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What is Prior Learning Assessment?

Do you own your own business? Do you sell real estate?  Do you write books? Do you schedule big events?   If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions have we got exciting news to share with you!   The B.A. in General Studies (BGS) at Eastern Illinois University provides the opportunity for you to earn credit for what you know, through a variety of prior learning assessment opportunities.  Read more below to see if this is something you’d be interested in! What is Prior Learning Assessment? Prior Learning Assessment is the process of evaluating a student’s college level learning that has occurred outside the traditional classroom.  Many adults have learned things through trial and error.  Examples of prior learning include work experiences, volunteerism, and military trainings. Why is prior learning assessment important? There are several valid reasons to pursue prior learning assessment.  First, it validates knowledge learned through real life experiences.  It d
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Adult Learning Informational Session: Naperville, Illinois

Are you ready to complete your college degree? Please join us to learn how  B.A. in General Studies at Eastern Illinois University  provides an opportunity for adults to earn their degree through the BGS program at the 95th Street Public Library.  We will provide information on how your work experience and skills learned outside the classroom can be applied towards college credit, how you can apply for financial aid and scholarships offered to adult students, and insights into how you can be successful as an adult student. We will also be​ highlighting other key parts of the program such as online classes and Online Degree Programs . *Students admitted to online degree programs are assessed tuition at Illinois resident rates (except for online programs with differential tuition, e.g. MBA).  Contact Us Join on Facebook    RSVP for this event:  Chicago@EIU.EDU Event Location:  3015 Cedar Glade Dr, Naperville, Illinois 60564 Ask about the multiple locations the program

You're Going to Ask Yourself Why You Waited

    Angela Masouridis graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 2016.    She  was chosen as the commencement speaker and delivered an inspiring speech about her experience at the graduation ceremony in front of her professors, peers and mentors.   Not only did Angela return to college as an adult, but also as a single mother. Her hard work, determination and courage earned her not just a degree, but more importantly a sense of pride.      Since her graduation Angela has enrolled in the graduate program at EIU and is continuing her education as an adult, and as a mother. She shared her EIU BGS experience with us in hopes of inspiring other adults who are considering returning to college.    Angela was able to take advantage of EIU BGS online degree courses , as well as the weekend courses at Harper College, and finish her degree through Eastern Illinois University adult degree program, inspiring her children, family and peers. Here is what she had to

Adult Learners Have Many Different Motivations to Return to College

EIU B.A. in General Studies Alumni  Monica Schaffer We asked EIU BGS students: How does the BGS program benefit the adult learner in achieving their goal of earning a degree? Here is what Monica Schaffer shared with us: The BGS program at EIU makes it possible for adult learners to return to the educational theatre in a welcoming environment that promotes growth in learning. Adult learners have many different motivations to return to college.  These motivations could be a new job, promotion, marriage or even a divorce. Another driving motivation to return is to increase or even maintain self-esteem with self-direction. Not only are there motivations, but there are roles that adult learners have in common over the traditional age learner. The characteristics that seems to represent many adult learners are being a single parent, having dependents, spouse, financially independent or just attending part-time. The curriculum that is provided through EIU is broad in the spect

Returning to College As An Adult

Written by Dr. Carrie Johnson, Director of EIU B.A in General Studies Program   As the administrator of a degree-completion program designed for adults wishing to complete their bachelor’s degree, I repeatedly have prospective students tell me they did not finish their degree when “I should have done it.” I reply by telling them “I would not have a job without people like them and I love my job!” Let us take a moment to discuss adult learners returning to college and dispel the myth that they are doing this at the “wrong time.”   Although most of us think of a college student as being between the ages of 18-23, this is not currently accurate in the United States; the truth is that close to 40% of today’s college students are 25 and older.  What does an adult student bring into the college classroom?  Here is a short list of pros and cons I have developed from my experience: As you can see, the strengths and challenges of the typical

EIU BGS Spring 2017 Events

B. A. in General Studies offers an adult degree program with many different options for adult students interested in earning their Liberal Arts Degree with Eastern Illinois University. Students applying to complete their college degree have the opportunity to do so through online courses or with EIU faculty at several locations including Parkland College, Harper College Professional Center, and our partner location in the Chicagoland area, Triton College. EIU BGS faculty also frequently visit community colleges across Illinois and offer informational table visits to help adult students take advantage of transfer and degree options that EIU has to offer through the School of Continuing Education. Find out how you can apply past work experience to credits towards your degree and get information Eastern Illinois University Veteran programs and fee discounts. Learn more about programs offered for students outside the State of Illinois here: http://bit.ly/2jyLD7z   Stop by the

It Feels Amazing To Have A Degree

We asked B.A. in General Studies graduates to share their continuing education story, in hopes of inspiring others to pursue their college degree, and accomplish their dream of being a college graduate. Through the BGS adult degree program, students can take advantage of online classes as well as multiple locations throughout Illinois, offering adults the ability to continue working, and sharing responsibilities of family while they continue their education. Here is what Lauren Raef had to say about her experience going back to school as an adult at Eastern Illinois University as part of the BGS program at the School of Continuing Education .  Read her advice for adults considering returning to college, how she overcame fears and challenges so that she could proudly say she was a college graduate.   Why did you choose EIU BGS to continue your education and get your college degree as an adult? I chose EIU BGS because I had been a traditional student at EIU 2 years bef