When you become a student at Indiana University, you join an academic community internationally known for excellence and diversity of its programs. Each student in the School of General Studies is an active partner in the formulation of his or her program of study.
Indiana University 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.
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
F.A.Q.
Answers to Your Frequently Asked Questions
1. Must I go to an Indiana University campus to fulfill any course requirements?
You have three options for completing your Associate of Arts in General Studies (AA in General Studies) or your Bachelor of General Studies (B.G.S.); enroll in a campus-based program, complete all courses entirely through the Independent Study Program, or take both on-campus and independent study courses. If you choose to complete all your course work through the Independent Study Program, you may earn your degree without ever attending classes on an Indiana University campus.
2. What can I do with a general studies degree?
General studies graduates have pursued careers in dozens of fields and have used their degrees to continue their education in graduate and professional careers.
3. May I transfer previously earned credits to my Indiana University degree?
Yes, if the college or university you attended is accredited by a regional association (for example, the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement). Once we've received your credentials and the Indiana University Office of Admissions has evaluated your transcripts, we send you a report specifying how your previous college or university courses meet degree requirements and indicating the types of courses you must still complete to earn your degree.
4. How many previously earned college or university credits may I apply toward the degree?
If you are pursuing an associate degree, you may apply up to 45 previously earned credits or transfer credit hours, toward your degree.
Important: We apply transfer credit hours only if they fit into the general studies degree plan.
5. May I receive credit on my life experiences?
Yes, you may receive credit for your life experiences, which we call self-acquired competency (SAC) credit. For more information about SAC credit, see page 12 in the Continuing Studies Bulletin.
6. How long does it take to earn a general studies degree?
The amount of time depends on the number of credit hours you've already earned and may apply toward your general studies degree, the type of general studies degree you are pursuing (associate or bachelor's), and the amount of time you devote to your course work. Your general studies counselor can work with you to plan a course of study that suits your schedule.
What are course distribution requirements, and which courses must I take to fulfill them?
The phrase course distribution requirements indicates that, to earn a general studies degree, you must earn credits in three learning areas: arts and humanities, science and mathematics, and social and behavioral sciences. You must also earn elective credits. For more information about course distribution requirements, see page 10 of the bulletin.
The IU General Studies degree programs, in the School of Continuing Studies, offer two flexible academic programs designed to promote a broad base of knowledge and skills. The degree requirements allow you to design your academic program around your specific needs and interests. Each student essentially designs their own General Studies degree, so each Associate or Bachelor’s degree will be unique. There are IU East General Studies graduates pursuing everything from architecture school to police work, so the bottom line is figuring out what you want to learn as you pursue a degree. The General Studies advisor will help you select classes that will meet your personal goals.
Degrees
The Associate of General Studies degree will provide you with the basics of a liberal arts education, and the elective hours allow you to focus your coursework in a particular area if you wish. The Bachelor of General Studies degree offers three concentration areas and the flexibility of over 60 hours of electives.
Associate/Bachelor of General Studies
with concentrations in Arts & Humanities, Science & Math or Social & Behavioral Sciences
Earning Credit for the General Studies Degrees
There are several options for earning academic credit toward a General Studies Degree.
Complete IU East classes in Richmond, New Castle or Connersville-Classes are offered at any IU East site that will lead toward a degree in General Studies.
Independent Study courses through IU Bloomington - General Studies degrees also allow you to take an unlimited number of correspondence courses (courses through the mail or over the internet) with Indiana University professors from all over the state. This is a great option for students who work during our regular class times.
Self-Acquired Competency - Each degree program offers the opportunity to earn academic credit for life experience, called “Self-Acquired Competency” credit. To earn Self-Acquired Competency credit, you must produce a portfolio of your experience and present it to a faculty committee for evaluation.
Transfer Credit-Students who have completed coursework at other schools may transfer previous coursework to IU East, and often those classes will meet General Studies degree requirements.
There is no time limit for completing the General Studies degree requirements. Even if your previous coursework is more than ten years old, it may still apply toward a General Studies degree.
If you would like more information, contact:
Indiana University EastOffice of Admissions
2325 Chester Boulevard,
Richmond, Indiana 47374
800-959-3278
(765) 973-8208
