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Online General studies degree programs 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.

This degree option may create a phenomenal bedrock for pursuing future professional and education aspirations.

Online General Studies Degree Programs

You’re looking at two options after deciding that an online general studies degree program 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:

1. General studies

2. Liberal studies

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. An online general studies degree 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.

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.

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 for an online general studies degree 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 Lagos 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.

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 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).

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.

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 General and liberal studies is a peer-oriented organization comprised of practitioners and scholars seeking to innovate liberal education.
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.

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 Degree 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.

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.