Bachelor's Degree Requirements
SCS programs lead to one of three Northwestern University
bachelor’s degrees. Two of the degrees—the bachelor
of philosophy (BPhil) and the bachelor
of science in general studies (BSGS)—are
conferred by the Judd A. and Marjorie Weinberg College
of Arts and Sciences. The third degree, the bachelor of
philosophy in communication (BPhilCom),
is conferred by the School of Communication.
Degree-seeking students typically choose a major according
to their career goals and academic interests. Some majors
offer a choice of the BPhil or the BSGS degree. The primary
difference is that the BPhil has a modern language requirement.
Degree Requirements
Bachelor of Philosophy
(BPhil)
To earn the BPhil degree, students must complete a total of 45 units (courses), including a writing and literature requirement, two years of study in a foreign language (or demonstration of equivalent foreign language proficiency), distribution
requirements, a major, and electives. Foreign language proficiency may be demonstrated by completion of a second year language sequence with a grade of C or better at an accredited college or university. Minors are optional.
Requirements
| Courses |
Units earned |
| ENGLISH 111 or 205 and
113* |
2 |
| Modern foreign language |
6 |
| Distribution requirements |
| |
Humanities |
4 |
| |
Science |
4 |
| |
Social sciences |
4 |
| Major field requirements |
10–22 |
| Electives |
Up to 15 |
| TOTAL |
45 |
* ENGLISH 111 Writing Seminar II or 205 Intermediate Composition
and 113 Introduction to Literature
Bachelor of Science
in General Studies (BSGS)
To earn the BSGS degree, students must complete a total of 45 units, including a writing and literature requirement, distribution requirements, a major, and electives. Minors are optional.
Requirements
| Courses |
Units earned |
| ENGLISH 111 or 205 and
113* |
2 |
| Distribution requirements |
| |
Humanities |
4 |
| |
Science |
4 |
| |
Social sciences |
4 |
| Major field requirements |
10–22 |
| Electives |
Up to 21 |
| TOTAL |
45 |
* ENGLISH 111 Writing Seminar II or 205 Intermediate Composition
and 113 Introduction to Literature
Bachelor of Philosophy
in Communication (BPhilCom)
To earn the BPhilCom degree, students must complete a total of 45 units,
including a writing
and literature requirement, distribution
requirements, a major, and electives. Minors are optional.
Requirements
| Courses |
Units earned |
| ENGLISH 111 or 205* |
1 |
| ENGLISH 113 or PERF ST
103** |
1 |
| Distribution requirements |
| |
Humanities |
3 |
| |
Psychology |
3 |
| |
Science |
3 |
| |
Social sciences |
3 |
| Major field requirements |
10–20 |
| Electives |
Up to 21 |
| TOTAL |
45 |
* ENGLISH 111 Writing Seminar II or ENGLISH 205 Intermediate
Composition
** ENGLISH 113 Introduction to Literature or PERF ST 103 Analysis
and Performance of Literature
|
