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About The Bachelor of Arts in General Studies Degree Program (BGS) - Is this degree right for you?

If you are you looking for a degree with the highest academic accreditation from a public state university that:

  • Allows you flexibility to meet your own personal educational objectives on your own time-frame in the best cost effective manner for you personally.
  • Accepts a variety of transfer credit from regionally accredited educational institutions  and efficiently applies them to your baccalaureate degree.

Please note: if your goals require a specialized degree or certification such as is needed to become a doctor, nurse, certified public school teacher or certified public accountant, etc., consult with an academic advisor prior to completing an application for admission. Students with baccalaureate degrees from regionally accredited colleges or universities may not be admitted to the WIU Bachelor of Arts in General Studies degree program.

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Key Benefits

  • Flexible, non-majored student designed curriculum
  • Only 40 hours must come from a 4-year institution
  • Only 30 hours must be taken through WIU
  • WIU enrollment not required immediately upon admission
  • Acceptance of ACE evaluated and recommended credit from non-collegiate and military training
  • Acceptance of proficiency exam credit

Fits Your Life

  • 4 year tuition freeze for continuous enrollment
  • No time limit to complete your degree
  • No time limit on transfer credit

Online Options

  • BGS Degree can be completed fully ONLINE
  • A limited number of optional minors can also be completed fully ONLINE
  • In-state tuition rate for online courses
  • No campus attendance required

Mission

The mission of the General Studies Degree Program is to assist each student to design, implement, and complete a focused and comprehensive plan of study leading to a bachelor's degree that meets the student's personal and professional educational goals.

Vision

The Bachelor of Arts in General Studies degree program will serve as the gateway for Western Illinois University to extend flexible online academic educational opportunities at a distance.