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Degree in General Studies

A degree in general studies confers upon a student standard knowledge in a broad range of subjects. Students pursuing a general education degree will study a wide variety of topics. The degree is often used by individuals unsure of what major to pursue and is obtained at the associate level. Bachelor and master degrees are also available, though their purpose is more career oriented. Associate level degrees in general education provide students with the course work and knowledge necessary to transfer to a four year institution, at which point a student will declare their major.

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best General Studies Degree

The Columbia University in the City of New York is a private, research university in New York City that was established in 1754, committed to academic excellence and research; it is the oldest institution of higher learning in New York, and the fifth oldest in the country. The University developed and became a renowned university—ranked in various rankings and awards in both national and global, also deemed as one of the best colleges in the country, home to thousands of students, and award-winning, expert faculty.

General Studies in Columbia University is deemed one of the finest, and acclaimed liberal arts college in the country. It holds various innovative degree programs available to all students who still wish to explore, until they find their desired field/concentration. Students of GS earn a B.A. degree which associates various fields of study in broad subjects and disciplines, defined by foundation requirements, with specialization in a specific major. Courses will be conducted by faculty who are actively engaged and committed to prepare students for an excellent and life-changing academic experience; with more than 80 majors offered in the University, students will be taught and trained to earn a bachelor’s degree, and may pursue a specific concentration for advanced studies, and gain more knowledge in a secondary field.

Acceptance Rate

5.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

University of Chicago, founded in 1890 opened its doors to provide academic excellence accessible for people of all backgrounds; since its founding, the University developed through the years and have made a lot of breakthroughs across numerous departments and disciplines that have made great and lasting impact in the country and in the world today.

Students who wish to have a degree but unsure what concentration or major program to pursue may take the General Education program being offered at the University of Chicago. Students choose their courses from the curriculum upon consultation with College advisers and faculty counselors, complying with the credits requirement for completion. The program is design to enable students gain skills of critical inquiry, argumentation, analytical thinking in both quantitative and qualitative contexts. Course programs are completed with extensive, interdisciplinary approach to meet the requirements, these courses consists of areas of study in Arts, Biological Sciences, Civilization Studies, Humanities, Mathematical Sciences, and more.

Acceptance Rate

6.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

Swarthmore College is a private liberal arts college founded in 1864, providing excellent quality of education, knowledge, and have helped bright, talented students gain skills and experience that they’ll use in their future endeavors. It is now home to 1,667 students, with 198 full time faculty, most of which have terminal degree in their field, and offers 40 courses of study and more than 600 courses.

Swarthmore College is a renowned liberal arts college, and General Studies in Swarthmore College aims to guide and help students fulfill their responsibilities, develop their skills, hone their interests and gain valuable knowledge that they’ll utilize in their area of concentration. Students are encouraged to comply and fulfill the requirements to be able to choose a major and minor subjects; faculty advisers will assist the students in choosing their academic programs, students will be introduced to arrays of intellectual pursuits and fields of study such as, Humanities; art ( art history, and art) classical studies, English literature, film and media studies, Natural Sciences: chemistry, biochemistry, computer science, mathematics, astronomy, and Social Sciences: ancient history, economics, educational studies, history, linguistics , political science, psychology and more. This program serves as a foundation for students who wish to pursue further studies in a specific area of study.

Acceptance Rate

8.93

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Founded in 1865, Cornell University is a private research university that has been committed in providing exceptional quality of higher education, and now renowned as one of the best universities in the country for being home to talented researchers and top scholars. The University now has a total of 23,620 students, 1,695 award-winning and acclaimed faculty and 1,129 academic professionals.

Under the College of Arts and Sciences, the Liberal Arts and Sciences undergraduate degree program is being offered to students to earn a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree, regardless of the major. The program incorporated wide arrays of fields of study, where students can develop their critical and creative skills/capacities, gain valuable experience, and learn to think in elaborate ways about information, new knowledge, experiences, and challenges that the students will encounter. There are several undergraduate majors available to students, from American studies, Anthropology, Astronomy, Chemistry, Literature, French, Linguistics, Philosophy, Physic, Science and Technology, and more, students must comply and meet the requirements to complete the program, including majors that has minor courses that must be completed. Students are instructed by the University’s acclaimed professors/instructors that are expert in the field, to help students effectively complete the courses, gain in-depth knowledge and understanding through extensive learning techniques, and practical experiences.

