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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 be accepted to this program, you must:
- Have at least 30 transferable credit hours.
To apply to this program:
- Complete application for admission.
- International applicants may be asked for additional materials.
Application Deadlines
This program 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. A minimum of 30 credits must be earned through IU South Bend for campus residency (online credits apply). At least 30 credit hours must be taken at the 300-400 level. You may take a maximum of 21 credit hours in any single arts and sciences department and a maximum of 30 credit hours in any one of the professional schools of the university.
Requirements are broken down as follows:
Arts and Sciences Foundation requirements (69 credit hours) including:
- Arts and humanities courses (minimum 12 credit hours)
- Science and mathematics courses (minimum 12 credit hours)
- Social and behavioral sciences courses (minimum 12 credit hours)
- B.G.S. concentration courses (minimum 18 credit hours)
- Arts and sciences elective courses (minimum 15 credit hours)
General Electives (51 credit hours)
You will complete the campus-wide general education requirements (21-39 credit hours, depending on transfer credits) and the additional B.G.S. requirements (6 credit hours). These requirements may overlap with Arts and Sciences Foundation requirements. This overlap typically allows you to take more credits in general electives so that you have more flexibility in course selection.
The general studies degree program allows credit to be earned through internships and credit-by-examination. Additional credits may also be granted for successful completion of exams and training documented from military service and from accredited licensure examinations as approved by the American Council on Education (ACE) or The National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS).
See courses you can take and find course descriptions with our Search Schedule of Classes/Courses tool.
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