Quick Facts
Next Start Date:
August 24, 2026
- Delivery: 100% Online
- Total Credits: 60
Our online associate in arts degree in general arts gives you a great introduction to a general collegiate education. You can take a wide variety of courses from nearly every area of interest.
Many of this program’s required courses are also University Core Curriculum required courses. It's a good option if later you decide to pursue a bachelor’s degree because many of your credits will apply toward fulfilling the requirements of a bachelor’s degree.
Our courses are asynchronous—meaning you do not have to log in to class on particular times or days of the week. Instead, you can work on weekly deadlines at the times most convenient to you.
Academic Advisors
Request additional information or contact the program advisor to start developing your personal plan of study.
If you've taken classes at another school or are planning to do so, you might be able to apply that credit to your degree. However, to earn an associate degree from us, you must complete at least 15 of the last 20 credits through Ball State University.
For more information about transferring credit, contact your program advisor or review the guidelines in the undergraduate catalog.
Note: You cannot concurrently earn any other associate degree while pursuing the associate in arts degree in general arts; also, if you’ve previously earned an associate or bachelor’s degree, you are not eligible for this degree.
Course Requirements
This degree requires a total of 60 credits. For a complete list of all requirements, see the course catalog.
Note: not all courses are offered online in all terms. We’ve listed all the course options to assist you in determining which courses may apply toward this degree program if you are considering transferring. Contact your advisor for questions and support.
General Education, 31 credits
- ENG 103 Rhetoric and Writing (3 credits)
- ENG 104 Composing Research (3 credits)
6 credits from:
- HIST 150 The West in the World (3 credits)
- MATH 125 Quantitative Reasoning (3 credits)
- COMM 210 Fundamentals of Public Communication (3 credits)
Core Curriculum Distribution Requirements, 15 credits
- One course from Tier 1 Fine Arts or Humanities (3 credits)
- One course from Tier 1 Natural Sciences or Social Sciences (3 credits)
- One course from Tier 2 Fine Arts, Design, and Humanities or Natural and Social Sciences (3 credits)
- Two courses from the Tier 1 or Tier 2 categories above (6 credits)
Other University Core Curriculum courses (3 credits)
Physical Fitness and Wellness, 1 credit of PFW 160
Electives, 29 credits
Grants for College
Good news for Indiana adult students! The Indiana Commission for Higher Education is offering college grants for adults returning to college, or even beginning their educational journey. The Adult Student Grant awards up to $2,000 to help pay for your college expenses and is renewable. This grant is available to Indiana residents, aged 25 and older, who are enrolled or will be enrolled in an undergraduate program.* Review the requirements below and learn if you qualify for the Adult Student Grant.
Learn More about the Adult Student Grant
*Additional requirements are listed on the Indiana Commission for Higher Education Adult Student Grant website.
Affordable Online College in Kentucky and Ohio
If you live in Kentucky or Ohio and will be a first-time undergraduate student at Ball State University, you may qualify for Indiana in-state tuition for your online program. You may save up to $6,500 in tuition per year for your online program.
Current or previously enrolled students are not eligible for this reduced tuition. For more information, visit the Ball State Regional Tuition Savings page.
More about Online Learning
Ready to Apply?
This program has rolling admissions—which means you can apply any time. Your advisor will help you determine which semester you can start registering for courses.
Applications
Admission to Ball State is selective, and we carefully evaluate all application on an individual basis. Applying for admission is easy. Use our convenient, comprehensive, and secure online application.
GET STARTED
Ball State is authorized by the U.S. Department of Education to accept online students from all U.S. states. However, if you are considering a program that leads to professional licensure, some states may have additional regulations. Review our state authorization website if you live outside of Indiana and contact us if you have questions.
Want to Learn More?
Do you have questions about this program or online learning? We’re here to help! You may request more information using our online form, or feel free to reach out directly to one of our staff.
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