• Academic Standards
• Admission
• Degree Requirements
• Recognition of Previously Earned Credit
• Required Areas of Learning

The Division of Continuing Studies at IU Northwest, as a part of the Indiana University School of Continuing Studies, provides the opportunity for study leading to a general studies degree. The division offers the Certificate in General Studies, the Associate of Arts in General Studies (A.A.G.S.), and the Bachelor of General Studies (B.G.S.) degree programs. The certificate and the A.A.G.S. and B.G.S. degrees consist of two parts: (1) course work that must be done in broad categories, called "required areas of learning," and (2) course work that can be done in any school, division, or program of the university, called "elective credit." The three required areas of learning are arts and humanities, science and mathematics, and social and behavioral sciences. They provide students with a broad exposure to the humanities and the sciences. Electives permit students to explore other areas of interest and to tailor the degree to their individual needs.  NOTE:  The 2011 class will be the final admission into the Associate of Arts in General Studies (A.A.G.S.) program at IU Northwest.  

General studies degree programs provide higher education alternatives for nontraditional students. Those students may have work or home schedules that are uncertain, or may simply desire flexibility in program planning and scheduling that is not generally available in traditional programs. Many of our students began a program some time ago and now wish to continue their education in a way that builds upon prior academic achievements and present personal realities.

It is possible to design an academic program that fits you. It is possible to complete your studies in a variety of ways. Some students work entirely through correspondence courses; however, most use a variety of scheduling and study options. Credit options for general studies students include traditional on- campus courses, weekend or evening classes, telecourses, self-paced independent study courses, credit-by-examination, and self-acquired competency (SAC) evaluation.