EIU B.A.in General Studies Blog

    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...

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...

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...

  #‎ IAMEIU Watch as Angela Pearson, B.A. In General Studies student for Adult Learners at Eastern Illinois University delivers her commencement speech at the December 2015 graduation ceremony. "It is me that enhances the degree!" #‎ IAMEIU Angela completed her degree online and through EIU’s extension classes at Harper College . In this speech she shares her academic journey as a parent who went back to school to get her college degree and overcame many challenges, becoming the first woman in her family to achieve this goal. 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. Technology has allowed us to expand beyond Illinois, by offering this adult focused degree-completion program completely online. Learn more about all of the options that EIU-BGS offers adult students who want to complete their degree here: http://www.eiu.edu/bgs/ Watch ...

Juanta Griffin My favorite part of the BGS program is being able to complete my degree with Eastern Illinois University. I left EIU in 1997 in my senior year to get married. I had 105 credit hours. Having "almost a degree" wasn't enough to obtain adequate employment. I thought of transferring to another university closer to home, however most universities require that you complete 60 credit hours from their institution in order to become degree eligible. The BGS program will allow me to complete my degree close to home, in face to face classes, from Eastern Illinois University.      After graduation I plan to continue my education by applying to graduate school and obtaining an MFA, Master of Fine Arts Degree. I am passionate about theatre! I've worked with young people from preschool to high school, teaching basic acting skills, coaching speech team, directing gospel choir and producing summer theatre productions. I would like to continue to work wit...

Get motivated & let the  staff in the  School of Continuing Education Eastern Illinois University   help you get started.  I recently saw the above quote posted on a friend’s Facebook page and immediately thought of the adult learners I work with at Eastern Illinois University. I direct the B. A. in General Studies degree, an adult degree-completion program offered at various locations in Illinois and online. New and prospective students often feel the need to explain why they did not complete their bachelor’s degree “when they should have” or at the “right time.” What does that mean exactly? Is there a “right time” to earn your college degree? I would argue that time is different for each of us. We speak of “traditional’ and “non-traditional” learners in higher education. What does that mean? At one time the typical college student was between 18-22 years of age.   Most students lived in residence halls where they were immersed in campus life. ...

"You have worked hard as a police officer and have attended many training courses. Take a prior learning portfolio class, create a professional resume, and receive college level credit that you deserve for the time and effort you put in serving your community." -Mario Sankis A very big congratulations to B.A. in General Studies student Mario Sankis who was just accepted into the Northern Illinois University Law Program!  Mario recently earned about 20 credits for prior learning through his police training and military. He was recently accepted into the Northern Illinois University Law Program and is set to graduate in May 2016 with a B.A. degree in General Studies. Currently, Mario is an applicant for the ACE Scholarship American Council on Education Award. He has worked incredibly hard to accomplish his education goals and we hope that he receives this scholarship and able to complete his degree with the help of this award.  A very big cong...