General Degree: A Guide for Students Exploring Options
A general degree offers students flexibility and broad knowledge across multiple disciplines rather than specialized training in one field. What is a general degree? It’s an academic program that combines courses from various subjects, allowing students to develop versatile skills and explore different areas of interest before committing to a specific career path.
What is a General Degree?
A general degree, also known as general studies or liberal arts degree, provides students with a comprehensive educational foundation across multiple academic disciplines. Unlike specialized degrees that focus on one particular field, general degree programs incorporate coursework from humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, mathematics, and communication arts.
These programs typically require students to complete credits in various subject areas while maintaining the flexibility to pursue areas of personal interest. How does a general degree work? Students usually complete core requirements in foundational subjects, then select electives that align with their career goals or academic interests.
How Does a General Degree Work?
General degree programs operate on a credit-based system where students must complete a specified number of credit hours across different academic categories. Most programs require between 120-130 credit hours for completion, distributed among:
- Core curriculum requirements (60-70 credits)
- Elective courses (40-50 credits)
- Capstone or portfolio project (10-20 credits)
Students work with academic advisors to create personalized study plans that meet degree requirements while supporting their career objectives. The flexible structure allows students to change focus areas without starting over completely.
Why Should You Study a General Degree?
Why should you study a general degree? This educational path offers several advantages for students seeking flexibility and broad-based knowledge:
| Benefits | Description |
|---|---|
| Career Flexibility | Opens doors to multiple career paths |
| Skill Development | Builds critical thinking and communication abilities |
| Cost Effective | Often less expensive than specialized programs |
| Time Efficient | Allows credit transfer from various sources |
| Personal Growth | Encourages intellectual curiosity and exploration |
General degrees prepare students for careers that value adaptability, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work across different departments or industries.
Who Should Pursue a General Degree?
Who should pursue a general degree? This educational path suits several types of students:
- Career changers seeking new opportunities
- Working adults needing flexible scheduling
- Students undecided about their major
- Military personnel transitioning to civilian careers
- Individuals with diverse academic interests
- Students planning to pursue graduate school
General degrees work well for self-motivated learners who can benefit from academic flexibility and want to avoid the constraints of highly specialized programs.
When is the Right Time to Get a General Degree?
When is the right time to get a general degree? Timing depends on individual circumstances and career goals:
- Traditional students uncertain about their major
- Adult learners returning to complete their education
- Career professionals seeking advancement opportunities
- Military members preparing for civilian employment
- Students transferring from multiple institutions
Many students find general degrees valuable when they need to complete their education quickly or want to combine work experience with formal learning.
Where Can a General Degree Take You?
Where can a general degree take you? Career opportunities span multiple industries and sectors:
| Industry | Career Options | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Business | Administrative roles, customer service, sales | $35,000-$55,000 |
| Education | Teaching assistant, administrative support | $30,000-$45,000 |
| Government | Civil service, public administration | $40,000-$65,000 |
| Healthcare | Administrative positions, patient coordination | $35,000-$50,000 |
| Non-profit | Program coordination, community outreach | $32,000-$48,000 |
How Long Does It Take to Earn a General Degree?
How long does it take to earn a general degree? Program duration varies based on enrollment status and individual circumstances:
- Full-time students: 3-4 years
- Part-time students: 5-7 years
- Accelerated programs: 2-3 years
- Online programs: 2-5 years (flexible pacing)
Many programs accept transfer credits, which can significantly reduce completion time. Students with military experience, professional certifications, or previous college coursework often finish faster.
What Skills Do You Gain from a General Degree?
What skills do you gain from a general degree? These programs develop both hard and soft skills valued by employers:
Communication Skills
- Written and verbal communication
- Presentation abilities
- Active listening
Analytical Skills
- Critical thinking
- Problem-solving
- Research and analysis
Technical Skills
- Computer proficiency
- Data interpretation
- Information literacy
Interpersonal Skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Cultural awareness
- Leadership potential
Why are General Studies Important in College?
Why are general studies important in college? These foundational courses provide essential benefits:
- Develop intellectual breadth and curiosity
- Build connections between different fields of knowledge
- Prepare students for lifelong learning
- Create well-rounded graduates
- Support career flexibility and adaptability
General studies courses help students become informed citizens and effective communicators regardless of their chosen career path.
What are the Types of General Degree Programs?
What are the types of general degree programs? Several options exist to meet different student needs:
Associate of General Studies (AGS)
- 2-year program
- 60 credit hours
- Transfer preparation
Bachelor of General Studies (BGS)
- 4-year program
- 120-130 credit hours
- Career preparation focus
Bachelor of Liberal Arts (BLA)
- Humanities emphasis
- Critical thinking focus
- Graduate school preparation
Bachelor of Applied Studies (BAS)
- Practical application emphasis
- Work experience integration
- Career advancement focus
What to Expect in a General Studies Program?
What to expect in a general studies program? Students encounter diverse learning experiences:
Core Curriculum
- English composition and literature
- Mathematics and statistics
- Natural and physical sciences
- Social and behavioral sciences
- Humanities and fine arts
Learning Methods
- Traditional classroom instruction
- Online and hybrid courses
- Independent study options
- Experiential learning opportunities
Assessment Types
- Research papers and projects
- Examinations and quizzes
- Presentations and portfolios
- Group work and discussions
How to Choose the Right General Degree Program?
How to choose the right general degree program? Consider these factors:
| Factor | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Accreditation | Regional or national accreditation status |
| Cost | Tuition, fees, and additional expenses |
| Format | Online, on-campus, or hybrid delivery |
| Support Services | Academic advising, career services, tutoring |
| Transfer Policy | Credit acceptance and transfer agreements |
Program Costs
General degree program costs vary by institution type:
- Community colleges: $3,000-$5,000 per year
- Public universities: $10,000-$15,000 per year
- Private colleges: $20,000-$40,000 per year
- Online programs: $8,000-$20,000 per year
What Careers Benefit from General Studies?
What careers benefit from general studies? Many employers value the diverse skills these graduates bring:
Entry-Level Positions
- Administrative assistant
- Customer service representative
- Sales associate
- Research assistant
Management Roles
- Project coordinator
- Team supervisor
- Operations manager
- Program administrator
Specialized Fields
- Human resources coordinator
- Marketing assistant
- Social services aide
- Training coordinator
Many general studies graduates also pursue additional certifications or graduate degrees to advance in their chosen fields.
What to Avoid When Choosing a General Degree
Students should be aware of potential drawbacks:
- Unaccredited institutions
- Programs with limited career services
- Degrees that don’t transfer credits
- Schools with poor graduation rates
- Programs without clear learning outcomes
Research thoroughly and verify accreditation status before enrolling in any program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a general degree and how does it differ from specialized degrees?
A general degree provides broad education across multiple disciplines rather than deep specialization in one field. It offers more flexibility but may require additional training for specific careers.
Who should pursue a general degree program?
General degrees work well for career changers, working adults, undecided students, and those seeking flexible academic options that accommodate work and family commitments.
How long does it take to earn a general degree?
Completion time varies from 2-7 years depending on enrollment status, transfer credits, and program format. Full-time students typically finish in 3-4 years.
Where can a general degree take you career-wise?
General degrees open doors to administrative roles, management positions, government jobs, and various entry-level positions across multiple industries.
What skills do you gain from a general degree program?
Students develop communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills that transfer across industries and career paths.
Sources
For additional information about general degree programs:
- U.S. Department of Education
- American Council on Education
- Council for Higher Education Accreditation
- National Center for Education Statistics
- Bureau of Labor Statistics
This content was written by AI and reviewed by a human for quality and compliance.