[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]General studies programs explore a myriad of liberal arts subjects, helping develop your critical-thinking and communication skills. As a general studies major, you’ll cover a wide variety of subjects while building your degree around the courses, interests, and career goals that matter most to you.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The flexibility of an [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-general-studies/”]online general studies degree program[/hen-ui-link] is especially appealing if you have broad academic interests or if you’re a [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/transfer-credits-online-colleges/”]transfer student with credits[/hen-ui-link] that don’t fit easily into a single major.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The interdisciplinary coursework of a general studies major can prepare you for many career paths, depending on what classes you choose.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Is a General Studies Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A general studies degree offers an interdisciplinary curriculum that includes humanities, social science, and natural science coursework. While a general studies degree includes the same general education classes as other majors, including courses in English, math, and the social and life sciences, the key difference lies in the core major coursework.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Unlike regular degrees, general studies programs typically allow you to build and structure your upper-level course plan, selecting classes from subjects as varied as business, information technology, anthropology, or criminal justice. Typically, you must [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/how-to-choose-your-major/”]choose a couple of fields[/hen-ui-link] of study to concentrate on, but you aren’t limited to a single field.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]General Studies Courses You Can Expect to Take[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This section explores common classes for general studies degrees, but remember that general studies majors often set their own curricula and take many additional courses.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]English Composition[/hen-ui-text]: English composition builds strong persuasive reasoning and writing skills. You learn to organize your ideas and express them effectively.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Public Speaking[/hen-ui-text]: Public speaking encourages communication skills. You examine the principles of spoken communication, practical applications of public speaking skills, and ways to enhance presentations.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Statistics[/hen-ui-text]: Statistics trains you in data analysis. Coursework covers approaches to hypothesis testing, probability theory, and statistical computing. Fields like business, marketing, and technology all rely on statistics.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Art History[/hen-ui-text]: Art history explores visual culture, including architecture and the fine arts. The field strengthens research and analytical skills by exploring artistic trends, historical contexts, and cultural frameworks.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Anthropology[/hen-ui-text]: Anthropology studies humanity from its inception through its modern-day form. Courses cover cultural diversity, the evolution of cultural institutions like politics and religion, and the links between biology and culture.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Life Sciences[/hen-ui-text]: The life sciences explore biology at every level, including cells and complex ecosystems. You examine natural selection, genetics, the origin of life, and molecular biology.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Pros and Cons of General Studies Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A general studies major offers several pros, including the ability to customize your degree. However, before pursuing a general studies degree, you should consider the cons, as well.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-grid columns-lg=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Pros of a General Studies Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Allows you to customize your degree based on unique interests that do not fit into one field[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Offers an interdisciplinary approach that builds varied skills[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Helps you complete a degree if you have college credits from multiple subjects[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Easy to transfer an associate degree in general studies to a four-year program in general studies[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”strokeSecondary” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Cons of a General Studies Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Does not provide focused career training for fields that require a certain major[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You may need an internship or work experience to demonstrate focus to potential employers[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some departments restrict upper-division courses to majors and exclude general studies majors[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]May not prepare you for a graduate program as well as a more focused degree[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]General Studies Degrees: From Associate to Master’s[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can earn a general studies degree at the [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/college-degree-levels/”]undergraduate and graduate levels[/hen-ui-link]. The interdisciplinary nature of a general studies degree helps you develop versatile skills and competencies that can be applied to a wide variety of career paths after graduation.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This section explores common concentration options, graduation requirements, and job opportunities for general studies degrees.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Associate Degree in General Studies[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Program Length[/hen-ui-text]: 2 years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Potential Jobs[/hen-ui-text]: Administrative assistant, human services assistant[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An associate degree in general studies blends coursework from diverse disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, business, information technology, and STEM. During a two-year [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/”]associate degree program[/hen-ui-link], you take introductory courses in different fields.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A general studies associate degree also fulfills the general education requirements for a bachelor’s degree at many four-year colleges. This means if you have an associate degree in general studies, you can transfer directly into four-year colleges to pursue bachelor’s degrees in more specific majors. Earning an associate degree can also lead to careers like an administrative assistant or a social services assistant.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Bachelor’s Degree in General Studies[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Program Length[/hen-ui-text]: 4 years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Potential Jobs[/hen-ui-text]: Editor, Technical Writer, Market Researcher, Public Relations Specialist[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-general-studies/”]bachelor’s degree in general studies[/hen-ui-link] lets you design an interdisciplinary curriculum around your academic interests. During a general studies degree program, you customize your coursework to focus on what interests you, including subjects like business, creative writing, information technology, or communication. Similar degrees include a bachelor’s in interdisciplinary studies or liberal studies.