- Apply Now
- Prospective Students
- Current Students
- Online Student Guide
- Alumni and Friends
- School of Extended Learning Staff
Since 1973, the B.A. in General Studies at EIU has been serving adult learners in Illinois, helping them meet their goal of earning a bachelor's degree.
• Affordable: In-state tuition, textbook rental and opportunities for scholarships • Flexible and Transfer Friendly: Students may develop an individualized degree program to meet their professional and personal goals. We will accept up to 100 semester hours, including 78 from community colleges, from regionally accredited universities. • Career Focused: Our graduates are employed in numerous professions including business, non-profits, law enforcement, education and health care. • Student Focused: Small classes, quality instruction and personal advising • Credit for Life Experience: Students have the opportunity to be evaluated for the learning they have engaged in outside the traditional classroom, including on the job and in the military.
“The BGS Program at EIU surpassed my expectations for an adult degree completion program. The advisors and faculty were extremely professional, engaging, and understanding of the needs of a nontraditional adult student. As I ran into many obstacles along the way, I found the staff at EIU really cared about me and supported my goal to finish my degree. I met many wonderful hard working classmates at EIU, while completing my degree, and that made the experience very positive.”
Beverly Breen (2019)
"A General Studies degree allowed me to customize my course load to meet my personal interests and educational goals. Over and over again, I found that everyone at EIU wants to see student success. I found great comfort in that I was in a place to be challenged, supported, and successful."
Carmen Stokes (2015)
"Thank you, Jackie! It really did fly by. Last year at this time I was considering going back but extremely intimidated. I always remembered hearing: “The time is going to pass anyway so you might as well be working towards something” and this really motivated me. You are so approachable and easy to work with and encouraged me to take Dr. E’s course. He's amazing and I met some really great classmates and we all encouraged each other to push harder. I had such a great experience!!!”
Amanda Fouch (2019)
"After completing an Associate’s Degree I was looking for a school and program that would allow me to flourish as a student and a young adult. I sort of stumbled upon Eastern Illinois University and I am so glad I did. The support I’ve felt from the many staff I interacted with helped me feel like I was well integrated into the school even though I was a completely online student. Each professor I had the privilege to work with was extremely knowledgeable and worked so well interacting with me. The other students I worked with as well were motivated and when we would work on group projects, we all wanted each other to succeed. The beauty of the BGS program is the ability to take multiple courses that I’ll be able to apply practically in my profession and for hobbies.”
Silvana Alverez (2020)
