Completing your degree

Start With General Studies

If you’ve earned some college credits but had to pause your education, explore the general studies degree options designed for you. This degree option has more flexible requirements, making good use of credits you’ve already earned, plus it makes you more marketable for career positions.

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Why Study General Studies?

The General Studies degree is considered a “completion degree” and is especially well-suited for a student who is returning to college after starting, but not finishing, an undergraduate degree. With flexible times, locations and course options, the General Studies program helps you easily move towards your goals. This program offers associate degree and bachelor degree options, and allows students the flexibility to go beyond traditional academic boundaries to customize a degree that best fits their interests and career goals.

Contact an admissions representative at one of the below universities to complete the journey you started as a student in the general studies degree program.

The Associates Degree of General Studies Program

60 Credit Hours Required

This program advances participants’ general knowledge beyond high school and meets general education requirements for a baccalaureate degree at any South Dakota public university. Students will also complete 36 credit hours in elective courses. Students intending to seek a bachelor’s degree after earning an associate degree are encouraged to choose electives that will fulfill bachelor’s degree, major, and/or minor requirements.

The Bachelor of General Studies

48 Major Hours, 120 Degree Hours Required

Students work with an advisor to determine course equivalencies and to develop an appropriate degree completion plan. Students earning a B.G.S. complete all general education requirements (30 hours), 15 credit hours of coursework in each of three emphasis areas and a capstone course specific to the B.G.S. degree program. Majors and minors are not available within the B.G.S., and eligibility is limited to students who have completed at least 60 credit hours. A separate application process is required.

Interested in Other Degree Programs?

South Dakota colleges offer a variety of other degree programs. Browse our offerings and reach out to a college admissions representative to discuss how your earned credits would apply.

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