Acceptance Rate

10.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Northwestern University is a private research university founded in 1851 – highlighting interdisciplinary education, extensive, and innovative research, and life-changing experience for the young aspirants and the community. Due to its exemplary work, the University has ranked in various rankings nationally, and globally, one of the highly-acclaimed universities in the country and in the world; it is now home to 21,000 students, 3,334 dedicated, expert faculty, and offers a vast array of fields of study.

Bachelor of Science in General Studies is one of the programs being offered in the Northwestern University. This program is designed to let students explore the different areas of study, to develop both critical and creative skills, and hone their interests in multiple concepts.  Students are required to comply with the credits requirement for completion, including a writing requirement; these courses consists of areas of study in Humanities, Sciences, and Social Sciences. Students are to complete the course works in these courses, to acquire broad experience in the Liberal arts; this course are conducted by acclaimed professor with an extensive, interdisciplinary approach to help students meet and successfully complete the program.

Acceptance Rate

9.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

University of Notre Dame Notre Dame University is a private Catholic research university founded in 1842— that has been committed to providing an excellent quality of higher education for all; the University developed and became one of America’s leading undergraduate teaching institutions. Notre Dame is recognized as one of the top universities in the United States, specialized mostly with undergraduate education – it is now home to 12,681 students including undergraduates and postgraduates, 1,396 highly-acclaimed faculty that help students pave their path to being professionals.

Under the College of Arts and Letters is the degree in Liberal Studies, a degree program offered to students who’d want to explore the broad array of fields of study. The program aims for the students to advance their skills, and acquire broad intellectual experience. The students will take courses required for completion— through this, they’ll learn to effectively construct fluent and thoughtful arguments, and communicate clearly, therefore, students are well-prepared for the vast career opportunities. Students will engage in seminars conducted by instructors and most influential thinks of Western history, and other topics to have a dynamic and perceptive discussions.

Acceptance Rate

15.83

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Tufts University is a private research university, a renowned leader in America in providing an excellent quality of higher education, established in 1852, developed through the years, and excels in research. The University is now home to 11,878 including undergraduates, graduates, and professional, acclaimed faculty of 1,546, and offers a number of interdisciplinary degree programs.

In Tufts University, general studies program is known as Interdisciplinary studies, which is under the School or Arts and Sciences. This program is a way for students to design their own academic program with the vast array of courses combining at least three disciplines – students are required to complete a senior-year thesis or creative project chosen, coordinating the program. In order to tailor their courses and capstone project to meet their interdisciplinary goals, and are encouraged to apply for an IS during their sophomore year to further discuss their transpiring interests with the CIS director, who administer and support the Interdisciplinary Studies major.

Acceptance Rate

14.95

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Bates College is a prestigious, private liberal arts college in Lewiston, Maine that was established in 1855 and is the third oldest college in Maine; Bates College cultivates intellectual inquiry, personal growth, and commitment to academic excellence. It is now home to 2,000 students, hundreds of dedicated and acclaimed faculty, most of which possess the highest degree in their field—Bates offers 36 majors and 25 minors, and due to its exemplary input in higher education, it is renowned as National Liberal Arts Colleges, and have ranked in various rankings.

Interdisciplinary Studies is offered in Bates College, integrated with various General Education concentrations. In this program, students will design individual majors that are associate to one or more fields of study in Bates College – the general education concentrations will provide students challenges that will hone their interests, and develop significant skills outside their major – develop critical, analytical, and creative skills that they’ll utilize in a broad range of studies. Some concentrations may require co-curricular experiences such as significant community service, theatrical participation, or volunteer work; students must comply with the requirements, including the independent study and writing a major research paper, and co-curricular activities for program completion.

Acceptance Rate

12.14

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Carnegie Mellon University is a prestigious, private research university founded in 1900, which has grown and developed through the years and became an international university; CMU today is an award-winning, Nobel and Turing prizes recipient, and globally-recognized university. It is now home to more than 14,799 diverse, talented students, more than 1,483 award-winning, expert faculty, and offers a wide range of degrees, most of which are the country’s top-ranked degree programs.

Under the Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences, offers the Dietrich College General Education program. This program is designed to cover all four years of learning experience at Carnegie Mellon, giving students the options to conceptualize their interests and goals and carefully, and effectively structure the fields of study and courses that will pave their way to their goals. In this program, students must comply with the courses’ requirements, including academic writing, computing skills, statistics, and social analysis through history, and freshman seminar, which shall be done in the first year. Students are prepared to gain essential skills and knowledge, for intellectual growth and experience that they’ll utilize in their future endeavors.

