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General Studies

General Studies

On-Campus & Online

Options

60 - 120 Credit Hours

to Graduate

On-Campus: $5,010 Per Semester

Online: $443 Per Credit Hour

(On-campus rate is for in-state students)

Low-Cost Textbooks

For All Students

Increase Your Promotion and Earning Potential

A general studies degree provides students with a strong academic foundation and is applicable to a number of career fields. A degree in general studies builds critical thinking, communication and quantitative skills and is ideal for individuals who have some college credits, but have not yet earned a degree.

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Career Outlook


Higher education is a critical component of advancing in the workforce. Earning a degree requires not only hard work, but a significant time commitment and sometimes life gets in the way. If you started your degree and had to stop for any reason, EKU’s online general studies degree could be the first step to reaching your goals.

The degree is flexible and can be applied to jobs in a variety of fields.

Job Titles Include:

  • Business
  • Education
  • Government
  • Healthcare
  • Technology

The Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all your career and professional development needs.

Services Include:

  • Creating/updating your resume and cover letter
  • Interviewing tips and coaching
  • Career documents review
  • Job search

Why EKU?

  • Low-cost textbooks through EKU BookSmart
  • No application fee
  • Reduced tuition for active-duty military members and their spouses
  • Quality courses from respected faculty who teach the same classes online and on-campus
  • Generous transfer credit

Program Options

Associate of Arts in General Studies
EKU’s associate degree in general studies is designed to prepare students to quickly and successfully enter the workforce in a number of entry level jobs. Graduates are well positioned to complete their bachelor’s degree and further increase their employment opportunities.

Bachelor of Arts in General Studies
EKU’s bachelor’s degree in general studies allows you to align your previous coursework and current classes with your interests and career goals. This program balances the critical skills needed to advance in the workforce with a thorough background in the liberal arts. Graduates have broad employment and graduate/professional school opportunities.

Minors & Certificates

Select from a wide range of minors, allowing you to explore interests or make use of prior credits. Suggested minors available for this program include:

  • Psychology
  • Criminal Justice
  • Political Science

View the full list of minors available.

You can also choose from numerous undergraduate certificates in specialty areas that complement and enhance your major as you work toward your degree. Suggested certificates for this program include:

  • Public Administration
  • Social Intelligence & Leadership

View the full list of certificates available for completion as you earn your degree.

Attend Online

Choosing an online program doesn’t mean completing your education alone. EKU Online strives to provide students with unparalleled staff and faculty access, rich engagement opportunities and every resource possible to succeed. We are committed to helping you find success in your coursework, as well as identifying and pursuing employment opportunities upon graduation. We are here to help you every step of the way.

Online students have access to:

  • Accelerated 7-week terms
  • Courses begin 6 times per year
  • No campus visits required
  • Personal enrollment counselors assist you through the application process
  • Free online tutoring and career services assistance 

Curriculum & Enrollment


EKU’s curriculum blends academic and professional preparation through meaningful coursework with a real-world focus.

A minimum of 60-120 credits are required to graduate.

View the degree requirements:

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

Associate Degree
Students may transfer up to 49 hours of credit from accredited institutions. Please note that a minimum of 15 credit hours in this degree program must be completed at Eastern Kentucky University.

Bachelor’s Degree
Students may transfer up to 90 hours of credit from accredited institutions. Please note that a minimum of 30 credit hours in this degree program must be completed at Eastern Kentucky University.

Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admission to EKU for appropriate articulation.

On-Campus Deadlines
Online Deadlines

All applicants must provide an application and evidence of appropriate scholastic achievement through prior educational experience.

Please note that certain degree programs have special admission requirements. Admission to the University does not mean automatic admission to all degree programs.

The completed application and all required supporting documentation must be received by the University no later than:

• August 1 for fall enrollment
• December 1 for spring enrollment
• May 1 for summer enrollment

To apply for undergraduate admission to Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), submit an application at apply.eku.edu and submit your materials noted below electronically or by mail to:

Office of Admissions
Eastern Kentucky University
Whitlock Bldg. 112, CPO 54
521 Lancaster Avenue
Richmond, KY 40475-3154.

Enrolling & Advising Information


EKU is committed to delivering high-quality enrollment and academic advising for our students. We strive to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and meaningful engagement to help students reach their academic goals and have a rewarding educational experience.

Interested in enrolling? Reach out to your enrollment advisor.

professional headshot of Tevis Milburn

Tevis Milburn

Associate Director, College Enrollment & Career Readiness

Call: 859-622-6284
Text: 859-544-2623
oacs.recruitment@eku.edu

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Robert Munafo

Enrollment Advisor

859-622-3101
robert.munafo@eku.edu

Student Stories & Features


  • Hannah Murphy

    EKU Animal and Veterinary Studies Graduate
    I have gained confidence in myself and knowledge through learning for my degree. I wasn’t sure if I was going down the right degree pathway but now I cannot wait to begin a future with the job opportunities my degree will give me!
  • Bethany Howard

    EKU Industrial Organizational Psychology Graduate
    The faculty have been extremely supportive of my student journey. Not only have they assisted me throughout the program, they genuinely care about me as a person and the direction my future is headed. They are interested to see how we plan to incorporate what we’ve learned into our own careers.
  • David Dixon

    EKU Instructional Design & Learning Technology Graduate
    At the end of the day, I chose EKU because it helped me become better at what I care about most—teaching, designing meaningful learning experiences, and supporting students in a way that actually makes a difference.

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News & Updates

EKU Advances Healthcare Research

Through innovative projects, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) advances healthcare discoveries while providing hands-on learning opportunities for students. Faculty and students collaborate together on research projects, from cancer treatment to suicide prevention, aimed at solving some of healthcare’s greatest challenges.   Cancer Treatment EKU Professor Dr. Margaret Ndinguri and University of Kentucky Associate Professor Dr. Lindsay Cormier […]

EKU Graduate Builds Global Career in Fire Safety

Saad Sharba, ’99, envisions the future of fire safety as senior manager of emergency management and corporate safety at NEOM. From Saudi Arabia, Sharba first came to Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) to study abroad. After meeting students and visiting a class, he decided to stay for EKU’s Fire Engineering program, where he discovered vast opportunities […]

EKU Expands Aviation Training Fleet

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) is enhancing the student flight training experience by upgrading its aviation fleet with new Piper Aircraft, further strengthening hands-on learning opportunities at Kentucky’s only FAA Part 141 collegiate flight program. “Students come to EKU from all over the nation to learn to fly and pursue an aviation aerospace career,” said EKU […]

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Contact Information

Office of Advising & Career Services

521 Lancaster Ave.
Whitlock Building, Room 468
Richmond, KY 40475

859-622-1296
oacs@eku.edu