Created in 1975, the School of Continuing Studies reflects the commitment of Indiana University and the state government to meeting the educational needs of adult citizens. The school consists of the following units:

• Academic Programs
• Administrative Services
• Marketing and Communication
• Learning Partnerships
• Technology and Distance Learning Resources
• Campus Divisions

Through these units, the school plans and provides both credit and noncredit programs/courses that are offered in various learning formats at convenient times and locations. These programs/courses include:

• Associate of Arts and Bachelor of General Studies
• Master of Science in Adult Education
• Certificate programs
• Independent study courses
• Credit and noncredit programs
• Courses for professional development and personal growth
• Conferences, workshops, and seminars on a wide range of subjects
• Evening and outreach programs
• Televised courses
• Weekend and "Learn and Shop" programs
• Workforce development and training

The School of Continuing Studies also provides specialized courses for on-site delivery at businesses, industries, and other off-campus locations via telecommunication and other electronic technologies.

A Statement from the Dean

The School of Continuing Studies is committed to providing high-quality educational opportunities to all interested citizens in Indiana and elsewhere. The school brings the resources of Indiana University to people who cannot take advantage of the traditional formal programs at fixed campus locations. The school also serves people who want to develop or maintain their vocational/professional competence or enrich their individual/family lives. Programming is continuously updated to meet the demands of a changing society.

We look forward to serving you.

Best wishes.

Jeremy Dunning, Dean
School of Continuing Studies

General Studies Degree Program

The School of Continuing Studies administers the General Studies Degree Program, which brings the resources of Indiana University to people who want to earn a college degree but have been unable to begin or complete their college education. More than 16,000 Associate of Arts and Bachelor of General Studies degrees have been awarded.

The General Studies Degrees

The General Studies Degree Program extends to students the opportunity to pursue a college education, regardless of their work schedules, domestic responsibilities, or logistical problems. Students may fulfill degree requirements by proceeding at their own pace and working from their own location.

The core of each general studies degree is a broadly based education encompassing the arts and humanities; the social, behavioral, and natural sciences; and mathematics. The curriculum expands students' body of knowledge and awareness of major areas of human experience.

A general studies education is not limited in scope; it develops historical consciousness and enables students to view the present within the context of the past as it nurtures future insight. The curriculum also explores ethical dimensions, and encourages students to think critically and creatively. A general studies degree establishes the foundation for a lifetime of continual learning and serves as the framework for a productive professional and personal life.

Students pursue an Associate of Arts in General Studies (A.G.S.) to achieve such personal and professional goals as career advancement, certification, self-enrichment, expanded employment options, military advancement, and a stepping stone to advanced studies. Upon completion of the A.G.S., many students apply to complete the Bachelor of General Studies (B.G.S.). Note: Until 1 July 2001, the Associate of Arts in General Studies (A.A.G.S.) was known as the Associate of General Studies (A.G.S.).

The B.G.S. provides basic preparation for many careers and graduate programs. B.G.S. graduates are employed in various professional fields, including education, law, government and social service, real estate, and private industry. Many B.G.S. students have gone on to graduate programs in anthropology, business, divinity studies, education, fine arts, international affairs, law, library science, management, nursing, public health, and social work. B.G.S. graduates have earned master's degrees and doctorates at Indiana University and other universities.

Two groups of students pursue general studies degrees: campus-based students, who have access to an Indiana University campus; and at-a-distance students, who do not. Campus-based students attend classes and receive counseling and other services through the campuses at which they are enrolled. At-a-distance (non-campus-based) students are admitted and receive counseling through the university-wide General Studies Degree Program office; they most often complete their degree requirements through the Independent Study Program, televised courses, and other alternative technology learning formats.

In addition to enrolling in regular session courses at any Indiana University campus or in independent study courses, students may fulfill general studies degree requirements in various ways, including credit for self-acquired competency, credit by examination, credit for educational programs in noncollegiate organizations, military service credit, and credit for courses completed at other regionally accredited institutions.

Independent Study Program

Indiana University's Independent Study Program offers a viable means by which at-a-distance (non-campus-based) students may earn university credit. All degree requirements for the Associate of Arts in General Studies and Bachelor of General Studies may be fulfilled through the Independent Study Program. Campus-based students may also enroll in independent study courses to complete degree requirements.

Note: Students who are not pursuing their degree through the General Studies Degree Program should check with their department to make sure that credits they earn from IU independent study courses can be applied toward their department's degree requirements. Students do not have to be admitted to a degree program to enroll in independent study courses. Students awaiting admission to the General Studies Degree Program, as well as students in dismissal status, may enroll in courses.

Indiana University has offered individualized instruction to learners around the world since 1912. Today, Indiana University has one of the world's largest independent study programs, offering 250 university-level courses from 40 academic departments. More than 18,000 learners enroll in the program annually. As learners in the Independent Study Program, students decide when to enroll, how to pace their study, and when to take examinations.

Top Indiana University faculty and instructors develop and teach independent study courses, using their knowledge and expertise to create innovative instructional materials. Independent study courses require the same amount of work and carry the same credit as similar on-campus courses. Grading standards established for on-campus courses are maintained.

Independent study courses are recognized for their quality. In fact, Indiana University's Independent Study Program has received more University Continuing Education Association (UCEA) awards than any other college/university independent study program. UCEA awards recognize the best independent study courses in the United States each year.