1. Presentation for University of Illinois Champaign/Urbana
Bachelor of Arts in General Studies Degree at Eastern Illinois University
Presentation for University of Illinois Champaign/Urbana

2. The BGS Program is
A unique non-traditional approach to a baccalaureate degree.
Designed for adults with life & work experience.

3. Why should I consider this program?
Quality
EIU is a highly ranked 4-year public institution
Access
Variety of delivery methods including online courses
Flexibility
In how, when, where, how fast you complete your degree
Support
A professional team committed to helping you achieve your dream of a degree
Cost
You pay $53.75* per credit hour. This includes textbook rental.
*U of I Civil Service employees only

4. What are the degree requirements?
To graduate you must have completed a total of 120 hours which include:
40 hours of junior or senior level credit
20 hours from EIU
12 hours Humanities/Fine Arts
12 hours Social/Behavioral Sciences
12 hours Math/Scientific Awareness
6 hours Communication (English/Speech)
One course in Cultural Diversity
Senior Seminar
BGS 2985 Adults in Transition
BGS 3002 Critical Thinking and the Adult Learner
BGS 4001 Self-Directed Leadership

5. Will the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) be recognized?
Yes!
If you completed the I.A.I. requirement as part of your associate’s degree, this will be accepted as having met the BGS general education component.

6. For more information go to
Ways to earn credit
Transfer from regionally accredited institutions
Military
CLEP, DSST exams, UExcel® Exams
EIU courses—online or face-to-face
Submitting a prior learning portfolio
For more information go to
BGS Ways to Earn Credit

7. So you weren’t the greatest student the first time around….
We will accept most grades of “D” in transfer and apply them toward meeting degree requirements as long as your overall grade point average is at least 2.0 from the institution where you earned the D(s); however, once admitted, only grades of “C” or above will be counted toward graduation.

8. Where are classes offered?
Where are classes offered?
The Bachelor in General Studies is available completely online. In addition, EIU classes are available at nights and on weekends at
Parkland College.

9. How many total credits can I transfer?
How many total credits can I transfer?
You can transfer up to 100 credits earned from other regionally accredited schools.
Up to 78 credits can be from the community college.
Remedial courses do not transfer.

10. Is this an accredited program?
Is this an accredited program?
Absolutely!
Reviewed & approved by North Central Association of the Commission on Higher Learning.

11. What will be my major?
The degree has a liberal arts approach where you build a curriculum based on your individual needs.
You can have two minors documented on your official transcript.

12. What can I do with a BGS Degree?
What can I do with a BGS Degree?
The real question is
What do you want to do with your degree?
Our graduates can be found in all walks of life and in all kinds of careers.
Many of our graduates from U of I have been promoted!

13. How long will it take me to finish my degree?
How long will it take me to finish my degree?
Depends on how many credits you already have & how many classes you can take at one time
An academic advisor will assist you in developing a plan towards graduation

14. How long will it take me to finish my degree?
The bottom line is, how long do you want it to take?
You are in control!

15. This Could Be You! Graduation March

16. Next Steps Apply online at https://www.eiu.edu/myeiu/signup.php
Click on “Adult Degree Completion in General Studies” and set-up your My EIU account.
Enter CIV as the waiver code for the application fee.
Send official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended to Office of Admissions, 600 Lincoln Ave, Charleston, IL or

17. Lori Brewer
Academic Advisor located at Parkland
. Carrie Johnson
Director, B.A. in General Studies, Educational Attainment and Outreach