General Studies Undergraduate Degree

Interdisciplinary Studies

Bachelor of Science
College of Arts & Letters
Department of Interdisciplinary Studies

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Next Start Date

January 20, 2026

Accelerated Major Courses

Degree completion

For students with some college credits
Transfer up to 90 credits toward this degree

Full degree

A start-to-finish curriculum for students to earn a degree online from ODU
120 credit hours total

Why ODU for General Studies?

Our General Studies major is designed for students whose academic paths don’t fit neatly into a traditional degree.

If you’ve accumulated college credits but haven’t completed a program, this flexible, interdisciplinary degree can help you cross the finish line faster. You can also use this major to create a custom path to graduate school or career advancement.

You'll take three interdisciplinary studies courses, and then combine coursework from three or more areas to create your own General Studies curriculum.

Unlike many interdisciplinary programs, our degree includes a dedicated course where you learn how to:

Understand how different disciplines approach problems
Integrate knowledge across fields
Communicate the value of interdisciplinary thinking

You'll also create an ePortfolio to highlight these skills and the practical value of your degree.

When you graduate, you will earn a Bachelor of Science in interdisciplinary studies with a major in general studies.

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I have credits I'd like to transfer

If you are interested in pursuing an undergraduate degree, we can provide a free unofficial evaluation of your domestic transcript(s).

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Finish your Bachelor’s Degree on Your Terms

Except for three interdisciplinary studies courses, there's no strict list of courses for this major.

Use this flexibility to make the most of your transfer credits, even if you've switched majors or changed institutions multiple times. Or combine classes to create a custom academic path that prepares you for nontraditional or emerging careers.

You also can stack undergraduate certificates into your studies, such as Artificial Intelligence or Professional Leadership. Certificate courses will count toward both the certificate and the degree.

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Program Information

Minimum

30 Credit Hours

Total

120 Credit Hours

To earn a bachelor's degree from ODU, you must complete at least 30 credit hours with us. This degree requires 120 total credit hours. Talk with our enrollment team to plan a course of study or determine if you have credits to transfer.

View Course Descriptions in the Undergraduate Catalog

Accelerated Major Courses

Most courses in the major follow an accelerated 8-week format.

Many classes don't have a scheduled meeting time, so you can fit class into your personal schedule. You will access course materials and complete assignments online. The instructor may schedule specific deadlines for assignments or specific times to take exams.

Minimum

30 Credit Hours

Total

120 Credit Hours

To earn a bachelor's degree from ODU, you must complete at least 30 credit hours with us. This degree requires 120 total credit hours. Talk with our enrollment team to plan a course of study or determine if you have credits to transfer.

View Course Descriptions in the Undergraduate Catalog

Accelerated Major Courses

Most courses in the major follow an accelerated 8-week format.

Many classes don't have a scheduled meeting time, so you can fit class into your personal schedule. You will access course materials and complete assignments online. The instructor may schedule specific deadlines for assignments or specific times to take exams.

Cost & Aid

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Calculating Cost

In-state Virginia Residents

$268 per credit hour*

Out-of-State Students

$444 per credit hour

Active duty military students may qualify for a discounted undergraduate tuition rate.

These tuition rates are effective Fall 2025 and subject to change.

Explore ODUGlobal Cost & Aid

Military Cost & Aid

* In-state rate assumes residency requirements are met.

The newest class of graduates through ODUGlobal celebrated commencement in May 2024.

Scholarship & Aid

Scholarship Opportunities for Online Students

At ODUGlobal, we offer a variety of scholarships to support and empower you in achieving your academic and career goals, making quality education accessible wherever you are.

Learn more about our scholarships

Arts & Letters Enrollment Team

Our dedicated enrollment team will guide your transition to ODUGlobal.

Shawana Ward

Shawana Ward

Enrollment Coordinator

1-800-968-2638

artsandlettersonline@odu.edu

Kayla Baker

Kayla Baker

Enrollment Coordinator

1-800-968-2638

artsandlettersonline@odu.edu

Ready to Apply?

This program is available completely online, which means you can apply to ODU as a freshman.

Already have college credits? Before you apply, our enrollment team can provide a free transfer evaluation to see how your credits will transfer to ODU.

No matter where you're starting, we'll help you succeed from application to graduation.

Get Guaranteed Admission to ODU

ODU has partnered with select community colleges to make transferring easy. Plus, you could earn Guaranteed Admission!

Learn more about Guaranteed Admission to ODU.