[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A general studies degree introduces students to the arts, humanities, science, and technology, preparing students for careers across industries.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students struggling to [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/how-to-choose-your-major/”]choose a major[/hen-ui-link] and individuals who want a comprehensive education can earn [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/general-studies/”]general studies degrees[/hen-ui-link]. This track provides broad training without committing to a specific discipline and prepares learners for many general studies degree jobs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]General studies degrees focus on general humanities and sciences courses and teach highly applicable skills in communication, research, mathematics, and problem-solving. Degree-seekers can customize their studies to explore various topics and fields, preparing students for the jobs that interest them most.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]General Studies Post-Grad Career Opportunities[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A general studies degree can lead to careers in various industries. These well-rounded programs equip students with interdisciplinary knowledge for public health, [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/information-technology/”]information technology[/hen-ui-link], and [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/degrees/business-degrees/”]business jobs[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While most general studies degree jobs are entry-level positions, graduates can improve their chances at acquiring advanced roles by focusing their training and extracurricular activities. For example, learners can compete with graduates who possess [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/communications-degree/”]communications degrees[/hen-ui-link] or [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/finance-degree-overview/”]finance degrees[/hen-ui-link] by taking specialized courses, internships, and work-study positions in these fields.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The additional experience in these areas can enhance a graduate’s resume and introduce them to the discipline. Students can then choose to major in the field, which allows them to easily transfer credits.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]General Studies Degree Jobs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-secondary”]Business[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-secondary”]Criminal Justice[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-secondary”]Finance[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-secondary”]Public Health[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-secondary”]Marketing and Communications[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-secondary”]Social and Behavioral Sciences[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-secondary”]Non-profit and Human Services[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-secondary”]Education[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-secondary”]Sports and Recreation[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-secondary”]Information Technology[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Kinds of General Studies Degrees Are There?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A general studies degree education depends on the school and the student’s choices. Some programs emphasize humanities or the sciences, while others allow learners to choose most of their courses.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many schools feature general studies degrees at various levels to accommodate learners of diverse backgrounds. The following sections examine the major types of degrees and what the corresponding general studies path might look like. Regardless of the level of degree they choose, students should ensure that their prospective schools hold [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/”]regional accreditation[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]— Associate Degree in General Studies[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some of the [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/best-community-colleges/”]best community colleges[/hen-ui-link] offer associate degrees in general studies. These programs typically take two years to complete. Graduates can access entry-level general studies degree jobs or pursue bachelor’s degrees in specialized subjects.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This training can lead roles as advertising sales agents or technical writers. To improve their employment outlook, students can choose courses that complement their ideal career pathway.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]— Bachelor of General Studies Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-general-studies/”]bachelor’s in general studies[/hen-ui-link] takes students about four years to complete and leads to diverse career opportunities. This program provides learners with marketable skills that apply to many industries and professions.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]General studies enrollees at this level can often customize their program to emphasize the training that interests them most, or they can choose a major during their senior year. Some schools offer similar programs through interdisciplinary studies degrees, which provide more focused training in a few complementary disciplines.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]— Master’s Degree in General Studies[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A master’s degree in general studies typically requires two years of enrollment. Compared to lower-level degrees, these programs feature more focused training in humanities, sciences, or a subdiscipline. Master’s students learn advanced research and writing skills.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]General studies degree jobs for master’s graduates include roles as survey researchers and economists. Some schools offer similar degrees, such as a master of arts in liberal studies or a master’s in interdisciplinary studies.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Ask a General Studies Degree-Holder[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”] [hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Emma Alda” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/v1621016895/experts/Emma_Alda.jpg” img-alt=”Emma Alda” layout=”horizontal” background=”white” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight” class=”text-base”]Emma Alda is the co-founder of [hen-ui-link href=”https://modestfish.com/”]ModestFish.com[/hen-ui-link]. Emma graduated from the University of Michigan in 2014 with a degree in general studies. She has utilized nearly every inch of her degree to build the skills and platform from which her business resides. Emma followed in the footsteps of three other members of her family who are also business owners and have received their degrees in general studies.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Why did you choose to pursue a general studies degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]I decided to pursue a degree in general studies because I did not want to be limited to a single field upon graduation. My parents were both business owners, as well as my sister, and they all pursued general degrees as a way to round out their education and allow them to have proper insight into many topics. They aren’t strictly bound to being experts in economics or marketing. They have a well-rounded and opportune degree, and this was something I wanted to follow them in, too.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How did your degree prepare you to enter the job market?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]I already had a prospect of what I wanted to do in terms of my own business, and I wanted to emphasize my company in the digital landscape. With a general studies degree, I was able to learn the communication tactics I needed to build relationships, the marketing skills I used as a foundation for my future growth, and even basic economic skills to be able to assess the current market and learn how I could fill the void in the current landscape.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How can a student make the most of their general studies degree program?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]They can make the most of it by diversifying the courses and classes they take to achieve the most optimally balanced educational background and skill set that will really give them a foundation for any growing field.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What advice would you give to students who are considering whether a general studies degree is the right fit for them?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Think about what you want to do as a career. If you have aspirations of being a nurse or an engineer, you will want to consider a degree more oriented around those things. If you want to have options and the ability to shift your talents into many miscellaneous fields, such as many great management roles, then a general studies degree may be a good fit for you.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What Is the Difference Between General Studies and Interdisciplinary Studies?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]General studies programs tend to offer more broad course options, whereas interdisciplinary studies programs focus on two or more complementary disciplines.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can You Become a Teacher With a General Studies Degree?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most teachers require licensure to find employment, but a general studies degree qualifies graduates for teacher preparation programs and licensing exams. Check your state’s requirements for more specific information.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What Salary Can I Expect as a Bachelor of General Studies Graduate?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Bachelor_of_General_Studies_(BGS)/Salary/”]According to PayScale[/hen-ui-link], the average salary for bachelor of general studies degree jobs is just over $60,000.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm text-right”]Header Image Credit: Wavebreakmedia | Getty Images[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Learn more, do more.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h5″]More topic-relevant resources to expand your knowledge.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”8422,167,323″][/hen-ui-article-row] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]