Are you thinking about getting a general studies degree online?
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This degree option may create a phenomenal bedrock for pursuing future professional and education aspirations.
Online General Studies Degrees
You’re looking at two options after deciding that a general studies degree is for you. Do you see yourself going fully independent or veering toward a more “classic” degree path?
Select the program that most interests you to jump to that section of the guide:
Although there may be some crossover between general and liberal studies careers, there are some important distinctions to consider.
General Studies
A general studies degree program offers exactly what the name implies. A general studies program typically requires you to take the same core undergraduate courses as students of all majors.
The big difference is that you have more freedom to explore different topics and dive into elective courses as you progress.
You may study topics that cover politics, history, and business as a general studies major. Many people who graduate with degrees in general studies go on to work in fields like business, research development, and education.
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This may be a good fit for you if you love the idea of taking a mixture of undergraduate courses that may allow you to carve a unique academic path.
General studies may be a good fit if you’re looking to balance the freedom to explore complex, interesting topics with the structure of an undergraduate program.
In addition, this degree satisfies the requirement for applying to many different types of graduate programs that may allow you to refine your career path.
Liberal Studies
A liberal studies degree provides a broad liberal arts education without a specific concentration. Graduates of these programs often go on to work as writers, journalists, lobbyists, politicians, speechwriters, museum managers, publicists, and political analysts.
Liberal studies programs often go heavy on literature and history classes. In a way, this can feel like a hybrid degree that contains elements of an English degree, history degree, and business degree.
No, you won’t generally be “building” your own curriculum when you pursue a general or liberal studies degree. You will still be given the same structure and support from instructors and advisers as students in other majors.
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However, you will often have more room to satisfy credit requirements using interesting and emerging course topics.
Both general studies and liberal studies majors have room to pivot their course selections toward the arts and humanities, the sciences, business, or technology.
Curriculum & Courses for a Bachelor of General Studies Degree
Let’s talk about the specific courses you might take as a general studies major.
- Biology examines the origins and mechanisms of living organisms. An introductory biology course can serve as a great foundation for a career that pivots toward environmental or health activism, research, or policymaking.
- Business Management dives into the proven strategies for motivating and managing staff. Emphasis is placed on meeting project goals and innovating.
- Communications breaks open the philosophies and techniques behind effectively communicating messages. Students often learn how to use classic and emerging modes of communication in corporate and public settings.
- Economics exposes learners to the how, why, and mechanisms behind the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services around the world. This can give a student with an interest in business a solid foundation for exploring practical business principles.
- English Literature will expose you to great authors like Shakespeare, Joyce, Rossetti, Tennyson, and Chaucer. In addition to creating a foundation for understanding classic works of literature, this course provides instruction for how to read, discuss, and analyze culture-changing publications.
- Introduction to Technology invites students to explore practical applications for developing and using technology.
- Language courses can be included as electives in general studies programs. Studying a language like Spanish could give you a professional advantage if you intend to work in a sector that serves Spanish-speaking communities.
- Public Speaking is a highly practical and participatory course that explores effective methods for presentations and debates.
- Sociology explores the study of societal patterns and relationships across history and geographic location.
- World History explores world events that have shaped the globe. Most college-level history courses focus on specific chunks of the global timeline.
A general studies curriculum creates a well-rounded educational experience that helps prepare a student to perform in settings that require them to draw from deep wells of knowledge.
In addition, a passion that is sparked by a course often leads a student to pursue a more specific graduate degree or career path.
General Studies Careers & Salaries
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for positions where a bachelor’s degree is a requirement is projected to grow by 6.4% through the next 1o years. That means that your general studies degree is going to potentially place you at an advantage when applying to jobs that require undergraduate degrees.
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Some careers in the general studies field include:
| Careers | Annual Median Salary |
| Sales Managers | $132,290 |
| General Operations Managers | $103,650 |
| Management Analysts | $87,660 |
| Market Research Analysts | $65,810 |
| Public Relations Specialists | $62,810 |
| Health Educators | $56,500 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $52,330 |
| Community and Social Services Specialists | $46,770 |
Yes, general studies majors may end up in important roles in many different industries. The balance of communication-oriented and research-based courses within the general studies curriculum enables graduates to fit nicely into a broad array of niches within both the public and private sectors.
