The Bachelor of General Studies Degree (BGS) is an individualized, flexible adult degree program offered through the School of Continuing Education at Eastern. Individuals choose a Major concentration of 30 credits from an undergraduate major.  Available to students who are 25 years of age or older at the time of entrance to the University, it is especially appropriate for those you have gained significant learning through their work/life experience and who seek career advancement.

Each student completes a learning contract with a Continuing Education advisor.  This individualized contract outlines the student’s proposed plan of study and ensures that all degree and University requirements will be met.

Degree requirements may be met by a combination of coursework at Eastern, transfer credits from regionally accredited colleges or universities, CLEP exams or DSST tests, institutionally-approved ACE recommendations for military training and experience, as well as Eastern’s Credit for Lifelong Learning program.

Note: A minimum of 30 courses must be earned through Eastern coursework.  Within the total of 120 credits required for the degree, students must complete 60 credits of coursework number 200-level or higher and within that 60, 30 credits must be 300-level or higher. 

For more questions about developing an individual degree, please, contact the School of Continuing Education, Eastern Connecticut State University, 83 Windham Street, Willimantic, CT 06226  

Start by calling for a phone advisement appointment at (860) 465-5125 or toll free (877) 353-3278.

There are only three parts to any degree plan at Eastern. Your Bachelor’s Degree will be made up of 40 courses.

1. General Education Requirements (12-14 3-credit courses)
   Utilize previous credits from other colleges or meet some requirements through CLEP or DSST exams.

2. Your Academic Major or Major/Minor Concentrations for the BGS (10-18 3-credit courses)
   See here for available options or design your own BGS degree or Individualized Major. Call the School of Continuing Education for information. Five of these 3-Credit courses must be 300+ level and taken at EASTERN.

3. Electives (10-18 3-credit courses)
   Utilize previous credits here – no matter how long ago you took them, or apply for Credit for Lifelong Learning.

All baccalaureate degree programs require a minimum of 120 semester credit hours. In addition to the major or major/minor concentration for the BGS, all students must complete EASTERN's General Education Requirement (GER).

Note: A minimum of 30 credits must be earned through Eastern coursework. Within the total 120 credits required for the degree, students must complete 60 credits of coursework numbered 200-level or higher and within that 60, 30 credits must be 300-level or higher.