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Completing a bachelor’s degree generally takes four years of full-time enrollment. Transfer students or those who choose an [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/accelerated/”]accelerated bachelor’s program[/hen-ui-link] often earn their degrees in less time. After graduating with a bachelor’s in general studies, you can look for careers in sales, business, the public sector, and nonprofit organizations.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Master’s Degree in General Studies[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Program Length[/hen-ui-text]: 2 years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Potential Jobs[/hen-ui-text]: Nonprofit Manager, Survey Researcher, Marketing Manager[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/”]master’s degree[/hen-ui-link] in general studies or a closely related program, like a master’s in liberal studies, offers graduate-level coursework in the humanities and social sciences. Depending on the program, you may also take science, mathematics, or technical courses. A general studies program often allows you to design your own interdisciplinary curriculum, aligning with your professional goals.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning a master’s degree typically takes two years of full-time study, though many universities offer part-time, online, and accelerated options as well. With a master’s degree in general studies, you can consider roles like editorial director, survey researcher, brand manager, or business analyst.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What to Consider Before Applying to a General Studies Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You have several factors to consider before selecting a general studies degree, including accreditation, admissions requirements, and whether a program meets your career goals.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Accreditation for General Studies Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Like any other degree, you should only look for general studies degree programs at [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/”]accredited colleges and universities[/hen-ui-link]. Accredited schools meet the highest standards for educating students and granting degrees.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accredited degrees also meet the requirements for professional licenses and certifications. You must also an accredited institution to qualify for federal financial aid programs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Determine If Your Intended Field Requires a Specific Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A general studies degree can give you versatile skills, but it doesn’t prepare you for specific career paths. For instance, jobs in the sciences may call for a specific undergraduate major, such as biology or chemistry. If you have a highly specialized career in mind, you may be better off pursuing a more specialized major.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Admission Requirements[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A bachelor’s in general studies degree usually requires the same application materials as any other degree. Common application requirements include:[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Letters of recommendation[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Standardized test scores, such as the ACT or SAT[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A personal statement or essay[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Can You Do With a General Studies Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As a general studies major, you pursue many [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/general-studies/”]different careers[/hen-ui-link] after earning your degree. Courses in liberal arts, business, and STEM encourage strong critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills. These abilities can lead to careers in fields like business, public relations, public health, social services, and the nonprofit sector.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As you explore your career goals and hone your interests, you may consider transferring into more specific majors or picking up a minor. For example, if you’re drawn to accounting classes, you might switch to a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/finance-degree-overview/”]finance degree[/hen-ui-link], or if you enjoy political science courses, you might pursue a [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/criminal-justice/”]criminal justice degree[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Business[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/degrees/business-degrees/”]business careers[/hen-ui-link] require strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. With a general studies degree, you can work as a human resources specialist, a loan officer, or an [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/sales/insurance-sales-agents.htm” target=”_blank”]insurance sales agent[/hen-ui-link]. In these roles, you interact with customers, analyze data, and help businesses operate smoothly.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]General studies majors who complete courses in business, human resources, and finance gain the knowledge and skills necessary for diverse business careers. A [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/degrees/business-degrees/”]business degree[/hen-ui-link] also prepares you for these jobs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Social and Behavioral Sciences[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The social and behavioral sciences include careers in psychology, social work, and human services. Entry-level careers in the social and behavioral sciences include social and human service assistant and psychiatric technician.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Assistant and technician roles typically require candidates to have associate degrees, while caseworkers and counselors often need bachelor’s degrees.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A general studies degree with coursework in psychology, the social sciences, and social work can also prepare you for careers in the social and behavioral sciences. A [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/psychology-degree/”]psychology degree[/hen-ui-link] also leads to opportunities in these fields.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Marketing and Communications[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Marketing and communications careers require strong critical thinking and communication skills. A general education degree prepares you for careers like advertising sales agent, market research analyst, and public relations specialist. With work experience or a graduate degree, marketing and communications professionals can advance into managerial roles.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Courses that emphasize communication, writing, and analysis benefit marketing and communications professionals. A [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/communications-degree/”]communication degree[/hen-ui-link] also helps if you’re considering a career in marketing, public relations, or advertising.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Jobs Can I Get With a General Studies Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With its broad focus, a general studies degree can prepare you for entry-level careers in fields as varied as marketing, publishing, and social services. In these fields, you may qualify for roles as a market researcher, technical writer, or advertising agent.