General Studies

What is General Studies?

The General Studies major offers students at Indiana University East a wide range of course choices within one or more of the following areas: Humanities, Social Sciences, and Sciences . This program is designed for students who want to shape their major studies across courses and departments of their choosing.

The General Studies Degree Program is a broadly based education that encompasses the arts and humanities, social and behavioral sciences, and mathematics and natural sciences. An opportunity for some to pursue a college education, regardless of their work schedules, domestic responsibilities, or logistical problems. A degree that establishes the foundation for a lifetime of continual learning.

Indiana University East offers both an Associate and a Bachelor of Arts degree in General Studies. The program was designed for adult students who want a degree program that combines high academic standards with convenience.

General Studies Application

Flexibility for you

  1. Design your degree in partnership with your academic advisor
  2. Take classes on campus, at a distance, or both
  3. Apply credits from other accredited colleges and universities
  4. Earn credit for life experiences, military service, and CLEP/DANTES examinations

Benefits to you

  1. Allows you to apply for and pursue advanced degrees in a variety of fields
  2. Helps you advance in your job and increase your earnings
  3. Builds your confidence and fills you with a sense of accomplishment
  4. Enables you to be a role model for your children

Careers

Completing the Bachelor of General Studies gives students basic preparation for many careers and graduate programs. General Studies graduates work in various professional fields, including business, education, government, health care, law, public relations, real estate, and the social service field. Many B.G.S. students have gone on to graduate programs, earning master's degrees and doctorates in such fields as anthropology, business, divinity studies, education, fine art, international affairs, law, library science, management, nursing, public health, and social work.   General studies students learn skills like critical thinking, creativity, and communication that are applicable to almost any job.

Learning Area Distributions for the AGS and BGS Degrees

General studies degrees consist of required credit hours in the three subject fields in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and elective credit hours in any of the academic units of the university. The three subject fields in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are generally organized as follows. (Schools and departments not specifically listed here are considered professional schools.)

  • ARTS AND HUMANITIES
    • Afro-American Studies
    • Classical Studies
    • Comparative Literature
    • English
    • Fine Arts
    • Folklore
    • History
    • History and Philosophy of Science
    • Language Courses
    • Philosophy
    • Religious Studies
    • Speech
    • Theatre and Drama
  • SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS
    • Anatomy
    • Astronomy
    • Biology
    • Chemistry
    • Computer Science
    • Geology
    • Mathematics
    • Microbiology
    • Physics
    • Physiology
    • Plant Sciences
    • Zoology
  • SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES
    • Anthropolog
    • Economics
    • Geography
    • Psychology
    • Political Science
    • Sociology

Oncourse is an online course management system (CMS) that permits faculty and students to create, integrate, use, and maintain Web-based teaching and learning resources.

Please Note :  Developmental classes do not count toward your General Studies degree.  These courses include:

  • Education X050
  • Education X051
  • English W001
  • English W130
  • Math M007
  • Math M117 is considered an elective. It is not distribution satisfying.

This is not a comprehensive list.  If you have questions, please see your academic advisor.