University of Maine at Farmington 2014-2015 Catalog
 
The University
Academic Organization, Faculty Listing
Academic Programs
Courses
Admission, Costs, Farmington in Four, Financial Aid
Academic Policies
Personnel
Notices
UMF Logo
 
Context

Bachelor of General Studies
Print This Page

Degree Earned
Bachelor of General Studies: Bachelor of General Studies

BGS
In very rare circumstances, a student who is close to graduation may apply to complete a Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) degree. A BGS degree may be awarded when final requirements in the major have not been completed, but the student has earned 128 or more credits and has met all of the general education requirements. The BGS is only available to students who at the end of the semester of application will be within 16 credit hours of completing all graduation requirements. Students interested in pursuing this degree should contact Jonathan Cohen, Associate Provost.

BGS-Education Studies
This degree is designed for students previously enrolled in one of UMF's teacher education programs who realize that they no longer wish to pursue teacher certification. Successful completion of the Praxis I exam and a minimum of 88 earned credits are required at the time of application. Students previously majoring in Early Childhood, Elementary, or Special Education must have completed 24 credits in Education, and students previously majoring in Secondary Education must have completed 16 credits at the time of application. Students interested in pursuing this degree should contact Kathy Yardley, Associate Provost and Dean of Education.

 

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS for the BGS Degree

The student receiving this degree must earn a minimum of 128 credits with the following provisions:

  • The students must be within 16 credit hours of completing all graduation requirements at the end of the semester of application.
  • All courses must have been taken within the last 7 years.
  • The student must submit as part of his or her application a well-written essay providing a rationale for why the BGS degree is an appropriate choice.
  • The student must earn at least 16 credits in course work at the 300-400 level, drawn from any discipline. Field experiences, internships, and independent study cannot be used to satisfy this requirement.
  • A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required for graduation.
  • The student must complete all general education requirements.
  • The Integrative Studies Program Council must approve the BGS application. The Council will only approve BGS proposals in the following or similar circumstances:
  • A student has completed or will complete all current major requirements with the exception of a required senior capstone course, project, or internship; or
  • Circumstances beyond the student's control (e.g., illness, injury, military duty, etc.) make it impossible to access remaining required courses in the major in a timely manner.

 

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS For specific information about general education requirements and expectations see the General Education Requirements in the Academic Programs section of this catalog.

MINIMUM TOTAL CREDITS FOR THE DEGREE: 128

 

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS for the BGS-Education Studies Degree

The student receiving this degree earns 128 credits in courses of her or his choice, with the following provisions:

  • All education courses must have been taken within the last 7 years.
  • The student indicates an additional discipline outside of education when applying for the degree.
  • The student must earn at least 20 credits in the companion discipline.
  • The student must earn at least 20 credits in course work at the 300-400 level, drawn from any discipline.
  • The student must have passed the Praxis I exam.*
  • A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required for graduation.
  • A Committee comprised of Division Chairs from the Teacher Education Unit must approve the BGS: ES proposal.

*Students must have passed the Praxis I exam in order to be eligible for the program.

BGS-Education Studies majors are required to complete general education requirements, but they are not required to complete a foreign language requirement.

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS For specific information about general education requirements and expectations, see the General Education Requirements in the Academic Programs section of this catalog.

MINIMUM TOTAL CREDITS FOR THE DEGREE: 128

 

See other years' Catalogs