Earning an associate's degree in general studies provides the perfect path for students who want to explore multiple areas of study before committing to a specific degree or … So, this might be a great idea for new college students that aren’t quite certain which field interests them. [citation needed] The concept of general studies derives from the medieval European university concept of studium generale. ), 6 Festive Ways To Celebrate Christmas Alone, How I Am Prioritizing My Mental Health In A Pandemic. For example, 85% of MBA degree earners had a background of general business. For example, photography, English, and marketing are all very separate areas of study that could potentially lend themselves well to each other. Below, we delve into the top reasons to pursue an associate degree in general studies … If you’re hoping to get a four year degree, check around to your local colleges and see what best fits your ideal schooling situation. According to PayScale, the average salary for general studies degree-holders average around $50,000 per yer. Is A General Studies Degree Worth It? Just because it says “general” studies, doesn’t mean it’s the easiest degree. From business and sales to communications, we have put together a list of popular career choices that you may be interested in after earning your General Studies degree. It can be intimidating to decide on one area of study, but often times it pays off more in the end. In fact, I think a general studies degree may actually hurt your chances of getting hired when compared to someone with no degree. The idea being, “If I cast a wider net, I may be able to land a better job in the end.” For some this may be true, but for others it may be more complication than it’s worth. About 32,000 job postings in 2016 specifically asked for an associate of arts degree. Hence, many colleges are making it more difficult to get a general degree instead of, let’s say, a business finance or business marketing degree. If you’re unsure of your career path and want to have a good educational foundation in skills that can be beneficial in many different career paths, a general studies degree may be for you . © copyright 2003-2020 Study.com. Ergo, the business field is now flooded with folks who have nonspecific general business degrees. Associate Degree Generally requiring up to two years of higher education, an associate degree program in general studies gives students a chance to explore a sampling of several disciplines such as psychology A Degree in General Studies - The Basics College students who are having difficulty deciding on a course of study may pursue a degree in general studies. Sciences, Culinary Arts and Personal Nayf Recommended for you ... B.A. Research on the quantitative value of a liberal arts degree is mixed — some studies say engineers earn a lot more money, others say the difference evens out … With general studies, there are still plenty of career paths available even with just an associate's degree. You’ll have to know exactly how to make this type of degree work in your favor. It is true, no schooling is bad schooling, but if you’re looking to enter a competitive field, having a targeted game plan is usually the best plan of action. This program also intends to permit students to plan, with advisement, an individualized program with access to a wide range of academic disciplines and fields of professional study. Just because it says “general” studies, doesn’t mean it’s the easiest degree. Some schools may offer Bachelor’s degrees in general studies, while others might simply offer Associates instead. Many students starting college don’t have a clear idea of what major to choose. Not all students know exactly what they intend to do after college, but that is what the college experience is usually for. Some think a general studies degree may be too broad, but this type of degree actually prepares you for many different career options. This program is not designed to provide students with the depth of content within a concentration to typicall… Curriculum, relevancy of sample programs, and outcomes will vary by school. Pay ranges for people with an Associate of General Studies degree by employer. It’s a fair question. First, if the student does know a particular field that they would like to enter, they may decide to study similar general subjects that can give them an overview of many subjects surrounding their chosen field, instead of such a narrow path. You’ll have to know exactly how to make this type of degree work in your favor. General engineering is also a good option for those who are undecided on the kind of engineering they’d like to specialise in. Introducing The Capsule Collab! A general business degree is a better value than a specialized degree for students who want to work in many departments, oversee various aspects of the business environment, and maximize their potential for advancement to the This could potentially give the student an advantage over other candidates. Siciliano said a general studies degree “provides greater flexibility to complete their degree according to their work, career and family life.” Whether you’re transferring universities or looking to earn a degree that reflects your broad range of skills, a bachelor’s in general studies can prepare you for the next step in your career. If none of the schools in your area offer the type of general studies degrees you are looking for, then you might be forced to head out of state for your education, which can be much more expensive than higher learning in the same state. Wondering if college is right for you? It all depends on the needs of the employer. Currently, folks in the engineering and architecture industry are making a median wage of about $50,000+ per year to start. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of a General Studies degree. Some universities will give you the option to do a general engineering degree in your first year and then I went general studies, took anatomy and physiology my second semester and found I had a love for science. Enter zip: If you are wondering if a general studies major is right for you – or if it’s worth the investment – read on. Although, they may still prefer a more concentrated focus, so this is a risky choice. You can always start with general studies courses and work your way onto more advanced classes as you go. I have a year (3 semesters) left. General studies graduates are also quite common, even when an area of expertise is chosen. General studies programs usually cover a wide range of topics including science, art, history, and more. If you're returning to your studies after a long absence, a BGS will maximize the credits you've already earned (and the time and money you've already spent to … I left school about 7 years ago. Even an online degree from a school such as Fresno Pacific University Online can be beneficial for your career. Current: College Life General Is an Associate's Degree Worth it? However, it may benefit you to take some general courses alongside your chosen program. I think my opinion of them is pretty similar to most of yours … However, many employers are going to be looking for expertise within a very concentrated scope of your field. It would really depend on what you plans after graduation are. Biological and Biomedical All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. I mean its great to study what you love, but $60,000 of Is it still worth going to university? Earn Transferable Credit & Get your Degree. IS A BUSINESS DEGREE REALLY WORTH IT?! Nothing is ever certain in the employment world. Earning an associate's degree in general studies provides the perfect path for students who want to explore multiple areas of study before committing to a specific degree or career. *Data provided by Payscale.com and the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics Trisha is a freelance writer from Boise, ID. Roughly 289,000 (over 40 percent) were in liberal arts, general studies, and humanities. Any degree may help you get your foot in the door of your dream job. The heart of this method would be to have a plan. A general studies degree provides a path to graduation without completion of the requirements of a specific major or minor. 