General studies graduates have pursued careers in dozens of fields and have used their degrees to continue their education in graduate and professional schools. For more information, click here to go to careers.
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 academic advisor can work with you to plan a course of study that suits your schedule.
Yes, if the college or university you attended is accredited by a regional association (for example, the North Central Association). Once we've received your credentials and the IU South Bend Office of Admissions has evaluated and posted your official transcripts, you will be able to view your transferred credits through your student center at One.iu.edu. At that time, contact our office to schedule an appointment; we will show you how your previous courses meet degree requirements and indicate the types of courses you must still complete to earn your degree.
Degree requirements can be found in the current IU South Bend Campus Bulletin.
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 release from the military (DD214) to the IU South Bend Office of Admissions.
If you are pursuing an associate degree, you may apply up to 45 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, with a maximum of 60 credits from community or junior colleges.
Please note: We apply transfer credit hours only if they fit into the general studies degree plan.
The phrase "course distribution requirements" refers to three learning areas in the College of Arts and Sciences: arts and humanities, science and mathematics, and social and behavioral sciences. In order to earn a general studies degree, you must earn a minimum of 12 credits in each of the three learning areas. For the Bachelor of General Studies, you must earn an additional 18 credits in one of the three areas which becomes your concentration. You must also earn additional credits in electives, some of which must come from the College of Arts and Sciences. For more information, go to course distribution requirements.
For both the A.A.G.S. and the B.G.S., you must meet fundamental skills requirements that demonstrate college-level competency in five areas: written communication (two courses are required), oral communication, quantitative reasoning, diversity, and computer literacy. On the IU South Bend campus, you must earn a grade of C (2.0) or higher in courses taken to meet the fundamental skills requirements.
In addition to meeting the course distribution requirements and fundamental skills set forth by the IU School of Continuing Studies, all graduates of IU South Bend must meet the campus general education requirements. In the General Studies Degree Program, some of these courses overlap with those that meet our fundamental skills requirements. In these instances, one course can be used to satisfy both requirements, providing you earn a grade of C (2.0) or higher. For more information, go to campus general education requirements.
Yes, the General Studies Degree Program allows credit for certain College-Level Examination Programs (CLEP), DSST, and Excelsior College Examinations.
The entry into the General Studies Degree program is a process that takes an average of 2-3 weeks. You'll want to look at the unique degree requirements in the IU South Bend Campus Bulletin.
If these fit for you, including the required 30 IU South Bend residency credits and minimum sophomore status, then follow the next steps by clicking the link applicable to your specific situation for the steps to follow:
IU South Bend Students
- If you are currently an active IU South Bend student considering switching your major to the General Studies Degree program
- If you are a returning IU South Bend student, previously accepted to the General Studies Degree program, and have been out of college for greater than one year
- If you are a returning IU South Bend student that will be new to the General Studies Degree program and have been out for greater than one year
IU STUDENTS
- If you are an IU student at another IU campus transferring to IU South Bend and have a minimum of 26 credits
NEW to IU South Bend:
- If you have not attended any campus of Indiana University (including IU South Bebd) but have 30+ credits you believe will transfer then you are considered a new student.
Please see our Information Session web page for the details.
Due to the unique preparation time involved and the many students seeking information we require the Information Session before an application will be accepted. Our limited staff and professors must make the best use of time and resources to give students the most helpful and accurate information possible when choosing a major.
Also, ours is a highly unique degree in that you will need to be very proactive in choosing what classes you want to take to best suit your personal goals (such as our 51 electives). The Information Session is necessary to give the greatest understanding of what our program entails.