UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES — GENERAL STUDIES PROGRAM

Program Information

1. Which Indiana University degrees may I earn through the Independent Study Program?
2. What can I do with a general studies degree?

Costs

3. How much does it cost to earn my general studies degree at a distance through the Independent Study Program?
4. As a general studies student earning my degree through the Independent Study Program, am I eligible for financial aid?

Degree Requirements

5. Can I fulfill all my degree requirements at a distance?
6. How long does it take to earn a general studies degree?
7. I've earned college or university credits before. May I transfer these previously earned credits to my Indiana University degree?
8. How many previously earned college or university credits may I apply toward the degree?
9. What are course distribution requirements, and which courses must I take to fulfill them?
10. What are fundamental skills competency requirements, and which courses must I take to fulfill them?

Credits

11. I've served in the military. How may credits based on my military service apply toward my degree?
12. Does Indiana University grant credit for the CLEP or DANTES exams?
13. I've had significant work experience and informal instruction in particular areas. If I take courses in these areas, I will already be familiar with what is being taught. May I receive credit based on my life experiences?

Admission

14. May I enroll in Independent Study Program courses before I'm admitted to the General Studies Degree Program? Will the credits I earn in these courses count toward my degree?
15. I have applied to the General Studies Degree Program. How long does it take to find out whether I've been accepted into the program?

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1. Which Indiana University degrees may I earn through the Independent Study Program?
   You may earn an A.A. in General Studies or B.G.S. through the Independent Study Program. If you do so, your degree(s) will be awarded through IUPUI in Indianapolis. You may also be able to apply credits you earn through the Independent Study Program toward other Indiana University degrees, as well as degrees offered by other colleges and universities. Check with an advisor in these programs.
   
   
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 schools.
   
   
3. How much does it cost to earn my general studies degree at a distance through the Independent Study Program?
   The cost depends on several factors: the number of credit hours you've already earned and may apply toward your general studies degree, the type of general studies degree you're pursuing (associate or bachelor's), and the current independent study course fee. Tuition for all Indiana University courses is set each year by the Board of Trustees.
   
   
4. As a general studies student earning my degree through the Independent Study Program, am I eligible for financial aid?
   At this time, Indiana University is unable to administer federal or state financial aid for degrees in Independent Study Program courses. However, several commercial student loans are available for full-time, half-time, and less-than-half-time students and to students not enrolled in degree programs. Many Web sites can help you find information about financial aid.
   
   
5. Can I fulfill all my course requirements at a distance?
   If you complete all your course work through the Independent Study Program, you may earn your degree without ever attending classes on an Indiana University campus. Your degree is awarded through IUPUI campus in Indianapolis.
   
   
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're 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.

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7. I've earned college or university credits before. May I transfer these 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). Once we've received your credentials and the IUPUI 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.
   
   
8. 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. If you are pursuing a bachelor's degree, you may apply up to 90 transfer credit hours toward your degree.
   Important: We apply transfer credit hours only if they fit into the general studies degree plan.
   
   
9. 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.
   
   
10. What are fundamental skills competency requirements, and which courses must I take to fulfill them?
    You must meet fundamental skills competency requirements that demonstrate college-level competence in four areas: written communication, oral communication, quantitative reasoning, and computer literacy. You may demonstrate competency by completing an appropriate college-level nonremedial course or its transfer equivalent in English composition/writing, speech/communication, quantitative reasoning, and computer science or by exercising other options, including departmental, CLEP, DANTES, or Excelsior college exams.

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11. I've served in the military. How may credits based on my military service apply toward my degree?
    Indiana University adheres to the American Council on Education's Guide to Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services in granting credit on the basis of education gained through military service. To receive credit for military service, you must submit copies of your official release from the military (DD214) or such active duty documents as the AARTS, SMARTS, or the Community College of the Air Force transcripts.
    
    
12. Does Indiana University grant credit for the CLEP or DANTES exams?
    Indiana University awards credit for Advanced Placement Examinations (AP), College-Level Examination Programs (CLEP), and Defense Activity for Nontraditional Education Support (DANTES) on the basis of policy established by faculty at the campus where you will pursue your degree. Consult with your general studies counselor as to the options available through nondepartmental examinations.
    
    
13. I've had significant work experience and informal instruction in particular areas. If I take courses in these areas, I will already be familiar with what is being taught. May I receive credit based on my life experiences?
    Yes, you may receive credit for your life experiences, which we call self-acquired competency (SAC) credit.
    
    
14. May I enroll in Independent Study Program courses before I'm admitted to the General Studies Degree Program? Will the credits I earn in these courses count toward my degree?
    Yes, you may enroll in independent study courses before you're admitted to the General Studies Degree Program. In fact, we encourage you to do so. However, we caution you not to enroll in courses whose descriptions resemble courses you've previously completed or in courses from a department from which you've already taken three or four courses. Credit you receive for these courses may not apply to your general studies degree.
    
    
15. I have applied to the General Studies Degree Program. How long does it take to find out whether I've been accepted into the program?
    Applications are processed after all academic credentials and the application fee are received. Please allow 10 to 12 weeks for your application and transcripts to be reviewed once we have received them.
    
    Important: When we receive your admission application form, we will enroll you in our student information system, Dragon. You will receive an email message welcoming you to Dragon. This message should not be interpreted as notification that you have been admitted to the General Studies Degree program. When you are officially admitted to the program, you will receive – by postal mail – a letter of admission, an information packet, and any transfer course evaluations.

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