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U.S. News World and Report best bachelors program 2024

General Studies, B.G.S. - IU East

The multidisciplinary Bachelor of General Studies from IU Online allows you to fulfill traditional university requirements in arts and sciences while at the same time customizing your coursework to meet your specific goals.

Course Delivery: 100% Online

Total Credits: 120

In-State Tuition Per Credit: $249.73

Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit: $365.31

Cost of attendance may vary by campus. View the total cost calculator

Degree Overview

As a Bachelor of General Studies student, you’ll select a concentration in one of three learning areas: arts and humanities, natural science and mathematics, or social and behavioral science.

With guidance from your academic advisor, you’ll select electives that allow you to tailor your general studies degree to your individual needs. You’ll receive a broad range of skills and knowledge that can further your current career and/or prepare you for professional programs or graduate school. 

You’ll benefit from a career-focused program ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. You’ll  graduate with an Indiana University degree respected by employers worldwide—and you can work on yours anytime and anywhere. Plus, you’ll enjoy personalized support services throughout your academic journey.

To apply to this program:

  • Complete application for admission.  
  • Submit high school transcript or equivalent (applicants with fewer than 12 credit hours).  
  • International applicants may be asked for additional materials.  

 

Application Deadlines

This porgram has rolling admissions. Application review will begin upon receipt of all required application materials.

Your IU Online B.G.S. prepares you for graduate school, self-employment, and careers in a broad range of settings, including: 

  • Business
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Education
  • Health
  • Government

To graduate with the B.G.S., you must complete 120 credit hours with no more than 21 credit hours taken in a single arts and sciences area. No more than 30 credit hours in a single discipline outside the arts and sciences will be counted toward this degree. At least 30 credit hours must be taken at the 300-400 level. All coursework applied to the learning areas must be completed with a C- or higher.

Requirements are broken down as follows: 

  • First-Year seminar (0-3 credit hours) 
  • Natural sciences and/or quantitative reasoning courses (3-4 credit hours) 
  • Social-behavioral courses (6 credit hours) 
  • Multicultural awareness course (3 credit hours) 
  • Ethical reasoning course (3 credit hours) 
  • Information literacy course (3 credit hours) 
  • Concentration requirements (18 credit hours) 
  • General elective courses (66 credit hours) 

See courses you can take and find course descriptions with our Search Schedule of Classes/Courses tool.

Find the answers you need or start your application. We’re here to help!