Mar 28, 2024  
Undergraduate Bulletin 2006-2008 
    
Undergraduate Bulletin 2006-2008 [Archived Catalog]

General Studies (B.G.S.)


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Part 4: Program Descriptions

Program: B.G.S.
Division of Continuing Studies

Kettler Hall 145 ~ 260-481-6828 ~ www.edu/dcs/gsdp/

General Studies offers a wide variety of personalized degree options to the traditional and nontraditional student. Students may individually tailor their program to combine a substantial core of courses basic to a traditional university education and study in career-related areas. Within the flexible framework of degree requirements, students may design an undergraduate program that can more readily meet their career and personal-development goals than can a traditional major. Students will be encouraged and assisted in developing a unique academic program complementing their individual interests, abilities,and intellectual and practical concerns.

In addition to taking advantage of the wide variety of daytime, evening, and weekend classes at IPFW, students may choose to earn credit toward their degree through correspondence study. Students may also earn credit by examination, and in some cases earn credit for significant, documentable self-acquired competencies when the learning outcomes have been comparable to those of university-level work. Consideration is given to all previously earned college credit from other accredited institutions. The Associate of Arts in General Studies and Bachelor of General Studies programs may also be tailored to the needs of those unable to study on campus during regularly scheduled periods.Both degrees may be completed online.

Both programs include courses in broad categories called required areas of learning (listed below) and elective credit that students may earn in any IPFW program. The required areas of learning provide broad exposure to the humanities, social sciences, and sciences, while the electives permit students to explore areas of interest, receive credit for prior university-level experiential learning, and tailor the degree to their individual needs. In each plan of study, students must demonstrate competency in each of the following areas: written communication (two courses), oral communication, mathematics, computer literacy, a diversitycourse, and a capstone course.

After students are admitted to a general studies degree program, students will develop a plan of study to meet their objectives. An advisor will provide assistance in this effort. For further information, refer to the current Indiana University School of Continuing Studies General Studies Degree Bulletin.

To earn a B.G.S., students must complete the following requirements:

 

 

IPFW General Education Requirements


Area II—Natural and Physical Sciences Credits: 6


See Part 2 General Education Requirements for approved courses

Area III—The Individual, Culture, and Society Credits: 6


See Part 2 General Education Requirements for approved courses

Area IV—Humanistic Thought Credits: 6


See Part 2 General Education Requirements for approved courses

Area V—Creative and Artistic Expression Credits: 3


See Part 2 General Education Requirements for approved courses

Area VI—Inquiry and Analysis Credits: 3


See Part 2 General Education Requirements for approved courses

Required Areas of Learning


General studies is a university-wide degree program, certified through Indiana University’s School of Continuing Studies. The program follows the same curriculum requirements throughout Indiana University.

Arts and Humanities Credits: 0-6


(depending upon course selection for general education)

Afro-American Studies Foreign Language
Classical Studies History
Communication Journalism
Comparative Literature Music
English (except R150 and W130) Philosophy
Film Religion
Fine Arts Theatre
Folklore Visual Communication and Design

Science and Mathematics Credits: 3-9


(depending upon course selection for general education)

  • ANTH B200 and E445 (only)
  • Astronomy
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • *Computer Science (includes BUS K211, K212, K213, K214, K215, and K216)
  • ECON E270 (only)
  • Entomology
  • Forestry and Natural Resources
  • GEOG G107, G109, G315 (only)
  • Geology
  • Horticulture
  • Mathematics (except 109, 111, and 113)
  • Physics
  • PSY 120, 201, 310, 314, 329, and 416 (only)
  • SOC S351 (only)
  • SPEA K300 (only)
  • Statistics

*required course

Social and Behavior Sciences Credits: 6-12


(depending upon course selection for general education)

  • Anthropology
  • Psychology
  • Economics
  • Sociology
  • Geography
  • SPEA J101 (only)
  • Linguistics
  • WOST W210 (only)
  • Political Science

Required Core and Concentration (Major) Credits: 54


  • 12 credits in each required area of learning, including courses from at least two departments in each area Credits: 36
  • 18 credits in one of the three required areas of learning Credits: 18

General Elective Courses Credits: 66


In consultation with an advisor, you are urged to concentrate electives in related departments (15 credits in arts and sciences are required).

Note


Students must complete at least 20 of these credits after admission to the program. No more than 21 credits in a single arts and sciences department/subject area or 30 credits in a single professional school area may be counted. Courses in which a grade of D is earned will count only as electives. A minimum of 30 credits must be taken at the 300–400 level. At least 30 credits must be taken within the IU system or as a Purdue student at IPFW.

Total Credits: 120


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Part 4: Program Descriptions