Acceptance Rate

15.44

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

The University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, a public research university established in 1817 and now has become one of the acclaimed and top-ranked public universities in the U.S. – has been long committed to providing an excellent quality of higher education, innovation, and sublime experience for the students. It is now home to more than 46,000 students, with more than 6,000 faculty/academic staff guiding the students, most of which have a terminal degree in their credentials, and offers more than 275-degree programs to help pave the students’ path to their dream profession/career.

The Bachelor in General Studies is one of the degree programs offered in University of Michigan, a highly versatile degree that enables students to explore and incorporate multiple subjects/areas of study.  Students who opt to pursue General Studies will work closely with their Newnan Advising Center advisor to help them structure plan that will meet their interests, skills and the College of LSA’s graduation requirements. The programs is design with various courses, and fields of study that students will take depending on their planned program, they will explore coursework in Statistics, Psychology, Sociology, Cognitive Science, and Complex systems, and will delve into subjects such as, Asian Languages and Culture, Comparative Literature, Russian and East European, Near Eastern Studies, and Eurasian Studies—students might also consider courses in Women’s studies, Psychology, and Communication; English Language and Literature, Linguistics, History of Art, History, Political Science, and Classical Studies. These various studies that they may choose from for their course program will help develop their critical, analytical, and creative skills that are essential in the field; students coordinating with the college advisor may research a major to effectively correlate program structure.

Acceptance Rate

22.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Tulane University of Louisiana began as a public medical college in 1834, it developed, innovated through the years and become one most well-respected, and acclaimed research universities in the U.S. — Tulane University is one of the 62 members of the Association of American Universities, country’s elite group of top-ranked research institutions. Tulane University now has 8,610 undergraduates, and offers more than 70 majors under five different schools, with the help of thousands of outstanding faculty/professors.

Undergraduate Studies is offered in Tulane University, under the school of Liberal Arts. A versatile program that will help students develop and enhance their critical, analytical and creativity and gain knowledge in various fields of study; this will prepare them to learn to express arguments clearly, concisely, and comprehensively in all manners. Students are encouraged to comply with the requirements of the general core curriculum of Newcomb Tulane College, and must take courses aside from the general core courses such as Foreign Language, Writing Intensive, and Distribution Requirements – students can pursue double major, and may choose to design or plan their major program.

Acceptance Rate

12.87

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

The Georgia Institute of Technology, is mostly referred to as Georgia Tech, a technology-focused institute founded in 1885 and now recognized a top 10 research universities in the U.S. – dedicated to providing excellent quality of higher education, offers outstanding, nationally-recognized programs in business, design, liberal arts, and sciences, including engineering and computing which are deemed to be the highest-ranked course programs in the nation. It is now home to nearly 40,000 aspiring students, and nearly 2,000 expert faculty and most of which have a terminal degree, and award winning professors.

Georgia Tech’s Ivan College of Liberal Arts offers a diverse fields of study or programs for students to explore the wide range of possibilities; designed to encourage students to aspire to complete courses, projects, and research to gain in-depth knowledge. The wide range of areas of study will provide students challenges that will hone their interests, and develop significant skills – critical, analytical, and creativity. Through coursework, writing, and research, they’ll learn to effectively construct fluent and thoughtful arguments, communicate clearly, and analyze thoroughly complex texts, therefore, students are well-prepared for the vast career opportunities in the future.

Acceptance Rate

20.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Since its founding in 1831 New York University or NYU has been a lead provider and innovator in higher education – NYU is globally recognized and one of the most prominent and respected research universities in the world, which boasts over 400 programs offered most of which are top-ranked degree programs. NYU is now home to more than 50,000 students, and thousands of faculty, most of which have a terminal degree in their credentials and recipients of highest scholarly honors and recognitions.

Liberal Studies in NYU is designed as a two-year liberal arts curriculum providing vast options for students who are still yet to identify their best academic concentration. This program provides a strong interdisciplinary foundation for almost a hundred NYU majors; students will coordinate with advisors and professors to carefully structure their academic plan that meets their interests, strengths, and skills while still complying with the program’s requirements. As a junior, students will transition to their chosen major to earn their bachelor’s degree, there are a wide array of majors that students may take, that will enhance the students’ ability to think analytically, read critically, and write fluently and effectively – these are the skills that they’ll utilize to excel in NYU and in their future endeavors. Students will delve in to wide range of studies that will surely provide in-depth knowledge, and help pave their way for professional and personal growth.

