Welcome to General Studies! The General Studies Degree gives you a unique opportunity to develop a multi-disciplinary and carefully focused course of study which fulfills traditional university requirements while meeting your specific goals for a college degree. We are here to support you as you work towards your academic, personal, and professional goals!

General Studies Degrees consist of a required number of credit hours earned in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences complemented by a full range of electives earned in any of the colleges of the University.

Completing the B.G.S. gives you basic preparation for many careers and graduate programs. B.G.S. graduates work in various professional fields, including education, law, government, health care, real estate, social service, and private industry. Many B.G.S. students have gone on to graduate programs such as 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.

Academic advising plays an important role in helping you take ownership of your college career. And our faculty advisors are here to help! Current students use the Student Appointment Scheduler on one.iu.edu to schedule an appointment with your assigned Advisor. If your advisor does not have appointment availability, email them. If you cannot find the advisor or the advisor’s email contact the department office using the information provided in this page and we will be happy to put you in touch with your advisor.

Are you thinking about joining us? Would you like to learn more about one of our programs? Don’t have an assigned advisor yet? Contact us using the information on this page, and we’ll connect you to the right person!