EIU B.A.in General Studies Blog

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 th...

    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 h...

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 challe...

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 ...

Marta Amazon - EIU BGS 2016 Graduate  We spoke with Marta Almazan , a 2016 EIU B.A. in General Studies Graduate to find out about her experience returning to school as an adult and how it feels to earn her degree with Eastern Illinois University as part of the B.A. in General Studies Degree Program .  “I truly enjoyed all my classes and professors.  I feel I’ve gained so much from each one. Thank you.” Marta Almazan - 2016 Graduate  What motivated you to apply for the BGS program?  “What motivated me to apply to the BGS program was that I wasn’t getting anywhere.  Jobs are getting harder to find.  I felt I had to complete my degree to have a fair fighting chance to prove myself to employers.”    What was your favorite BGS memory?  “I have many very good memories of the BGS program.   I have made new friends and the professors were ALL very caring and willing to help.” What are your plans ...

EIU B.A. in General Studies Faculty Members  We recently asked our professors to tell us a little bit about themselves, including what they enjoy about teaching at EIU and how teaching adults has impacted their teaching. We also wanted to spotlight some of the work and achievements that our faculty members have accomplished outside of EIU BGS .  We are very excited to share their stories and experience with our fans to showcase pride the faculty & students share in the School of Continuing Education at Eastern Illinois University and in the B.A. in General Studies program.  Dr. Teresa Britton teaches Philosophy at EIU-BGS  I like that BGS students attend (class); they are really smart students.  They are eager to learn and know how to have fun too. Teaching for EIU is great as I am part of a large and talented faculty connected to a larger professional world.  We are active and engaged scholars and researchers and it feels g...

Jim Kelleher - EIU BGS Alumni  Jim Kelleher We recently asked our Alumni to share their B.A. in General Studies experience with our readers. All of our students are adults and create their own program and take classes either from home by participating in online classes or take advantage of our many locations. Jim Kelleher recently spoke to our Chicago land advisor and shared his BGS story. He has given great advice for those considering getting their degree as an adult. We are very proud of our current students and alumni and all of their accomplishments and are excited to share their stories with you.  “My favorite part of the BGS program is the fact that you have the freedom to pick classes/subjects that you are interested in. After graduation I would like to do a Masters in Legal Studies at Washington University. My biggest struggle is balancing family, school, and work but it is not insurmountable.  I am a business development professiona...