Key takeaways
- A general studies degree is an interdisciplinary program that allows students to study different subjects.
- You can learn transferable skills that employers value, such as how to solve problems and communicate.
- Graduates can work in many fields, including business, education, government, and the nonprofit sector.
- This path is a good option for transfer students or those who plan to attend graduate school later.
When you start looking at college majors, most people pick one specific topic like nursing or accounting. But what if you have multiple interests? Maybe you’ve heard of a general studies degree before and are curious if it would fit your interests.
A degree in general studies is a college program that provides a broad education. Think of it as the Swiss Army knife of diplomas. It does not limit you to one subject. Instead, it allows you to explore different areas of study. In this guide, we will look at how this degree works and why it might be the right choice for your future.
What is a degree in general studies, and how is it different?
To understand what a degree in general studies is, you have to look at how it’s different from a traditional major. In a traditional program, most of your classes are in one area. For example, a student majoring in biology takes mostly science classes.
In a general studies program, the focus is on variety. You still have to meet graduation requirements. However, you have much more freedom in the classes you pick. You can take education classes one semester and business administration the next. This makes it very different from a specific major that has a rigid schedule.
What’s the purpose of a broad education?
The main purpose of this degree is to prepare you for a world with constantly changing job fields and skill needs. Many people change jobs several times in their lives, and a general studies degree provides you with a general knowledge base. This helps you adapt when your career path shifts.
The goal is to help you become a well-rounded thinker. Instead of learning only one way to solve a problem, you learn many. This makes you a more flexible worker. Many students choose this path because they want a college education that keeps their options open.
What curriculum will you study?
Because this degree is broad, your curriculum will cover many different disciplines. You will take many general education courses. These are the foundational classes that help you build a strong academic base.
Most programs include subjects like:
- Humanities: This includes art, music, history, and literature.
- Social sciences: You might study political science or psychology.
- Natural sciences: This includes biology, chemistry, and environmental studies.
- Communications: You learn how to write well and speak in public.
By taking these various subjects, you learn to see how the world is connected. You could use what you learned in a history class to understand a modern business problem; this is the beauty of an interdisciplinary approach.
What skills will a general studies degree add to your resume?
One of the most important parts of understanding a degree in general studies is the skill set you build. You aren’t just memorizing facts; you are building skills that employers value.
The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) says that bosses often look for career readiness. They may seek out workers who demonstrate:
- Critical thinking: The ability to look at data and make a smart decision.
- Communication skills: Being able to write a clear report or lead a meeting.
- Problem-solving skills: Finding a way to fix things when a project hits a snag.
- Adaptability: Being open to learning new technologies or ways of working.
These are called transferable skills because they apply to any industry. Whether you work in a hospital or a bank, these skills stay with you.
What careers can you pursue?
Because a general studies degree gives you a diverse skill set, you can find different career paths in many industries.
Some common examples include:
- Business: You may work in marketing, sales, or human resources.
- Education: You might work as a teacher’s assistant or in school administration.
- Government: Many graduates work for local or state government in public service roles.
- Nonprofit sector: You may help manage programs for charities or local groups.
If you have a specific goal, you can even look into obtaining a microcredential or professional certification to add to your degree. This helps show employers you have the exact skills they need for a specific field.
What are some benefits?
The biggest benefit of this degree is its flexibility. This is why it is so popular with transfer students. If you have credits from another school, a general studies program may have a generous transfer credit policy. This could help you graduate sooner.
You also get to choose your own focus. Even though you don’t have a traditional major, you can take elective courses in a certain area. For example, if you like technology, you can take several computer science classes. This allows you to have a specialized education without being on a rigid path.
How do you choose a focus?
Even though your degree is broad, it’s good to have a plan. You can do this by:
- Taking electives: Pick classes in a subject you like, such as criminal justice.
- Completing a minor: A minor is a secondary academic discipline to your degree. It’s a great way to gain extra knowledge and expertise.
- Working with an advisor: Talk to an academic advisor early on. They may help you pick classes that lead to the job you want.
How to make the most of your time
To get the best results, you should do more than go to class. You can make your degree even stronger by participating in:
- Internships: These give you real work experience while you are still in school.
- Study abroad: Learning about another culture is a great way to grow diverse perspectives. You may even be eligible for financial aid.
- Networking: Join clubs or groups on campus to meet people in different fields.
What is a degree in general studies worth?
When most people question a degree in general studies, they’re often wondering about how it could fit their future. It is a degree that offers freedom in learning and skills to succeed in many job fields. It summarizes your ability to handle many different topics and think for yourself.
Whether you end up in business administration or social work, this degree provides a solid foundation. It proves that you are a lifelong learner who can adapt to anything.
Create versatile career path opportunities
The value of a general studies degree is in its versatility. It is an academic program that grows with you. If you are a working professional, you may even consider an online bachelor’s degree. These programs offer the same high quality but with more flexible schedules.
No matter which path you choose, remember that your degree is what you make of it. By focusing on your career goals and building strong skills, you can use a general studies degree to unlock an exciting future. So, when someone asks you, “What is a degree in general studies?” you can tell them it is the key to a world of possibilities!
Are you ready to find the perfect college for your goals? Use College Raptor’s FREE College Match tool to discover schools that offer great general studies programs based on your interests and location.