What Can You Do With a Degree in General Studies?
We’ve already discussed some specific salaries that might be expected after graduating with a general studies degree. However, it’s important to note that this degree is by no means limiting. There are some additional roles that general studies graduates often occupy.
- Account managers often become the “point person” and liaison in the relationship between a company and client.
- Criminal justice professionals handle investigations, forensics, public safety, and emergency management while working for municipalities and federal agencies.
- Information studies experts oversee and analyze the collection, classification, manipulation, storage, and protection of data and information.
- Marketing professionals handle all sides of branding, promotion, and consumer engagement.
- Operations managers are responsible for designing, controlling, and monitoring of production processes.
- Project managers design and delegate strategic steps for bringing products or projects to market.
- Real estate brokers arrange property transactions between commercial and residential buyers and sellers.
- Paralegals provide administrative support and document handling at law firms, corporations, and government agencies.
- Pharmaceutical consultants provide business support to pharmacies by securing contracts for medical products, sourcing equipment, and negotiating supply deals.
- Public health educators serve as liaisons between physicians or agencies and the public by disseminating information.
Many exciting, meaningful roles may be obtained with just a general studies degree as your credential. However, there may be plenty of room to pursue additional degrees or training once you’ve found a specialty that offers room for growth.
Choosing a General Studies Degree Online Program
It’s important to choose a program that offers the balance of flexibility and structure you desire while pursuing your undergraduate degree. Let’s discuss some of the characteristics to consider when making your decisions about where to apply.
- School size and type will be important to consider as you weigh your comfort level in terms of class size, instructor availability, and alumni connections.
- Degree program length is a factor that may be important to you if you’re trying to complete a program within a certain window to satisfy a job requirement.
- Program costs must be looked at on a per-credit level to get a good idea of how much your total education will cost.
- College credit transfer policies can affect your decision to change schools due to personal or logistical reasons.
- On-campus requirements may impact your decision if you’ll be taking courses that simply require live participation due to lab work or practicums.
In addition to all of these characteristics, you may want to consider pursuing an accelerated general studies degree program if your goal is to finish your degree quicker than the average four years.
With the right degree program, all of these factors may come together to create a robust, actionable educational experience.
General Studies Degree Specializations & Concentrations
Many students feel that focusing on a degree specialization or concentration when pursuing a general studies degree adds more weight and direction to their studies. Once enrolled, you will be able to discuss potential specializations with an adviser.
- An Allied Health focus could put you on a team of professionals responsible for identifying, evaluating, and preventing health issues and diseases through the use of special services and health systems management.
- A Business Administration concentration places you on a path to manage people and projects in corporate and public institutions.
- A Communications focus prepares you to work in media or corporate relations.
- A Criminal Justice concentration is ideal if you have a passion for law because it often leads to investigative roles at local, state, and federal agencies.
- General Administration is a good fit if you’re interested in playing a support role at an organization or corporation.
- Individualized Studies is an interdisciplinary major option that allows you to combine courses from several departments to create a custom, targeted curriculum that reflects your interests or career goals.
- Information Technology is a focus that prepares you to develop, maintain, and manage the use of technology and systems.
- Natural Sciences students are trained to understand, predict, and explain natural phenomena using original data or peer-reviewed research.
Again, these specialties represent the way that a general studies degree uniquely prepares each learner to enter the field they find appealing. You’re likely to discover that your curious, self-starting personality is satisfied by a degree path with so few restraints.
Online Bachelor’s in General Studies Requirements for Admissions
What does it take to get accepted into an undergraduate general studies program? Each school has its own criteria. However, we can take a look at some general requirements that are nearly universal among college admission departments.
GPA
Colleges will likely be looking at your collective GPA across all four years of high school. Some colleges place a higher degree of importance on the GPAs for your junior and senior years. Some schools will only consider applicants with GPAs that reach specific thresholds.
Exam Scores
Most colleges look at standardized test scores when vetting applications for admission. The two tests that are primarily considered are the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) and the American College Testing (ACT).
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The rules are not the same across the board. For instance, one college may weigh test scores and GPAs nearly equally. Others may only assign significance to test scores for students with GPAs that are on the cusp.
Transferring College Credits
If you’re transferring schools, your transcripts may be reviewed during the admissions process.
