Degree Completion

Imagine. Grow. Go Further.

At South Dakota State University, we understand going back to school is a challenge. Responsibilities to family, work and financial obligations seemingly place higher education beyond your reach. However, with a wide variety of programs, delivery options and student resources, finishing your degree has never been easier.

You can do it! We are here to help.

Online Undergraduate Courses Degree Completion Request

Step 1: Discover º£½ÇÖ±²¥app’s Convenient Programs for Busy Adults

º£½ÇÖ±²¥app offers a range of online programs perfect for your degree-completion goals. The Associate of Arts in general studies and the Bachelor of General Studies are designed to provide the ultimate flexibility necessary as a busy adult while maintaining academic integrity.

student studying
Associate of Arts in General Studies
60 credits

Flexible course options to meet your goals.

Associate of Arts in General Studies
Female Student Studying
Bachelor of General Studies
120 credits

Flexible course options in designated focus areas to meet your goals.

Bachelor of General Studies

Step 2: Connect with an Adviser

We get it; that first step is hard. We are here to help you explore your options to start or finish your degree through º£½ÇÖ±²¥app. Contact us and we can review your course history, transfer credits and explore the programs that will help you reach your goal in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Step 3: Resume Your Education 

You have goals and dreams!  We can help you achieve them. Complete the online application to resume your education.

  • Fall 2025: Classes start Aug. 25
  • Spring 2025: Classes Start Jan. 13
  • Summer 2025: Classes start dates vary beginning May 12
Why return for the Bachelor of General Studies (B.G.S.)? See what students are saying about their experience.
Overhead shot of the º£½ÇÖ±²¥app campus in Brookings, SD
April M., Bachelor of General Studies '24

I decided to go because a lot of my credits would already transfer. The general studies program is exactly for professionals like me. It gave me a map — take these classes in this time frame and you’ll be done. The instructors really made a point to connect through discussion posts and had you meet with a group in your class ... so you got to know other students and their stories and why they’re coming back to school.

It’s never too late, and don’t be embarrassed about not finishing because everyone has a different path in life. The instructors were wonderful and supportive and said how great it was to see someone my age come back and finish. And you have such a feeling of accomplishment when you do this. I’m super proud of myself.

Sunsetting on campus
Heather M., Bachelor of General Studies '24

My experience as a Bachelor of General Studies student was amazing. Taking courses online worked fantastically with my work and family schedule. The program allowed me to pick courses that aligned with my interests and career goals. My first time around going to college I was afraid to ask for help. This time around I knew it would be important to create a working relationship with my adviser to be successful. Sarah was there every step of the way helping me create a schedule that worked best for me.

My advice to anyone thinking about going back to school for the Bachelor of General Studies degree is don’t wait! I was worried I wouldn’t have the time, but the program offers so much flexibility in your schedule.

Coughlin Campanile surrounded by orange fall foliage
Heather B., Bachelor of General Studies '24

I chose º£½ÇÖ±²¥app's Bachelor of General Studies program because it utilized my previous college credits, and I was able to finish my degree where I started it 30 years ago. I love º£½ÇÖ±²¥app and am proud to have graduated from there. I was able to choose classes that were of interest to me and aligned with my career path to finish my degree. I am now proud to say that getting my Bachelor of General Studies has led me to pursue a master’s degree, and I am currently in graduate school.  

As far as advice, I would say if you're even considering going back to school, do it and do not hesitate. You can go at your own pace, whether that is one class at a time or more.

This is something I want to do for myself. Something I've wanted to do for awhile. I no longer doubted myself and I jumped in.
Erica Knippling, general studies graduate
Important Factors for Consideration
Financing

Understanding the cost and options available to finance your education is important. Here are some resources to help you get started:

Check with your employer for education benefits.

Transfer Credits

º£½ÇÖ±²¥app accepts credits from other regionally accredited institutions of higher education. If you have credits outside of º£½ÇÖ±²¥app, please review the resources to determine how those credits may transfer.

If you have gained knowledge outside the classroom, you may be able gain credit for this college-level learning through our Credit for Prior Learning options.

Career Services

The Office of Career Development provides a number of resources to help with career exploration through FOCUS 2 Career, help in preparing for the job search, and access to Handshake to review open full-time professional positions. Visit the Office of Career Development.

Contact us
Photo of Continuing and Distance Education
Continuing and Distance Education
Physical Address
925 Harvey Dunn St.
Brookings, SD 57007
Mailing Address
West Hall 124, Box 510
Brookings, SD 57007
Hours
Mon - Fri: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
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