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Bachelor of Arts in General Studies

U.S. News Rcognizes Distance Learning Programs; WIU Makes the Grade
For seven years, Western Illinois University has been ranked among the top tier of best regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's annual college rankings, currently ranking 14th as a top public school among Midwestern Regional Universities. On Jan. 10, Western added a new honor from U.S. News and World Report after securing a spot on the U.S. News 2012 Top Online Education Programs - Bachelor's Programs.

Western is ranked 76th out of 172 colleges from across the U.S. in the "Teaching Practices and Student Engagement" category and is one of two Illinois public universities in the top 80. While WIU offers numerous online classes, one program, the Bachelor of Arts in General Studies (originally called the Board of Governors program and later the Board of Trustees Bachelor of Arts degree) offers its majors the option of obtaining their degrees entirely via distance learning opportunities, or a combination of on-campus and distance learning classes.

According to Richard Carter, executive director of the School of Distance Learning, International Studies and Outreach, the General Studies program was created to serve those who were unable to attend a traditional college program due to family, work or community obligations. Rather than requiring a specific major, the program has allowed the student to design her or his program to meet individual educational goals. Students are also eligible for academic credit for college-level learning that was done in a non-collegiate setting, such as the military or on-the-job training. Read more.