About the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO)
As Nebraska's metropolitan university, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is committed to placing students first, striving for academic excellence and engaging with the community.
The University of Nebraska at Omaha is a member of the University of Nebraska system, and is the second-largest institution of higher education in Nebraska. UNO has a strong academic reputation, with many nationally recognized programs.
UNO is a well-respected, fully accredited university and has become a leader in online education.
The University of Nebraska at Omaha also provides access and opportunity for individuals who cannot attend on-campus classes. We understand that traveling to a physical campus to further your educational goals is not always possible. Now with the help of technology you have the opportunity to maintain your commitments yet create an educational experience that prepares you for life's challenges.
UNO's Division of Continuing Studies
As an adult returning to college or just starting, you're a special student. Not only do you have competing responsibilities-family and career-you know what you want from your investment in a college education.
UNO's Division of Continuing Studies offers working students a flexible, individualized degree program backed by experienced advisers specializing in helping adult students deal with the challenges they meet on the path to a university degree. The advisers evaluate your past academic records and will help you fulfill all degree requirements.
What is a BGS degree?
The Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) degree is one of the nation's oldest for students 21 or older. Awarded to over 22,000 students since 1951, all courses are taught by University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) faculty. BGS students must meet the same rigorous standards as those in UNO's traditional degree programs. The BGS curriculum will prepare you to meet a wide range of academic and professional goals.
To complete the Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) degree, you are required to:
- Earn 125 semester hours;
- 24 of the last 48 semester hours must be earned from UNO courses;
- 30 hours of must be upper level courses numbered 3000-4000, including nine hours from UNO in your area of concentration; and
- Maintain at least a 2.00 grade point average.
FAQs for Prospective Online Students
Q: How do I know what courses to take?
A: Your academic adviser can help you determine which courses are best for you, help you to determine transfer credit, and formulate a degree plan.
Q: Will I be able to use my transfer credit?
A: Get a head start on your degree using what you have already learned. The BGS allows non-traditional credit for many workplace training programs, military service schools, hospital diplomas, and more. Transfer credit is accepted from all colleges and universities accredited by a post secondary regional association.
Q: I live in the area. Can I also take on-campus classes?
A: We give you maximum flexibility of course delivery. You can take online classes, on-campus classes, or a combination of the two to complete your degree.
Q: Will my degree say "online"?
A: No. Neither your transcript nor your diploma will differentiate the mode in which the degree was completed.
Q: When does the program begin?
A: You may start your program at the beginning of any semester - Spring, Summer or Fall. Online classes follow the traditional semester schedule.
UNO's School of Public Administration
An education from the School of Public Administration (SPA) at the University of Nebraska at Omaha will prepare you for a career in the public service. With a strong foundation in academic theory and applied research, you will learn the tools of visionary and effective leadership.
Students of public administration go on to hold positions of influence in many private and public sectors, including government agencies, the non-profit sector and charitable foundations. Students and alumni successfully address many issues in their careers, including:
- Youth violence
- Community development and revitalization
- Environmental preservation
- AIDS and other public health threats
- Hunger and nutrition
- Poverty
- Education
- Human rights
- Economic development
- Emergency response planning
- Dispute resolution and mediation
Faculty
Supported by significant external funding, faculty members in the school are regarded as national and international scholars, with many receiving awards and recognition by scholarly and professional associations and societies. Two journals—Administrative Theory & Praxis and the Journal of Air Transportation are sponsored and housed in the School of Public Administration.
Key Facts
- SPA has received national recognition in the 2009 edition of America's Best Graduate Schools
- UNO's highly ranked Master of Public Administration program is one of the largest in the country, enrolling 230 students
