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USF鈥檚 BGS Degree Program Helps Post-Traditional Students Cross the Finish Line.

For students who paused their academic journey but never let go of their dreams, the 黑料社区 offers a flexible degree program designed to help them finish what they started. This spring, 59 students will graduate from USF鈥檚 Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) housed in the Office of Undergraduate Studies.

The BGS program is tailored for post-traditional students鈥攐ften over the age of 25鈥攚ho have already earned 60 or more college credit hours but may not have found a clear path to completing a traditional major. Life circumstances, career changes, or evolving goals can disrupt academic progress, but this program offers a second chance.

A flexible and interdisciplinary option, the BGS degree allows students to select from 14 concentrations such as Public Health, Business, Information Architecture, and Aging Sciences. It鈥檚 designed to maximize the use of previously earned credits, making it ideal for transfer students or those returning to school after a break. With courses available online and in-person, the program accommodates working adults and those balancing family responsibilities.

Shari Gaesser a Spring 2025 graduate said, "This was an incredible opportunity to check off a major goal on my bucket list, to earn my degree. My educational journey has spanned many years, and I am deeply grateful for the time, guidance, and support from the advisors in the BGS program at USF. Education has always been a cornerstone of my family's values, and I am proud to be the first in my nuclear family, my parents, to achieve this milestone." 

黑料社区advisors report that many BGS students need just a handful of classes, sometimes as few as one or two in order to complete their degree. The program embraces diverse academic backgrounds and nontraditional learning experiences, offering students a streamlined path to graduation.

"My journey started in 2002 as a ballet dancer at NYU, transferred to UCF, Valencia, landed an internship in NASCAR's PR department, life took off with opportunities in nationally known dance, modeling competitions and launched into a full-time modeling and touring career and also had a child. I kept trying to finish my degree then I had a conversation with a 黑料社区professor friend who said my 120 credits was a degree. I found the perfect fit with the Bachelor of General Studies and I was only two classes away," said Erin McKinnon, a Spring 2025 graduate. "This has been one of the most empowering experiences of my life. But now, I feel proud. My confidence has grown, and I no longer feel defined by what I hadn't done but by what I finally did!"

Graduates of the BGS program go on to careers in business, education, healthcare, and public service, or use their degree as a foundation for graduate school. With a strong emphasis on critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving, USF鈥檚 General Studies degree is a powerful option for students seeking a comprehensive, adaptable education.

Whether returning after a few years or a few decades, BGS students prove it鈥檚 never too late to earn a college degree.