Acceptance Rate

16.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Since Villanova University’s founding in 1842 and to this day, the University continued to provide excellent quality of higher education, prepares young, bright students to their future endeavors as professional and the country’s leaders. The university is now home to more than 11,000 aspirants including graduate and law students, and hundreds of dedicated, expert faculty.

General Studies degree at Villanova University is offered under the College of Professional Studies – interdisciplinary studies that is designed to provide flexibility for the students who’d like to take courses based on their interests. A bachelor program that will let students explore the various array of fields of study, may it be from Humanities, Sciences, to Social Sciences, wherein students may select their coursework for their major. There’s also a program in Villanova University called combined BIS/MS Human Resource Development Program, students who are pursuing a major General Studies may opt to this program and widen their academic experience. Students are encouraged to coordinate with their academic advisor early in their application to assess, and structure their academic program accordingly, and to see if the student is eligible for the program.

Acceptance Rate

28.24

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Since its founding in 1834, Wake Forest University is consistent in providing academic excellence in higher education, it grew and innovated through the years, and its exemplary contribution in academic field is unmistakable; Wake Forest University is one of the top 30 National Universities for the 25th consecutive year. Now, the university fosters more than 8,000 students, offering more than 45 majors, 60 minors and more additional programs within the colleges and schools.

Under the College of Arts and Sciences offers the academic program, Interdisciplinary Major – a diverse student-design aspect program, wherein qualified students may design their interdisciplinary major base on their interest. Interdisciplinary major consists of various courses that they may choose from, in outlining their program, however, it must be in accordance with the program’s requirements for their minor and major. Students are encouraged to write a proposal of their outlined/planned program and be reviewed by the Interdisciplinary Majors Committee. This program enables students to earn their bachelor’s degree according to their interests and strengths; to help students gain in-depth knowledge, enhance their critical, analytical, and creative skills, and to prepare them with a comprehensive learning experience that will be useful in their future employment and endeavors.

Acceptance Rate

29.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Case Western Reserve University is known to be one of the Health Care leaders in the nation, established in 1826, Case Western University has been consisted in providing excellent higher education; it continued to developed and now became one of the top research universities in the country. The university is now home to 5,383 undergraduate students, 6,491 graduate and professional students and 3,695 full-time, expert faculty; offering nearly 95 undergraduate degree programs, nearly 135 graduate and professional options, and more than 100 interdisciplinary academic and research centers.

Acceptance Rate

27.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

University of Miami is a private research university established in 1925, providing an excellent quality higher education; dedicated to providing knowledge, professional and personal growth, innovation, and research. Boasting a diverse, talented academic community, the university developed and became one of the country’s top research universities – it now fosters more than 17,000 student from around the world, offering more than 180 majors and programs for the aspiring students to explore.

Bachelor of General Studies B.G.S. program in University of Miami enables working students/adult students to pursue a bachelor’s degree – they’ll have the opportunity to choose and explore the arrays of coursework in a span of academic disciplines, and structure the students’ area of concentration at a flexible schedule. This student-designed aspect enables students to further identify their interests and skills, and provide extensive exposure to multiples areas of study. Students will coordinate with the dean or director of the program to carefully structure their academic plan in accordance with the program’s/course requirements for completion – the coursework will enhance the students critical, analytical, and creative skills to help them become proficient, fluent, and express arguments clearly and completely in all forms and manner. And because of the number of areas of study, students will exhibit in depth knowledge on various fields and subjects.

Acceptance Rate

27.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Baptist Bible College and Seminary or BBC is a private Christian college founded in 1950 that specializes not only in ministry, but provides quality, professional degrees –  BBC offers accredited degrees at associate, bachelors, and masters level. It is now home to many talented aspirants who want to pursue a degree, and/or seminary, and to hundreds of dedicated faculty.

The Division of General Studies in Baptist Bible College is a support section for the degree-granting programs – this is designed for aspirants to pursue a degree with their structured academic program. Students are encouraged to consult with the committees involved in constructing their course program offered; under the program's requirements for completion. The General Studies section consists of three fields of study: Natural and Social Science, Communications, and Languages – these fields ensure to provide knowledge and skill-building experience for the students, which are essential in their future endeavor or desired profession. The courses covered in this program will help students develop effective verbal, nonverbal communication, and critical and analytical skills; to understand contexts- students will learn to speak and write fluently and comprehensively, and analyze complex texts and effectively solve problems.