The school you’re applying to will want to see if the credits you’re hoping to transfer demonstrate your ability to succeed while pursuing similar or related coursework.
Personal Statement
You will probably be required to submit a personal statement along with your application. A personal statement is typically a short essay that gives you an opportunity to demonstrate why you believe you belong at a school.
Most students share an overview of their skills, experiences, and achievements.
Letters of Recommendation
A letter of recommendation is an endorsement that someone in your life constructs to highlight why you would be an asset to a school. This letter is meant to highlight your credibility, integrity, and capability.
You would typically ask a teacher, coach, employer, or guidance counselor to draft a letter of recommendation on your behalf.
Accreditation
Regional accreditation is something to have on your mind when looking for schools that offer general studies programs. Regional accreditation isn’t a requirement. However, it may bolster some specific objectives you have.
A school with regional accreditation has been deemed worthy of recognition by one of the nation’s seven regional accrediting agencies based on educational or experiential merits.
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The big benefit of regional accreditation is that it’s typically easier to transfer credits from recognized schools. Regionally accredited colleges are also considered to be more prestigious.
General Studies Professional Organizations
General studies professionals may belong to a number of professional organizations that provide networking, career, and skill-development opportunities. Here’s your look at the most popular ones:
- The American Communication Association functions to promote the advancement and development of communications professionals, impact communication law, and provide certification services.
- The American Finance Association is an academic organization promoting the study and knowledge of financial economics.
- The American Marketing Association serves its more than 30,000 members across 75 chapters through conferences, events, and training opportunities.
- The Association of American Colleges and Universities is a national association with a focus on improving liberal education and the advancement of undergraduate studies.
- The Association for General and Liberal Studies is a peer-oriented organization comprised of practitioners and scholars seeking to innovate liberal education.
- The National Association of Sales Professionals is a training-based organization that offers a path to becoming a Certified Professional Sales Person.
- The Sales Association is a professional society offering networking, professional development, and Consultative Sales Certified (CSC) training for corporate sales professionals.
Organizations that offer pathways to training and certification are particularly attractive to general studies professionals because they align with the “always learning” mindset that this major attracts.
Financial Aid & Scholarships for a Bachelor’s in General Studies
Very few students complete undergraduate programs without some type of financial aid. Enrolling in a four-year undergraduate program may qualify you for student aid through FAFSA.
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Many students use a combination of federal loans, work-study opportunities, and scholarships to fund their educations. Many colleges that offer general studies degrees offer institutional scholarships for students pursuing general or liberal studies.
Can You Do General Studies Online?
Yes, there are many programs that allow you to complete your curriculum fully online through both passive and interactive course work.
Is a General Studies Degree Worth it?
Yes, a general studies degree is worth it for many students. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 18% of the educational instruction and library sector employed are general studies degree holders, and 15% in the management sector. Employment for both sectors are projected to grow 5% for the next 10 years. Common careers in this field include interpreter or translator, public relations specialist, health educator, and sales manager.
This degree may help create an excellent foundation for moving into professional roles that require four-year undergraduate degrees or pursuing graduate degrees.
What is the General Studies Major?
A general studies major is a broad, cross-discipline degree path that may teach you how to think critically, analyze information, and apply practical skills in a variety of professional fields.
Being a general studies major is not the same thing as having an undeclared major.
What Can I Do With a General Studies Degree?
A general studies degree maybe used to pursue job opportunities that require bachelor’s degrees. You may use your degree to jump right into a job role after graduation or apply to graduate programs for business, teaching, technology, human resources, science, communications, and nearly any other specialty that interests you.
Can I Transfer with a General Studies Degree?
This will vary by school. However, the very fundamental nature of most of the courses contained within a general studies curriculum makes it likely that the bulk of your credits may transfer.
How Long Does it Take to Earn a General Studies Degree Online?
An undergraduate degree in general studies typically takes four years for a student who is taking a “traditional” credit load each semester.
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It may be possible to shave time from your degree path by taking extra classes.
What Do You Study in General Studies?
A general studies major covers English, communications, business, science, social sciences, business, and technology.
General studies majors have the benefit of being able to “dip” into several disciplines without “wasting” credits.
Can I Teach With a Bachelor’s in General Studies?
