General Studies

Degree: BGS Mode of study: On-Campus Location: Main Campus Location: Regional
Degree Type
Bachelor's Degree
Program Type
Undergraduate
Location
Main Campus - Cape
Regional Campus - Kennett
Regional Campus - Poplar Bluff
Regional Campus - Sikeston
College
Humanities & Social Sciences
Department
General & Interdisciplinary Studies
Careers
<span data-contrast="none">The General Studies program at Southeast Missouri State University prepares our graduates to be successful in the modern workplace and solve the problems of tomorrow.</span>

Receive the benefits of a well-rounded education: You’ll do that here.

The general education program at Southeast Missouri State University prepares our graduates to be successful in the modern workplace. You’ll gain knowledge outside of your major. And, you won’t just learn the answer to the problem of today, you will learn how to find the answer to the puzzle of tomorrow. 

The general education program provides a well-rounded learning experience for undergraduate students by offering a range of courses across these areas:  

  • Social/Behavioral Sciences (students take 3-4 courses) 
  • Communication (students take 3-4 courses) 
  • Natural and Mathematical Sciences (students take 3-4 courses) 
  • Humanities and Fine Arts (students take 3-4 courses) 
  • Freshman Seminar

Why Consider a General Studies Degree?

Your education is just one piece to launching an extraordinary career. Once you’ve mastered the material, you still have to find the job you want, make the right connections, sell your knowledge and experience—and if all this is giving you anxiety, don’t panic. SEMO’s Career Services office is here to help you with the next step. They’ll provide the expertise and support you need, so you’re landing your dream job in no time. 

The Bachelor of General Studies is ideal for degree-seekers with one or more of the following characteristics:

  • Students with college credits from multiple institutions
  • Students with experience in several areas of study or majors
  • Students interested primarily in earning a four-year degree, without a requirement for, or interest in, a specific major
  • Students seeking a degree for personal enrichment
  • Students unable to finish another major because of changing life circumstances, but who want to earn a bachelor’s degree to complete their undergraduate experience

General Studies (BGS) Degree Map

Explore the courses you'll need to complete your degree.

View the Degree Map

General Studies Curriculum

The general studies degree requires a minimum of 120 credit hours to complete, including the general education requirements and at least 39 senior division hours.

  • Social and Behavioral Sciences – 6 hours
    • Course 1
    • Course 2
  • Constitution requirement – 3 hours
    • Course 1
  • Written Communication – 6 hours
    • Course 1
    • Course 2
  • Oral Communication – 3 hours
    • Course 1
  • Natural Sciences – 7 hours (from two disciplines, one to include a lab) Course 1
    • Course 2
  • Mathematics – 3 hours
    • Course 1
  • Humanities & Fine Arts – 9 hours (from at least two disciplines)
    • Course 1
    • Course 2
    • Course 3
  • Additional requirements – 5 hours (to include UI100 for native students)
    • UI100/Course 1
    • Course 2
    • Civics examination

Plus 39 hours of 300-500 Level Courses

Fall

  • Full Term: Aug. - Dec. (3 hours)
  • Full Term: Aug. - Dec. (3 hours)
  • Full Term: Aug. - Dec. (3 hours)
  • 1st 8 Week: Aug. - Oct. (3 hours)
  • 2nd 8 Week: Oct. - Dec. (3 hours)
  • Total: 15 hours

Spring

  • Wintersession: Dec. - Jan. (3 hours)
  • Full Term: Jan. - May. (3 hours)
  • Full Term: Jan. - May. (3 hours)
  • 1st 8 Week: Jan. - Mar. (3 hours)
  • 2nd 8 Week: Mar. - May. (3 hours)
  • Total: 15 hours

Summer

  • 1st 4 Week: June (3 hours)
  • 8 Week: June-July (3 hours)
  • 2nd 4 Week: July (3 hours)
  • Total: 9 hours

Program Assessment

See how General Education Learning Goals inform how we align, design, deliver, and access student learning across the general education curriculum.

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First Year Seminar - UI100

Southeast Missouri State University is proud of our commitment to helping you, our first-year students, transition successfully to the University. Southeast requires most of our first-year students to take the UI100: First-Year Seminar which is a one-credit hour course to assist you during your first semester.

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Student Forms

General Education forms include course substitution, military-based substitution, waiver guidelines, contract for study abroad, interdisciplinary studies, and information on transferring courses.

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General Education Council

General Education Council handles all policy matters affecting the General Education program and all proposals for new courses or changes in the treatment of the General Education objectives in existing courses.

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Additional Resources

General Education
Contact Us
Phone
(573) 651-2207
Location
Office
Academic Hall 132
Mailing Address
One University Plaza, MS 3400
Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701

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