Acceptance Rate

40.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

St Lawrence University, founded in 1856, is one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in New York - continuously providing excellent academic experience to students and dedication in pursuing aspirants; it offers 69 diverse majors and 41 minors. The University developed, and it is now home to 2,434 talented students and 169 dedicated faculty.

General Studies in St. Lawrence University is mostly known as the First-Year Program – it is one of the integral parts of the students’ first year in St. Lawrence University, including the First-Year Seminar. This program will introduce students to liberal arts education and various subjects it covers and will be guided by the FYP instructor/academic advisor to plan the student’s academic program. The students will have the opportunity to explore the wide range of fields of study that will provide in depth knowledge and help develop their critical, analytical, reading, writing, oral communication, and research skills – essential skills that they’ll utilize in their future endeavors/career. Students are encouraged to choose a First-Year Seminar which is also a requirement in order to go further in the academic year, this is designed as a close student-faculty interaction, and this section focus in research and critical inquiry in a seminar environment.

Acceptance Rate

42.41

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

George Washington University is a private, one of the most prominent universities in the U.S., established in 1821, the university developed, innovated through the years and became a leader/provider of high-quality undergraduate education. Now, there are more than 26,000 students in the university, including both undergraduate and graduate students, home to distinguished and world-class faculty, and exhibits high-impact research.

General Study is offered in George Washington University, wherein students may explore and choose courses that are based in their interests, and design their own schedule of classes. Students are given the opportunity to select their courses out of the 650-plus undergraduate and graduate options; a full-time advisor will coordinate with students in designing their course program and class schedule, to ensure that the structured program will meet the college programs’ requirements. Students are also encouraged to participate in weekly professional development programs and activities.

Acceptance Rate

40.84

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

College of Ozarks is a Christian liberal arts college established in 1906, offers more than 50 academic majors in Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science programs, enables students to earn an academic degree. The universe has since then committed to providing an excellent quality of higher education. The college developed from secondary and junior college stages and expanded to four-year liberal arts, and it is now home to 1,512 students, and hundreds of dedicated, expert faculty.

The General Education degree offered in the College of Ozarks consists of diverse fields of study and courses which provide students vast opportunities and experiences. It also comprises not just academic courses that students will benefit from but also Christian life on campus, the Work Education Program, travel opportunities, convocations, and more activities. The program is altogether an integrated learning technique that will help students gain and develop critical thinking skills in solving problems, learn to analyze, evaluate, and use a given information, to become proficient in speaking and writing; to communicate fluently and comprehensively, and gain in-depth knowledge that they will utilize in their future endeavor. Students must successfully meet the General Education requirements for completion.

Acceptance Rate

10.26

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The Texas Christian University is a private Christian university founded in 1873 – committed to educating aspiring individuals for academic and personal achievement. The university developed through the years and became one of the award-winning universities in the nation, and has ranked in various national rankings. The University now, offers 116 undergraduate majors and 94 graduate programs, with about 11,000 aspiring undergraduate and graduate students who seek personal and academic growth, and 698 full-time, dedicated faculty to help attain the University’s mission and vision.

The Bachelor of General Studies in Texas Christian University is designed to help pave the student's path to graduation with a personally-structured course program approved by the director. The Students are introduced to various interdisciplinary courses that will provide a strong knowledge base in different fields. They may select courses in the field of arts, humanities, the natural and social sciences - to help students gain and develop critical thinking, analytical inquiry, research, creativity, and communication skills, which are the fundamentals for academic and professional growth. The students pursuing this program are required to comply with the program’s requirements and will learn alongside faculty experts and professors.

Acceptance Rate

47.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

Since its founding in 1897, San Diego State University became one of the sought-after, leading public research universities in the nation. Takes pride in its academic achievement, implementing exemplary higher education for more than a century, research, and service. San Diego University is a renowned institution, as it ranks in various rankings in different categories, and a Carnegie classified R2 doctoral university for its higher research activity and innovative research. Today, the university is home to more than 36,000 students, notable alumni, and award-winning faculty, offering 91 undergraduate majors, 76 master’s programs, and 23 doctoral degree programs.