This varies by the school district. Some districts will allow you to teach as long as you fulfill additional training or credentialing within a certain window of time.
However, your degree may be fully sufficient in a private school setting. A bachelor’s in general studies may qualify you to be a substitute teacher in nearly every public school district.
What is General Studies?
General studies simply mean that a student is pursuing coursework that covers several disciplines instead of following a narrow, highly concentrated degree path.
Universities Offering Online General Studies Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
American Military University began in 1919 and prides itself on serving military members and civilians all over the world with an affordable public education through distance learning. APU has more than 200-degree programs for those seeking to obtain an associate, bachelor, or master’s degree.
APU is a steppingstone for educational needs for career advancement.
- BA in General Studies
APUS is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Arkansas State University is a public research post-secondary school that started in 1909. ASU has a plethora of programs that lead to an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree. With many notable alumni that include politicians, judges, and professors, ASU’s academic programs set an example for many other universities.
- Bachelor of General Studies
Arkansas State University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Beginning in 1911, Baker College is a private educational facility with twelve campuses around the state of Michigan. It also provides a flexible program for military members to receive their degrees entirely online. Baker College has programs that lead to an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate. International students are welcome and assisted at BC.
- BS in General Studies
Baker College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Ball State University opened in 1918 and is a top-notch public research university, considered as one of the best universities in the country by U.S. News & World Report, works to provide students an array of programs leading to an associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.
BSU has several campus locations that serve thousands of students every year. Some of BSU’s most popular programs include education, health, business, and communications.
- Bachelor’s in General Studies
BSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Drexel University began in 1891 and is now a world-renowned private research educational institution. Drexel’s hands-on curriculum allows students to use research, internship, and apprenticeships as credit towards either an undergraduate, graduate, and a doctorate in a variety of programs.
Many students also take advantage of the many study abroad programs offered by Drexel University.
- BS in General Studies
Drexel University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Opening its doors as a public post-secondary school in 1906, Eastern Kentucky University overcame many obstacles in its early years. Now EKU aids thousands of students each year in earning an associate, undergraduate, and graduate degree.
With many programs to choose from, Eastern Kentucky University also helps working adults by offering a variety of online degree options.
- Bachelor’s in General Studies
Eastern Kentucky University is accredited by the Commission of Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Indiana State University started in 1865. and is a public post-secondary school that offers more than one-hundred options for students to gain a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in their chosen field. Indiana State University takes pride in its flexible distance learning opportunities that allow students more opportunities to learn.
- BS in General Studies
Indiana State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Lamar University has been providing post-secondary education since 1923 and joined the Texas University System in 1995, becoming a part of an effective public education system.
Offering over hundred-degree options, Lamar University paves the way for students to earn a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral level degree and is documented as a Doctoral/Research University.
- Bachelor of General Studies
Lamar University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Louisiana State University – Shreveport began in 1967 as a two-year college and has grown into a sizable public post-secondary school that offers an array of undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Some of the most popular programs at Louisiana State University – Shreveport include petroleum engineering, sports administration, education, and International Studies.
- Bachelor of General Studies
Louisiana State University in Shreveport is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Founded in 1872, Maryville University serves students across the globe that seek to gain an undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs. With over ninety programs to choose from, this private University prides itself on innovation and technology.
Designed to bring real-world skills to students, Maryville University brings student-centered programs to the forefront.
- BA in General Studies – Healthcare
Maryville University is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
McNeese State University started in 1939 and has risen to one of the top spots in the nation for public education according to U.S. News & World Report. Presenting a diverse array of undergraduate and graduate degree paths, MSU serves a diverse student body from around the nation and from several other countries.
A sample of programs offered includes business, education, engineering, and computer science.
- BGS in Interdisciplinary Studies
McNeese State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Medaille College began in 1875 as a school for education and has grown into a celebrated private liberal arts post-secondary school in Buffalo, New York.
Medaille strives to give students everything needed to be successful in gain an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree program. Community service projects are an essential aspect of the MC curricula.
- BS in General Studies
Medaille College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Minot State University is a public university that began in 1913. With many undergraduate and graduate programs to choose from MSU assists students in North Dakota to reach their full educational potential. Founded on solution-based research, Minot State University works to enhance the area’s environmental and health issues and concerns.
