The Division of Continuing Studies

General Studies

Certificate in General Studies Requirements

The requirements for the Certificate in General Studies are as follows:

A minimum of 6 credit hours in each of the three required areas of learning. (The credit hours requires in each area must be taken in at least two academic departments.)

• Arts and humanities   6 hrs
• Science and mathematics   6 hrs
• Social and behavioral science   6 hrs
• Electives   12 hrs
• Total   30 hrs

Other requirements:

1. No more than three sequential courses (not to exceed 10 credit hours) in any one academic department may be applied to the 30 credits.
2. Students must successfully complete at least 8 credit hours of course work at Indiana University or through the IU Independent Study program. Earning credit through an academic department examination at Indiana University if the equivalent of having completed the course at IU. Credits earned by Self-Acquired Competency (SAC), Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES), and College-Level Examination Programs (CLEP) cannot be applied to the 8 credit hour requirement. The campus director must approve exceptions.
3. The Certificate in General Studies is available to students admitted to the School of Continuing Studies who have 24 credits or fewer applicable to the General Studies Program.
4. Students must complete at least 6 credit hours after admission to the General Studies Degree Program. This must be Indiana University course work. Credit foe SAC, DANTES, and CLEP cannot be applied to this 6 credit hour requirement.
5. Students must earn a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on all courses considered for the certificate and on all courses complete after admissions to the School of Continuing Studies. The minimum grade for any course completed to satisfy non-elective requirements must be a C-.
6. Students must be admitted according to the standards for admission to the general studies degrees.
7. Students are required to meet the oral and written communication fundamental skills requirements of the general studies degrees.