The Liberal Studies Major is one of the largest majors at SDSU, providing various interdisciplinary courses to give a wide range of opportunities and experience to students. This program provides strong foundation for undergraduate students – considered a preparation for the student’s goals in their careers. In order for the students to acquire a major, students must complete 60 credit units including math, science, language arts, social science, visual and performing arts, PE/human development, and the humanities. This program also includes a special core coursework during their second and third semester – students are required to complete 30 hours of fieldwork, where they will analyze and asses the challenges related to teaching in culturally and linguistically diverse school settings. During their senior year, they will then complete coursework in Liberal Studies writing, research, reflection assessments, and more extensive learning and training, for the students to develop their critical thinking, research, and writing skills.

Acceptance Rate

34.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

27:1

The University of Connecticut or UConn is a public land-grant university founded in 1881, and today it still stand as one of the prominent, top-ranked research universities across the nation, dedicated to providing exemplary quality of higher education, innovation, and leading research, to make the community a better place; UConn is classified among “R1: Doctoral Universities” due to its very high research activity. UConn is now home to a nearly 33,000 graduate and undergraduate students, a total of 1,597 dedicated and award-winning faculty, where most of which have a terminal degree in their credentials, and offers a number of degree programs for undergraduate, graduate, and professional.

The Bachelor of General Studies in UConn is degree program designed to cater returning adults who want to pursue a bachelor’s degree. A students who wish to pursue this program needs at least 60 college credits, or must possess an associate’s degree in an accredited college in the region to be considered for admission. The program offers a diverse selection interdisciplinary courses and academic departments that students may choose, which enables students to design their program and class schedule accordingly; students must coordinate with the academic advisor to structure a coherent plant of study. In addition, students are required to have 30 credits at the 2000-level and above, they may also pursue one or more minors as part of their planned program.

Acceptance Rate

49.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

The SUNY College at New Paltz is a public institution founded in 1828 that has since then been competitive in providing an excellent quality of higher education, and due to its academic excellence and innovation, it has ranked in various rankings and different categories. The SUNY College is now home to 6,207 undergraduate and 950 graduate students, with 344 full-time faculty and 323 part-time, most of which holds Ph.D or terminal degree in their credentials.

The General Education Program in SUNY College is designed to provide a strong foundation for the students' academic development and experience. The number of interdisciplinary courses in this program enables students to have a broad knowledge base in various fields of study, hone their interests, and develop the fundamental skills – critical and analytical thinking skills, communication, and creativity. The program will introduce disciplinary courses in art, humanities, and the natural and social sciences, for the students to gain knowledge and explore specific contents and concepts regarding these fields of study; students will work alongside faculty experts. Students are encouraged to comply with the program's requirements, which includes the following: completing a course in Math, Composition (BCOM) and one or two courses designed to provide students an intermediate level of proficiency in a Foreign Language (FLN).

Acceptance Rate

45.18

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Why Earn a General Education Degree?

The reasons for a student to pursue a general education degree in college comes down to choice. Your choice can be rooted in the desire to learn about the world through a broad-based education with a holistic-thinking methodology. Likewise, you may be inspired to learn about disparate topics concurrently to keep your creative juices flowing.

Diving into organic chemistry followed by a philosophical debate in metacognition may be ideal for some students. The unique worldview and critical thinking skills garnered in a general education degree program may help students thrive in a solar technology start-up or a public relations firm by plying a unique set of thinking skills.

What is Included in a General Studies Degree?

General education courses are geared to provide students with a wide variety of classes from several academic areas. Rather than a narrowly defined specialization, general education courses are diverse. The first two years of a general education degree program, you will take lower-level classes in areas like:

  • Creative Art fine arts, speech, fine arts, creative writing
  • Humanities literature, language, history, philosophy
  • Social Science sociology, economics, political science, anthropology
  • Science physics, chemistry, biology, environmental science

The most popular general education degree you will find at accredited colleges is the bachelor's degree. A bachelor's degree can be found at most schools as either a Bachelor's of Science (BS) or a Bachelor's of Arts (BA). The bachelor's degree in general studies provides a relevant, foundational education for students.

Courses will generally include a number of classes in humanities, hard sciences, social sciences, and art. General education degree programs are not designed to train students for a specific career track unlike specialty degree programs like, cosmetology, welding, or nursing. Rather, general studies helps build latent skills to help you think broadly, critically analyze situations, efficiently process information, and communicate effectively with others.

Is a General Studies Degree Relevant?

