Academic Catalog

The bachelor of general studies degree program is an individualized liberal arts degree program for the mature adult who seeks an alternate method of obtaining a bachelor’s degree. The pro­gram is tailored to the student’s personal and vocational needs and takes into consideration the individual’s life experiences prior to matriculation.

Admission

A student 30 years of age or older may apply to the provost and vice president for academic af­fairs for admission to the bachelor of general studies degree program. The applicant must submit the following:

1. High school transcript showing graduation from a secondary school or the equivalent
2. Official transcripts of all postsecondary studies
3. Three letters of recommendation
4. A biographical essay summarizing the student’s background and outlining the student’s goals and reasons for pursuing the bachelor of general studies degree program

The provost and vice president for academic affairs assigns the applicant to a faculty sponsor who consults with the applicant to develop a set of degree requirements that are submitted to the Council on Education. Approval of the degree program by the Council on Education consti­tutes admission to the bachelor of general studies degree program.

Assessment of Experiential Learning

In the general studies program, credits may be granted for satisfactory performance on the Col­lege Level Examination Program (CLEP) of the Educational Testing Service.

In recognition that competencies learned outside the formal college environment may be in­cluded appropriately in a student’s degree program, a student in the general studies program may submit to the provost and vice president for academic affairs an application with documentation that is evaluated independently by two faculty members and submitted to the Council on Edu­cation and the provost and vice president for academic affairs for final action. A maximum of 30 credit hours may be earned in this way.

A bachelor’s degree in general studies is awarded upon completion of the following:

2. A minimum total of 120 credit hours with a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average
3. Demonstrated proficiency in the general education program.
4. A minimum of 32 credit hours with a 2.0 grade point average in a major field
5. Completion of an approved senior independent study project with a grade of C or better

Fees

A student’s individual program of studies determines which of the following fees will be paid:

Coursework at Bridgewater College: At the current part-time rate listed on the College website

Prior learning credit: $30 per credit hour