- Bachelor of General Studies
Minot State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The Northwestern State University of Louisiana began in 1884 is now a significant public post-secondary school that offers more than fifty programs leading to an undergraduate or graduate degree.
Ranking as a top military-friendly school for 11 years in a row by Military Friendly, Northwestern State University of Louisiana reaches students across the globe. Some of their most popular courses are nursing and business.
- Bachelor of General Studies
Northwestern State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Texas State University became a public post-secondary school in 1903 and has grown to be one of the most distinguished schools in the nation. Offering over 200 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in a variety of fields, TSU prides itself on ground-breaking research and hands-on learning.
With online and in-class programs, TSU reaches students across the globe.
- Bachelor of General Studies
Texas State University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Texas Tech University began in 1923 and is one of the largest public campuses in the nation. Known as a Carnegie Tier One Research University, Texas Tech is the only campus in the country that accommodates a college, school of law, and medical school.
TTU students can earn undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate degrees in more than one hundred programs.
- Bachelor of General Studies
Texas Tech University is accredited with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Beginning in 1901, the Texas Woman’s University is a public post-secondary school with three campuses across TX with programs that lead to undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate degrees.
TWU is a school for women with children but has been co-ed since 1994 and has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top public schools in the country. Some programs offered include nursing, education, and business.
- Bachelor’s in General Studies
TWU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Finding its beginnings in 1963, the University of Central Florida is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top-notch post-secondary public school that offers hundreds of pathways to an undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree.
Their space exploration programs have seen significant innovations over the years, and with hands-on research programs, continue to strive. Co-ops and internships lead the way for future leaders.
- Bachelor of General Studies in Integrative General Studies
The University of Central Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
With roots that reach from 1898, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette has grown into one of the most notable public research universities in the nation.
Offering numerous undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate programs, the University is the home of several firsts, including a Ph.D. in Francophone Studies, Master of Informatics, and an Industrial Design degree.
- Bachelor of General Studies
The University of Louisiana Lafayette is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Louisiana at Monroe is a post-secondary public school that began in 1931. The school take pride in their many undergraduates and graduate degree program offered from five major schools.
Many students choose to participate in interdisciplinary research collaboration with professors, peers, and other community members to find real-world solutions to pressing community problems.
- Bachelor of General Studies
The University of Louisiana at Monroe is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Missouri is a sizable public research university that started in 1839. The University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in an array of fields.
It is renowned for its school of journalism, news broadcasting, medical clinics, and research. The University of Missouri is home to the country’s only source of isotopes used in nuclear medicine.
- Bachelor of General Studies
The University of Missouri is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Starting in 1862, the University of South Dakota houses South Dakota’s only medical and law schools. As a public research educational facility, the University works tirelessly to incorporate hands-on research opportunities to all students in its many undergraduates, graduate, and doctoral degree programs and offers both on-campus and online classes.
- Bachelor of General Studies
The University of South Dakota is accredited by the HLC.
As a private school that began in 1888, the University of the Cumberlands is rated as one of the safest colleges in Kentucky. It is committed to serving the community by giving students credit for volunteer and co-op opportunities while completing one of the many undergraduate and graduate programs offered.
- Bachelor’s in General Studies
University of the Cumberlands is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Youngstown State University is a public educational institution that began in 1908. YSU has a variety of programs that lead to an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and online degrees. Some of Youngstown’s popular majors include education, health, technology, and creative arts. The average class size is twenty-one, giving students a personal touch.
- Bachelor of General Studies
Youngstown State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Starting in 1910, West Texas A&M University has developed new and innovative programs that lead to a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees. It is a public university that helps students grown by using research and hands-on learning, both in-class and distance learning options, allowing it to reach students globally.
- Bachelor of General Studies
West Texas A&M University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Getting Your General Studies Degree Online
Have you ever felt like no single major encapsulates all that you want to learn, explore, and experience during your college career? You may have been born to be a general studies major.
No, a general studies degree does not mean that you can’t commit to a single major. It means you cannot be limited by a single major. This is how employers may view the situation once you show off your dynamic, genre-bending skills and knowledge.
A college experience that may satisfy your curious nature and eagerness to dive into innovative, broad topics starts when you find a program that lets you do just that.
Start applying to schools to unleash your curious side in an accredited academic setting.
