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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)

Free Books

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?

  • Free 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
  • Veteran Studies

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 8-week terms
  • Courses begin 6 times per year
  • No campus visits required
  • Personal advisors stay with you from application to graduation
  • 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 academic advising for our students. We strive to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and meaningful engagement between students and faculty to help students reach their academic goals and have a rewarding educational experience.

Interested in enrolling? Reach out to the enrollment counselor for your preferred program.

Photo of Monika Banbel

Monika Banbel

Executive Director, Student Success, Retention & Graduation

monika.banbel@eku.edu

John Hepner

Enrollment Advisor

859-622-8610
John.Hepner@eku.edu

Student Stories & Features


A photo of a recent EKU graduate, Wyatt Owens, and his family at the graduation ceremony.

Wyatt Owens

EKU English & History Teaching Graduate
My favorite part about being an EKU student were the bonds I made with my peers and instructors. The community within EKU’s English program is fantastic and each person feels like they have a place. I received support from all of my instructors when I needed it. Without their support, I would not be able to teach and fulfill my other responsibilities now.
Photo of Anna Allen.

Anna Allen

EKU English Teaching Graduate
I would not be the teacher I am without the faculty at Eastern Kentucky University. The English and Education departments provided me with the knowledge, aptitude, and confidence to achieve great things inside my career field. My professors always challenged me to do my best and wanted to see me succeed.
Photo of Uniquca Abrams

Uniquca Abrams

EKU BS in Nursing Graduate
I am an Eastern Kentucky University graduate from the Fall 2020 Baccalaureate Nursing program. The exceptional education I received at EKU paved the way for my current role in the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps. Being able to provide care and support to this resilient community is a privilege, and my passion for nursing and public health continues to grow.

Upcoming Events

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Coping Strategies for Trauma Survivors – Copy

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Feel Better Fast! Weekly Drop-in Workshops to Improve Mood

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Medical School: Who Gets Accepted

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Walkabout Wednesday

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News & Updates

EKU Faculty Receives Continuation Patent for Cancer Research

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) Chemistry Professor Dr. Margaret Ndinguri, along with University of Kentucky Associate Professor Dr. Lindsay Cormier, recently received a continuation patent for their cancer research. The patent’s research focuses on combining compounds that are attracted to and target cancer cells for the purpose of detection or the delivering of chemotherapy.  “Receiving a […]

EKU at the Heart of Health Innovation

EKU Colonels are well known for serving others and their communities. Many students come to EKU to pursue their dreams of careers helping others. Many graduates then return to their hometowns to serve in meaningful ways. This especially holds true for EKU’s healthcare-related majors. Demonstrating the impact on the Commonwealth, more than three-fourths of EKU […]

Full-Time Plus Proposal

What’s Being Considered EKU is considering changing the point at which additional per-credit-hour tuition charges begin. Under the proposal, these fees would begin after 15 credit hours rather than the current threshold of 18. This consideration follows a review of tuition models across peer institutions. Even with the proposed change, EKU would remain among Kentucky’s […]

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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