What Can You Do With a General Studies Degree?

General Studies Degree Curriculum

During a general studies major, students take the same general education classes that other majors take, including courses in English, math, and the social and life sciences. Unlike regular majors, general studies programs allow students to use the rest of their credits as electives, selecting courses from a variety of subjects, like business, information technology, anthropology, or criminal justice. Typically, students must choose a couple fields of study to concentrate on, but they aren't limited to a single field.

This section explores common classes for the degree, but remember that general studies students often set their own curricula and take many additional courses.

• English Composition: English composition builds strong persuasive reasoning and writing skills. Students learn to organize their ideas and express them effectively. Composition courses train learners in diverse types of writing, including business writing, persuasive writing, and descriptive writing.
• Social Impact of Technology: Courses on the social impact of technology explore the relationship between technology and culture, ethics and technology, and the unintended consequences of technological change.
• Public Speaking: Public speaking encourages communication skills. Learners examine the principles of spoken communication, practical applications of public speaking skills, and ways to enhance presentations. This course helps professionals in fields like business, the public sector, the nonprofit sector, and sales.
• Statistics: Statistics trains students in data analysis. Coursework covers approaches to hypothesis testing, probability theory, and statistical computing. Fields like business, marketing, and technology all rely on statistics.
• Art History: Art history explores visual culture, including architecture and the fine arts. The field strengthens research and analytical skills by exploring artistic trends, historical contexts, and cultural frameworks.
• Anthropology: Anthropology studies humanity from its inception through its modern-day form. Courses cover cultural diversity, the evolution of cultural institutions like politics and religion, and the links between biology and culture.
• Life Sciences: The life sciences explore biology at every level, including cells and complex ecosystems. Students examine natural selection, genetics, the origin of life, and molecular biology. Life sciences also include classification systems and biodiversity.

What Kinds of General Studies Degrees Are There?

Students can earn general studies degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels, allowing them to customize their coursework. The interdisciplinary approach of a general studies degree prepares students for many careers after graduation. This section explores common concentration options, graduation requirements, and job opportunities for general studies degrees.

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Associate Degree in General Studies

An associate degree in general studies blends coursework from diverse disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, business, information technology, and STEM. During a two-year associate degree, general studies majors take introductory courses in different fields.

A general studies major also fulfills the general education requirements for a bachelor's degree at many four-year colleges. This means learners with associate degrees in general studies can transfer directly into four-year colleges to pursue bachelor's degrees in more specific majors. Earning an associate degree can also lead to careers like administrative assistant or social services assistant.

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Bachelor's Degree in General Studies

A bachelor's degree in general studies lets undergraduates design an interdisciplinary curriculum around their academic interests. During a general studies major, learners customize their coursework to focus on what interests them, including subjects like business, creative writing, information technology, or communication. Similar degrees include a bachelor's in interdisciplinary studies or liberal studies.

Completing a bachelor's degree generally takes four years of full-time enrollment. Transfer students or those who choose an accelerated bachelor’s program often earn their degrees in less time. After graduating with a bachelor's in general studies, professionals pursue careers in sales, business, the public sector, and nonprofit organizations.

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Master's Degree in General Studies

A master's degree in general studies or a closely related program, like a master's in liberal studies, offers graduate-level coursework in the humanities and social sciences. Depending on the program, graduate students may also take science, mathematics, or technical courses. A general studies program often allows enrollees to design their own interdisciplinary curriculum, aligning with their professional goals.

Earning a master's degree typically takes two years for full-time students, though many universities offer part-time, online, and accelerated options as well. With master's degrees in general studies, graduates can pursue careers as editorial directors, survey researchers, brand managers, and business analysts.

Accreditation for General Studies Programs

Prospective general studies majors should always choose regionally accredited colleges. Regionally accredited schools meet the highest standards for educating students and granting degrees. Accredited degrees also meet the requirements for professional licenses and certifications. Students attending accredited institutions also qualify for federal financial aid programs.

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