Mission/Vision Statement

The purpose of Continuing Studies is to facilitate flexible and creative learning opportunities for all who seek growth through education.  Our Vision is to achieve community recognition as being the leader in providing quality customized programs, empowering our students and customers to pursue educational opportunities.

Student Learning Goals and Outcomes

The Bachelor of General Studies degree is distinctive in that it allows a student considerable freedom to develop a program of study based on his or her interests and prior experiences. This degree program places more emphasis on the breadth of development across academic disciplines than a traditional program within a well-defined major.

1. Develop and deepen oral and written communication skills.
2. Develop the ability to think critically and creatively.
3. Develop breadth and depth of knowledge in multiple disciplines.
4. Develop tolerance, understanding, and acceptance of others.
5. Prepare for a career and continual personal development.

Degree Requirements

Degree Program Admission Requirements

The General Studies degree program does not require specific coursework to be completed before entering; but does require a minimum of 26 hours of completed coursework with a minimum GPA of 2.0.

Admission Procedures

1. All applicants must meet with the general studies academic advisor and complete the application form.
2. If applicants have previously attended a college or university, they should direct that institution to forward a transcript to Office of Admissions, Indiana University Southeast, 4201 Grant Line Road, New Albany, IN  47150.
3. Students who wish to transfer from another academic unit within Indiana University must first make an appointment with the general studies advisor.

General Degree Requirements

See “General Requirements for Undergraduate Degrees at IU Southeast” in this Bulletin.  Bachelors of General Studies students must fulfill the University’s General Education requirements; and the minimum requirements to graduate, i.e. 120 hours and a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0.

Basic Skills/General Education Component

The following courses represent the Basic Skills component of the Bachelor’s in General Studies. Additionally, some of these courses will also fulfill portions of the University’s General Education requirement.

Distribution and Concentration Requirements

Total hours: 54

Bachelor’s in General Studies students are expected to select a preferred concentration in one of three areas of learning: Arts & Humanities, Mathematics & Science, or Social Sciences. Each student must complete at least 12 hours from each area of learning for 36 hours across all three. Within each 12 hour area of learning requirements, students must select and complete courses from at least two different departments or disciplines; and include at least one course at the 300 level or above. Lastly, students must also complete an additional 18 hours of course work from their chosen concentration.

Students must receive a grade of C or higher in all courses used to fulfill the Distribution and Concentration requirements. Any course in which the student receives a grade of less than C (C- is less than C) will count only as a general elective toward the 120 hours required for graduation.

Courses taken to complete the Basic Skills and/or General Education requirements will also count toward the distribution and concentration requirements.

Electives

Total Hours: 66

Students, in consultation with their academic advisors, are encouraged to concentrate their elective courses in related subjects.

Other Requirements and Limitations

1. A minimum of 30 credit hours of the required 120 credit hours must be taken within the eight campuses of Indiana University.
2. A minimum of 20 credit hours of course work accepted for the B.G.S. degree must be taken after the student has been admitted to the School of Continuing Studies.
3. In addition to maintaining an overall GPA of 2.0, B.G.S. candidates must earn a 2.0 cumulative GPA across all courses completed after joining the School of Continuing Studies.
4. A minimum of 30 credit hours of the required 120 must be taken at the upper-division level, i.e. numbered 300 or above. The 30 credit hours must include at least one 3-credit course from each of the three areas of learning
5. A maximum of 21 credit hours toward any major or concentration in any department will be accepted for the B.G.S. degree.
6. A maximum of 30 hours from any single professional school; and a maximum of 51 total hours from all professional schools may count toward the B.G.S. degree.

Capstone Requirement

Note: Students admitted to the General Studies program in Fall 1998 or after are required to take a threshold and a capstone course as part of the curriculum.  Students who apply to the General Studies degree program with 75% or more of their course work already completed may apply for exemption from the threshold and/or capstone course. 

Capstone course options

*Offered via web/online only.
**Hybrid: partially on-line.