Taking decades of data from general education college graduates, researchers sought to determine the relevancy of a general education degree. In short, the answer is YES a general studies degree has been proven to be quite relevant. The most widely cited report to support this axiom was from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Data culled during the BLS' massive study provided concrete evidence of the value of a college degree.

The graph depicts a very strong correlation between job stability and income with education attainment. In other words, the greater level of education attained by an individual the higher the income with less time spent unemployed. Data from the BLS illustrates that a person with a bachelor degree makes 2 times someone with a high school diploma on average.

Further, that same individual with a bachelor's degree will be unemployed a factor of three times less. Regardless of industry or sector in the economy, the fact remains that a college education pays for the upfront investment. From a sheer statistical standpoint, general education degrees are conferred to in excess of 100,000 students every year in the U.S.

Online General Education College Degree

Online learning or distance learning is the fastest growing learning modality within higher education. Given the quality, structure, flexibility, and independence offered via online learning, it is expected to outpace other degree types going forward. Earning a general education degree online appears to be following in lockstep.

To put a finer point on the data, online general education degrees are the 8th most popular online degree conferred. Students considering a general education degree may be motivated to take distance learning classes given the facts at hand. To help you better understand online learning, you can search for online colleges and degrees with our school finder. Alternatively, we have culled a robust list of online college degree resources to research in-depth.

 

Using General Studies to Become a Teacher

Individuals pursuing higher level degrees may do so with the interest of pursuing a career in teaching. Bachelor degrees in general education offer study in a broad range of topics, and can be useful for educators who wish to be flexible in their ability to teach classes. A bachelor of general education will typically lead into a master of general education, which may cover requirements of licensure in certain states for elementary and secondary educators.

Benefits of a General Studies Degree

If you are wondering why general studies degrees are valuable in the workplace, you should consider the facts. General education degrees help students prepare for jobs from automotive manufacturing to a software start-up and everything in between.

According to the United States Department of Education, the percentage of students finding full-time employment within the first 12 of graduation increased across all general education specialties between 1975 through current. From an earnings standpoint, salaries from social sciences increased by 62% during this same reporting period versus an average of 26% growth for engineering majors.

Top Skills Learned in General Education

The depth and breadth of a general studies degree will help students make an immediate impact and contribute in unique ways in the workplace which is highly valued by employers across all industries.  Typical skills of a general education major include:

  • An adaptable and flexible mindset
  • Effective written communication & verbal communication skills
  • Attention to detail and critical thinking ability
  • Empathy for others
  • Balanced education in humanities, science, and the arts
  • Strong work ethic & commitment to team goals
  • Eager to learn & independent thinking
  • Multi-faceted problem-solving skills & analytic skills
  • Quality communication with people at all levels of an organization
  • Motivated, goal-oriented, and willing to take initiative
Difference Between General Studies, Liberal Arts, and Humanities Degrees

Do you know the difference between a general studies degree, a liberal arts degree, and a humanities degree?  The short answer is based on the curricular emphasis of the degree.  A more comprehensive answer for each type of degree is listed below.  Utilize this information to navigate your college choices effectively and optimize your skills in one of the following degree paths.

  • General Studies Degree can be offered in a variety of ways with some schools allowing students to pick and choose varying number of classes in science, art, and humanities while other schools offer structure classes in a more rigid manner.
  • Liberal Arts Degree is a degree type that includes a variety of academic disciplines into a singular degree.  Libera arts emphasizes an expansive breadth of study versus a narrowly focused degree track.  Essential academic elements of a liberal arts degree include classes in biological sciences, art, physical sciences, literature, social sciences, and humanities.
  • Humanities Degree is a program that allows students to study language, music, religion, art, literature, and philosophy.  Most frequently students will have minimal mandatory courses in physical sciences and biological sciences within a humanities degree program.

Employment Opportunities for General Studies Majors

Careers with a degree in general education can vary, as many entry level positions require a degree rather than a specific degree. For individuals unsure of where their pursuits lie, even a bachelor's degree in general education can be useful for pursuing multiple career options. Due to the nature of the degree, graduate programs in social sciences and liberal arts may also be available.

A graduate degree in education can result in administrative positions. A master of general education can be useful for an educator who wishes to make the jump from teacher to administration. Since administrative positions in public school systems typically require a master's degree in a related field, general education can substitute for educational administration degrees, demonstrating a desire to focus on educational issues rather than administrative ones. Students interested in general education may also be interested in liberal arts or humanistic studies.

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