UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES — GENERAL STUDIES PROGRAM

Sign up for the Independent Learner Online!

See the most recent issue of the Independent Learner Online.

See the most recent issue of the general studies alumni newsletter.

Visit the School of Continuing Studies on the IU Alumni Association Web Site

Important: This Web site is for students wanting to complete their general studies degree at a distance. The distance degree is awarded through IUPUI at Indianapolis. If you are interested in completing a general studies degree on an Indiana University campus, contact the general studies office nearest you. You can also learn more at generalstudies.iu.edu.

Overview
Through its General Studies Degree Program, the School of Continuing Studies offers two Indiana University degrees at a distance: the Associate of Arts in General Studies (60 credit hours) and the Bachelor of General Studies (120 credit hours).

Distance students complete their degree by taking self-paced undergraduate courses through the Independent Study Program. In addition, they may select from a growing number of semester-long online interactive (SOI) courses that the School of Continuing Studies offers in collaboration with IU East. It is now possible to earn both the associate and bachelor's degree by taking only online courses.

As a general studies student, you pursue an interdisciplinary plan of study that encompasses three areas of learning:

• arts and humanities
• social and behavioral sciences
• mathematics and natural sciences

You complete required course work in these areas. In addition, you complete electives that suit your individual needs, and you may concentrate your course work in specialized fields. You may also apply credits from a variety of online certificate programs. Be sure to check with your advisor to determine how credits will apply.

You can use a variety of options for earning credit toward your degree. These options include credit by examination, credit for self-acquired competency, and military service credit. And if at some time in the past you started your college education elsewhere, you may be able to transfer your credits to Indiana University.

Comprehensive information about the degree program is available in the General Studies Degree Program bulletin (3.5 MB).