Frequently Asked Questions

I have never attended BYU. Am I still eligible for the BGS program?
No. The program is only available to former BYU students who have already filled the 30–credit residency requirement.

How can I find out if I am academically eligible for the BGS program?
You may call the BGS office for information on your prior BYU GPA and academic standing. Academic information can only be given directly to you, as the student.

My prior credits are really old. Will they apply to the BGS program?
Yes, they will count toward total credit hours, even if they don’t fill a specific course requirement.

BYU already has my transcript from another school. Do I need to send it again?
Only if you completed additional classes at that school after the transcript was originally sent to BYU.

Can I receive credit for my life experience?
BYU only accepts credit for courses completed at an acceptable accredited institution and printed on an official school transcript.

Can I find out before I apply what classes I will have left to take in the BGS program?
The application process includes an official evaluation of your previously earned credit. While former BYU students may contact the BGS office to find out how many total credits they have earned at BYU, an accurate estimate of the specific courses and requirements needed for graduation can only be made after the official evaluation is complete.

What forms and fees are required for application to the BGS program?

Form A—Application
Form B—Ecclesiastical Endorsement
All transcripts from colleges, universities, or institutes of religion other than BYU
$35 application fee

How long does the application process take?
Generally up to four weeks. Once we have received ALL application materials, we will conduct a thorough evaluation of your transcripts and credits.

What are the costs involved in the BGS program?
Application fee: $35; Independent Study course tuition: $157 per credit hour; textbooks: variable, if required; annual matriculation fee: $60.

Is financial aid available for BGS students?
Federal Pell Grants may be available to formally admitted students. Once admitted, you may also qualify for financial assistance available through the BGS Department. See program costs for more information on financial aid.

Can I finish with the major I started on campus?
A BGS student’s major is general studies with an emphasis in one of seven areas: American studies, English, family history, family life, history, management, or psychology. If you were close to finishing your degree on campus, you may want to contact your previous college advisement center to find out if it is possible to finish through your original major.

Can I take classes at a local college and transfer them to the BGS program?
Once you are admitted to the BGS program, it is expected that you will complete your remaining courses through BYU. Preapprovals for earning and transferring credit from accredited colleges and universities after formal admission are given only for special circumstances to fill the university core foreign language requirement.

How long will it take me to graduate?
It depends on how many credits you have left to complete for your degree and how much time you have to devote to your studies. Generally speaking, full-time students complete 30 credits per year. If you are working, have a family, etc., you will probably consider yourself a part-time student, able to complete approximately 15 credits per year. However, even completing this many credits will require a significant amount of time and commitment. Once you are admitted to the BGS program, you will have up to eight years to complete your degree.

Can I participate in commencement exercises on campus?
Yes. Graduation ceremonies are held each year in April and August.

What can I do with a BGS degree?
The Bachelor of General Studies degree is a fully accredited BYU bachelor’s degree. As with any degree, the type of job you obtain after graduation will depend on the type of job you are seeking and the other job skills you possess, as well as your bachelor’s degree. BGS graduates have found employment in several different fields. Others have continued their education and have been successful in a variety of graduate programs, including business, law, nursing, and various social science fields.