II
Select one of the following [shared]
COMM 1311	Introduction to Speech Communication
COMM 1315	Public Speaking
COMM 2302	Business and Professional Speaking
ENGL 3309 [WI]	Professional Writing	3
COMM 4304	Organizational Communication	3
BUSI 3312 [WI]	Business Communication	3
or COMM 3332	Intercultural Communication
GSTU 3398 [WI]	Professional Development and Career Skills	3
GSTU 4398 [WI]	General Studies Capstone Course	3
Concentration One (at least 6 hours advanced) 1		18
Concentration Two (at least 6 hours advanced) 1		18
Advised Electives (at least 18 advanced)		27
Total Hours		120

Academic Student Support Areas 

Workforce Pathways and Career Development

The Workforce Pathways area is focused on serving as a leading partner to streamline and maximize the University's Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) process for the varied degree completion programs. Utilizing CPL allows student to apply their learning toward their chosen academic degree program, enabling a more expeditious time to degree and  career development. Credit can be granted for prior learning, including Workforce Education courses (WECM), employer-based training, military service, and job experiences. Degrees for which this is applicable include majors/programs under the following degrees: Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science (BAAS), Bachelor of Science in Applied Science (BS APSC), Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT), Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS), among others. 

Academic Advising and College Readiness Standards (TSI)

The Office of Academic Advising is comprised of professional academic advisors who, in conjunction and collaboration with the Academic Colleges, assist students with questions related to core curriculum, academic progress, schedule and major changes, declaring and changing minors, graduation planning, and activities that encourage all students to become engaged in their professional development toward achievement of their academic goals. In conjunction with the Office of Admissions, the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) College Readiness standards are also administered through the Office of Academic Advising. 

Texan Smart Financial Education Center

The Texan Smart Financial Education Center promotes financial wellness and well-being among students, which directly impacts student learning and success. Through the Center, Tarleton students attend workshops to improve their financial practices and may also receive one-on-one peer-to-peer financial coaching designed to develop  positive financial practices and money management knowledge.