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...

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 ...

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...

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 Chicago Faculty  The General Studies program has the pleasure of being able to take advantage of all these tremendous instructors. Since the coursework required for our degree covers a wide range of subject matter, you'll have the opportunity to experience first-hand the wide-ranging excellence of the faculty here at Eastern Illinois University.  Jackie has been with EIU for three and a half years as a recruiter and academic advisor. She thrives on connecting with her advisees on both a personal and professional level. She also teaches the introductory course in the program in the Chicagoland area and online . “Jackie Janesku works as an advisor for students enrolled in the B.A. in General Studies in the Chicago area. Jackie has a background in hospitality and human resources and has been in her current position for four (4) years. Jackie's role is unique as she is the only member of our team located outside of Centr...

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...