Simon Fraser University

What you'll study

The Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) is an interdisciplinary programme that allows students to design a coherent course of study drawing from humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and professional schools. Students build a concentration or thematic pathway by selecting courses across departments such as English, History, Psychology, Sociology, Economics, Computing Science, Business, and Environmental Science.

Typical elements of the programme include:

• Core skills: courses that develop writing, quantitative reasoning, research methods, and critical thinking.
• Breadth requirements: exposure to multiple disciplines to ensure a broad intellectual foundation.
• Concentration or thematic stream: a defined set of courses (often 8–12) focused on a particular area, for example digital culture, social policy, sustainability, or business fundamentals.
• Electives and flexibility: room to take work‑integrated learning, internships, practicum courses, or electives from professional schools such as business or computing.
• Capstone or senior project: an optional or required integrative project, thesis, or practicum that demonstrates synthesis of learning in the chosen theme.

Students work with an academic adviser to map out a degree plan that meets faculty regulations and ensures depth in the chosen area while retaining flexibility to change focus during the programme.

Entry requirements

Admission to the Bachelor of General Studies typically follows the general undergraduate admission standards at Simon Fraser University. Applicants are expected to have completed secondary school with a competitive academic record. International applicants must meet SFU's English language proficiency requirements.

Specific considerations:

• English language proficiency demonstrated through accepted tests or completion of qualifying English coursework where applicable.
• Some applicants may be admitted via transfer from community colleges or other universities; transfer credit is assessed on a course‑by‑course basis.
• Mature applicants or those with substantial professional experience may be considered through SFU's mature student admission pathways.

Admission is competitive and meeting minimum criteria does not guarantee entry; applicants should consult SFU’s admissions pages or academic advising for documentation and programme‑specific guidance.

Career prospects

The BGS prepares graduates for a wide range of careers where adaptability, communication, and interdisciplinary reasoning are valued. Graduates often move into roles such as policy analyst, communications or public relations officer, programme coordinator, research assistant, community outreach worker, or positions in business operations and administration.

Because the degree permits customisation, students can orient their studies toward particular sectors—technology, public service, non‑profit, education, or environmental organisations—and so graduate with both transferable skills and sector‑specific knowledge. Many BGS graduates also proceed to professional programmes or graduate study in fields such as law, education, public administration, social work, or master’s level research programmes.

Why study at Simon Fraser University

Simon Fraser University offers an urban campus environment with strong cross‑faculty collaboration and access to co‑op and internship opportunities in the Metro Vancouver region. The university emphasises experiential learning and provides academic advising to help students configure interdisciplinary degrees that meet personal and professional goals.

SFU’s connections with industry, government and community organisations give students opportunities for work‑integrated learning and networking. Small seminar classes in upper years, research opportunities with faculty, and a supportive advising structure make the BGS attractive for students seeking flexibility without sacrificing academic rigour.