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An admission advisor from each school can provide more info about: Get Started with Western Governors University, Get Started with University of Connecticut, Get Started with Western Washington University. Earning a bachelor’s degree in general studies can be a great fit if: You need flexibility — servicemembers, veterans, and parents who have varied interests and want to fit a college education into their already busy lives can benefit from a more personally tailored focus. The Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) degree is one of the most popular programs at Athabasca University. As such, many students opt for any sort of general degree. Pay ranges for people with a Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) degree by employer. Although it's not required, a bachelor's degree in general studies may be helpful for beginning or advancing a career in sales. 😍 Learn more here! So, your desired post-college, entry level wage will also be something to think about. Choosing a definite degree path is undoubtedly scary. If someone, for the past 4 years, thought that the most productive use of their time and money was to obtain a general studies degree, would you really want them working at your company? I am nearing the end of my comp sci program. My long term goal is to go to grad school I decided to finish what I started and my school offers bachelor of general studies degree with several concentrations to choose from, like psychology, sociology and criminal justice. *spills tea* - Duration: 8:23. I also have significant credit built up in various other subjects (such as: information systems and mathematics). There is also potential for a decent salary in a general studies job, although it can vary by job title, work experience, and employer, among other factors. Also, think about how your degree will transfer into a career. Unlike the other degrees offered by Athabasca University, the BGS does not have a residency requirement, and courses that make up the degree requirements may be completed at institutions other than Athabasca University. All rights reserved. A bachelor's degree in general studies includes a multidisciplinary curriculum. The Bachelor of Science in General Studies is a program designed for students who seek a flexible degree program and do not desire or may not meet prerequisites of a highly structured traditional degree program. A general studies program focuses on For business degree holders, the array of common positions you can pursue offers a robust range in earning potential. You just have to know what you’re looking for and be sure that your college will allow it. An Associate’s degree is appealing to students for numerous reasons. General studies degrees that allow this type of coordination can be manipulated in the student’s favor. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of a General Studies degree. Just think about it for a second. Due to the diverse nature of General Studies, there are a variety of career paths that graduates can pursue. It may take you a little longer to complete your degree, but it's worth taking the time to visit family and hang out with your friends. If that’s the case, some students find that going the general studies route is the best solution. Secondly, an interest in different, but compatible, areas of study could potentially be profitable for a graduate. In many cases, colleges will allow general studies courses to fill humanities requirements that will be tacked on to your overall degree. What’s more, students who earn degrees in one of the STEM branches of education have been proven to make more money overall than those with non-specific degrees. What You Should Do On Payday To Manage Your Money, 10 Household Maintenance Tips to Save Your Budget, LES MILLS On Demand Review (and Free 30-Day Trial! Those who aren’t entirely clear on which degree is right for them may want to look into a general studies degree. These opportunities include jobs such as public relations directors, technical writers, social workers, administrative and executive assistants, and many more. The financial burden of a degree isn’t to be taken lightly. The key takeaway is, try to make a plan along the way. General Studies TCU’s AddRan College of Liberal Arts offers a Bachelor of General Studies. I was looking at old friend's facebook profiles, and noticed someone with a general studies degree. Unfortunately, the answer to the question, “Is a Master of Legal Studies worth it?” is not clear-cut, because it largely depends on the individual student and his or her motivations for pursuing the degree. These efforts are geared towards trying to help create workers that are focused, with a honed level of knowledge in their field by the time they earn their degree. General Studies Degree Career Possiblities 4 Types of Therapy for Mental Health and Well-Being Top 4 Careers in Public Health Careers in Industrial & Organizational Psychology Is A General Studies Degree Worth It? The listings below may include sponsored content but are popular choices among our users. U.S. Army $52k - $119k Wells Fargo & Co. $48k - $84k Amazon.com Inc $52k - … It only takes two years to earn one, so full-time students are out of the job market for a shorter period of time than they would be while earning a Bachelor’' degree. Explore the areas you feel you might be interested in and your schooling can evolve from there. Find her on Twitter –, The best tools for learning new skills online, The Ultimate Guide To Overcoming Student Loan Debt. General Studies and Psychology degrees are harder to market, and a lot of times if you lose that job that hired you with a bachelor's degree in GS or Psych, how do you know another company will hire you with that degree. Is an associate degree in general studies worth it? This can be used to a graduate’s advantage in a couple of ways. Let’s see how some of the top business-degree roles stack up based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2019 3 A Bachelor of General Studies degree (abbreviated BGS) is an undergraduate academic degree offered by many colleges and universities in the Western world. Depending on the college you plan on attending, a general studies degree may only be offered at particular levels. She is a dedicated vegan who promotes an all-around healthy lifestyle – including mental health. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a … Students explore the arts, sciences, and humanities to gain a well-rounded and balanced education. 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