General Studies

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Department:  General Studies
College of Arts and Sciences

Kettler Hall 144 - 260-481-6828

Exploring General Studies Program (EGS)

Kettler Hall G26 - 260-481-6136

Julie Fellers Hook, Director
Rhonda Meriwether, Academic Advisor Exploring General Studies
Cassandra Bracht, Academic Advisor
Maria Leatherwood, Academic Advisor
Kathleen Whitcraft, Secretary
Josie Martinez, Secretary

The General Studies Degree Program offers two different bachelor’s degrees, the Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) and the Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS).  Courses are available to students on-campus, days, evenings, and week-ends, and online.  Students may attend part-time or full-time. General Studies serves as the home for the Exploring General Studies Program.

The Bachelor of General Studies (B.G.S.)

Completing the B.G.S. gives students a well-rounded education that makes them competitive for many careers and graduate programs. B.G.S. graduates work in various professional fields, including business, education, law, government, healthcare, real estate, social services, and industry.  The B.G.S. may be completed online.

The Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.)

This degree will enhance the educational and professional attainment of students who have completed an Associate of Applied Science degree.  The degree will provide students an advanced education, giving them a broad knowledge of skills needed to run an organization and in-depth knowledge in a specific academic track.  Students in this program must have completed an associate in applied science.  There are three tracks students may explore:

• Certificate in Small Business Management
• Organizational Leadership and Supervision Minor
• Interdisciplinary Track

The Exploring General Studies Program (EGS)

The Exploring General Studies Program (EGS) provides a supportive environment; offers class scheduling and curriculum information; assists with decision-making; and furnishes information on time management, study skills, academic planning, and connecting students with campus resources.

Students offered conditional admission to PFW are advised in the Exploring General Studies Program (EGS). Students taking part in the EGS must attend Advising and Registration and New Student Orientation where they will find out more about the program and sign their participation agreement.  Students in the EGS will be assigned a Focus major of study and register for a one credit IDIS 11000: Freshmen Success course during their first semester. Students who do not earn a “C-“or higher in the class will be required to repeat the class during their second term and must earn a “C-“or higher to meet program requirements. Students will be required to meet regularly with their academic advisor, earn a minimum GPA of a 2.0 each semester that they are in the program, and complete at least 24 (dual credit, AP and transfer credit is included) credits to be released from the program and declare their major.

Definitions:

Conditionally Admitted Student: The following students will be offered conditional admission:

• High School (HA) admits with a high school GPA 2.0-2.49 and one of the following;SAT composite 840+ (420+ math), ACT 16 (15+ math)
• Adult (AD) admits: students who graduated high school more than two years prior
• GED/HSE (GE): GED 540-570, HSE 2764-3019
• Transfer (TR): students with less than 30 hours of transfer credit and below a 2.0 transfer GPA, or greater than a 2.0 transfer GPA with a high school GPA 2.0-2.49 or test scores per the SAT/ACT/GED/HSE ranges above will be admitted to a pathway in EGS

By accepting their offer of admission and enrolling in classes, students are agreeing to adhere to the conditions of their admission.

Program Release:

Students in the Exploring General Studies must earn a minimum of 24 credits with a cumulative PFW GPA of at least 2.0 and earn a “C-” or higher in IDIS 11000.

Early Release:

Students may be released and declare their major early if they have completed their first semester, earned at least 12 credits, earned at least a C- in IDIS 11000, and earned a 2.8 cumulative GPA or higher.

Ineligible to Enroll: 

Students not fulfilling the requirements of the Exploring General Studies Program will be ineligible to enroll for one semester. Students who wish to appeal their ineligibility must speak with their academic advisor and submit an appeal form to the Director of General Studies. Students who wish to return to PFW after their period of ineligibility ends will be required to follow the re-entry process through the Office of Admissions. Ineligible students who are also academically dismissed, per notification by the Office of the Registrar, will be required to follow the re-admission process through the Office of Admissions.

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