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 School of Continuing Studies 2001-2003 Academic Bulletin |
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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 (A.A. 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. 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. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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 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.
5. 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.
6. 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. For more information about SAC credit, see the Special Opportunities section of this bulletin.
7. 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.
8. 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 will be processed after all academic credentials and the application fee are received. Once admitted, you receive a letter of admission, an information packet, and any transfer course evaluations within approximately six weeks.
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. For more information about course distribution requirements, see the Course Distribution Requirements section of this bulletin.
10. What are fundamental skills competency, 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 ACT-PEP Regents (Excelsior) College exams. For more information about fundamental skills competency requirements, see the Fundamental Skills Competency section of this bulletin.
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 discharge (DD214), active duty document (DD295), or such military documents as the AARTS, SMARTS, or the Community College of the Air Force transcripts.
12. As a general studies student, am I eligible for financial aid?
If you are pursuing your degree on a campus, contact your campus financial aid office for information about financial aid programs you may qualify for. At this time, Indiana University is unable to administer federal or state financial aid for students pursuing degrees entirely through distance education, including those students enrolled 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.
13. 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.
14. How much does it cost to earn my general studies degree entirely 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.
15. 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. You might not receive credit for these courses.
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