Bachelor of General Studies

BGS Admissions Process

Admission Requirements

In order to be admitted into the Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) program, applicants must:

  • Have completed 60 credit hours at a regionally accredited college or university
  • Have a break in education of three years or more
  • Complete a screening process conducted by a program advisor
  • Be in good standing with most recent former educational institution
  • Demonstrate ability and desire to complete the degree (personal statement)
  • Be a mature, non traditional students/work experience
  • Meet USF general admissions standards for transfer students (2.3 GPA for out of state transfer students)

In addition, if you are a former USF student, please note the following:

*Former USF students returning must meet with a BGS advisor prior to applying for the program.
*The BGS is not intended for currently enrolled USF students making satisfactory progress towards degree completion. BGS is not an option for students who've earned a bachelor degree and are now seeking a second bachelor degree.

You must apply for undergraduate admission through the USF Office of Admissions. Expect this process to take anywhere from four to six weeks. The file completion deadline is the last day to submit paperwork (transcripts, petitions for reinstatement, conduct documentation). Students have up until the week before classes to register without paying the $100 late fee).

STEP 1: APPLY TO ADMISSIONS

You will need to submit the following documents to be considered for admission to the university:

  • Complete the application for admission.
  • Pay the non-refundable $30 application fee.
  • Provide your official TOEFL or IELTS scores, if applicable.
  • Provide your official transcript from each college or university you attended, to include military credits and CLEP scores. *Please note that review of your application will be expedited if you send your transcripts electronically.

Mail these documents to:
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
4202 E Fowler Avenue, SVC 1036
Tampa, FL 33620

Step 2: Select Your Concentration

You will take an active role in creating your academic program. View the concentrations available on the left navigation menu, and select the one that's right for you.

Step 3: Complete the BGS Survey

You must complete the BGS major declaration form. Expect this approval process to take up to three to four weeks. Please be sure your personal goal statement is compelling.

To be considered for admission to the program, you must submit an electronic BGS major declaration form, which requires text input of a brief personal statement to address the following:

  • Explanation of why you are returning to college
  • The challenges you may face
  • Reason for interest in intended concentration
  • How you plan to use your degree
  • Explain why you are choosing a specific concentration (s)

 Step 4: Meet with a BGS Advisor

After your survey and transcripts have been reviewed and you've received a formal letter of acceptance from admissions, please schedule an appointment with the BGS advisor for pre-orientation advising. Fill out an intake form to maximize your appointment time.

Need to schedule an appointment? Please click on the appropriate link below:

Accepted or currently registered students click here.
If you are NOT a USF Student, please use eScheduler

Note: Admissions decisions will be communicated to students via email from bgsadvise@usf.edu