Program Overview

Customize your education by earning an online general studies degree that maximizes your transfer credits and course options. In this student-initiated major, you’ll advance your career and boost your earning potential. Full-time workers with a bachelor’s degree earn approximately 30% more than those with an associate degree and 40% more than those with a high school diploma, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Instructors in this program use open education resources (OER) in place of traditional textbooks for some courses. This means digital, openly licensed content is available free of charge to students.

Build on your previously earned credit to get the skills and knowledge needed for success with the Bachelor of Arts in General Studies degree from Aurora University Online. This program is designed for busy, working adults.

Curriculum Overview

Aurora University’s online general studies degree provides you with a tailored academic experience that offers flexibility. Choose the courses that meet your personal and professional goals. Each class is taught by faculty members who have real-world experience.

Students will have the unique opportunity to apply skills learned in the classroom to real-life situations through an optional internship. In addition to offering placement support, you’ll be paired with a faculty mentor in your field who will provide feedback on various internship-related assignments. Rest assured, you can complete your internship locally as well as at your current place of work, assuming it meets the program director’s requirements.

Get Started

Program Details

  • Next Start Date:May 6, 2024
  • Est. Program Length:2-4 Years
  • Credit Hours:120
  • Course Length:8 Weeks
  • Cost Per Credit:$450

Program Requirements

Courses completed at regionally accredited colleges and universities are considered for articulation in AU credit.  All students pursuing this option must meet all general education requirements and complete IDS3040 – Global Studies at Aurora University regardless of the amount of transfer credit earned with a “C” or better.

Core Courses

  • ENG1000 Introduction to Academic Writing – 4 hours
  • IDS3040 Global Justice – 4 hours
  • Mathematical Competency*

Other Requirements

  • Minimum of 120 semester hours total
  • Minimum of 30 semester hours at Aurora University (includes above courses)
  • Minimum of 30 semester hours numbered 3000 or above (15 must be completed at Aurora University)
  • Minimum 2.0/4.0 GPA

*Mathematics Competency Requirement can be met by earning a “C” or better in MTH1100: College Algebra, MTH1110: Quantitative Reasoning, any other mathematics course for which MTH1100 or MTH1110 is a prerequisite, or demonstrated math competency via the AU mathematical competency examination.

Note: Tuition and fees are subject to change without prior notice. Please contact the Office of Student Accounts for questions or information on current tuition, fees, room, board and other rates.

  • A completed undergraduate application
  • Transcripts (official, sealed) from all previously attended colleges and universities
  • A resume demonstrating two or more years of work experience, military service, or relevant adult responsibilities
  • A personal statement addressing why you wish to enroll in an online program and a description of how you will structure your life and time to be successful
  • For applicants without an earned associate degree and/or 60 hours of transfer credit: Proof of high school graduation or completed GED
  • For applicants with fewer than 15 hours of transfer credit: an official high school transcript with a GPA of 2.5 and above and ACT/SAT scores
  • ​Test-Optional Admission: Applicants with fewer than 15 hours of transfer credit who do not have ACT/SAT scores may choose to be reviewed as test-optional. Admission will be based on your high school academic record.

All AU Online students must have unrestricted access to a computer or mobile device with high-speed internet to participate in online courses. AU Online uses Moodle to host its online classes.

Students can transfer more than half the credits they need to successfully earn a four-year degree. Aurora University will accept up to 68 credits from a 2 year institution and 90 credits from a 4 year institution.

Check your credits with our Transfer Evaluation System.

Learn more about Transfer Credits

General Studies (BA) Career Outcomes

Design a degree that will match your interests and career goals. Earning a general studies degree gives you the opportunity to maximize your course flexibility and transfer credits. You’ll learn the skills and knowledge needed for entry-level positions and advancement opportunities in fields such as business, communications and the humanities. The customizable nature of this degree makes it appropriate for a variety of careers.

Next Steps

Learn More

Discover the Aurora University Online program that will help you reach your goals.

Request Info

Apply Today

Fill out the free application to get started with your online general studies degree program.

Apply Now