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This chart highlights possible careers for general studies graduates, along with salary data and projected job growth.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]10 Careers You Can Pursue With a General Studies Degree[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]10 General Studies Careers[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Annual Salary (2024)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Projected Job Growth (2023-33)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Minimum Degree Required[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-and-human-service-assistants.htm” target=”_blank”]Social and Human Service Assistant[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”10 General Studies Careers”]$45,120[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”]8%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-33)”]Associate Degree[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/secretaries-and-administrative-assistants.htm” target=”_blank”]Administrative Assistant[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”10 General Studies Careers”]$47,460[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”]1%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-33)”]Associate Degree[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/sales/insurance-sales-agents.htm” target=”_blank”]Insurance Sales Agents[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”10 General Studies Careers”]$60,370[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”]6%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-33)”]Bachelor’s Degree[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/sales/advertising-sales-agents.htm” target=”_blank”]Advertising Sales Agent[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”10 General Studies Careers”]$61,460[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”]-7%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-33)”]Bachelor’s Degree[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/public-relations-specialists.htm” target=”_blank”]Public Relations Specialist[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”10 General Studies Careers”]$69,780[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”]6%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-33)”]Bachelor’s Degree[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/human-resources-specialists.htm” target=”_blank”]Human Resources Specialist[/hen-ui-link]*[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”10 General Studies Careers”]$72,910[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”]8%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-33)”]Bachelor’s Degree[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/editors.htm” target=”_blank”]Editor[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”10 General Studies Careers”]$75,260[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”]-2%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-33)”]Bachelor’s Degree[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/market-research-analysts.htm” target=”_blank”]Market Research Analyst[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”10 General Studies Careers”]$76,950[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”]8%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-33)”]Bachelor’s Degree[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/technical-writers.htm” target=”_blank”]Technical Writer[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”10 General Studies Careers”]$91,670[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”]4%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-33)”]Bachelor’s Degree[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/survey-researchers.htm” target=”_blank”]Survey Researcher[/hen-ui-link]*[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”10 General Studies Careers”]$63,380[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”]0%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-33)”]Master’s Degree[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]General Studies Degree Salary[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Your salary potential with a general studies degree depends on several factors, including location, industry of employment, and level of education. Earning an advanced degree may help increase your salary potential. On average, general studies master’s degree holders earn $15,000 more than those with a bachelor’s degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Average Starting Salaries for General Studies Majors[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]General Studies Degree Level[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Mean Starting Salary for General Studies Majors (2023)[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”General Studies Degree Level”]$62,220[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Master’s[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”General Studies Degree Level”]$77,230[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Much Does a General Studies Degree Cost?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The tuition rate for a general studies degree depends on what type of school you attend and what level of degree you pursue. In general, public colleges offer cheaper tuition than private colleges, and graduate school tends to be more expensive than[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Below are the average annual tuition rates for the 2023-2024 school year of different kinds of institutions, as reported by the National Center for Education Statistics:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Public undergraduate: [hen-ui-link href=”https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/trendgenerator/app/answer/13/205″ target=”_blank”]$6,944[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Private undergraduate: [hen-ui-link href=”https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/trendgenerator/app/answer/13/206″ target=”_blank”]$27,978[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Public graduate:[hen-ui-link href=”https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/trendgenerator/app/answer/13/207″ target=”_blank”] $11,827[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Private graduate: [hen-ui-link href=”https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/trendgenerator/app/answer/13/208″ target=”_blank”]$20,515[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About General Studies Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How much can you make with a general studies degree?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Given the broad application of a general studies degree, professionals with a this degree earn a wide range of salaries. According to the [hen-ui-link href=”https://naceweb.org/job-market/graduate-outcomes/first-destination/class-of-2023/interactive-dashboard” target=”_blank”]National Association of Colleges and Employers[/hen-ui-link] (NACE), general studies majors from the class of 2023 earned an average starting salary of $62,000.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning a master’s degree in general studies can help you increase your earning potential. According to the NACE, master’s degree-holders earn an average starting salary of about $15,000 more per year than bachelor’s degree-holders.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is a general studies degree good for​?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A general studies degree can be a good option if you aren’t certain what type of major or career path you want to pursue. This degree gives you more freedom to choose your major classes, letting you tailor the curriculum to your own interests.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A general studies degree can also be a good choice if you want to explore different areas of knowledge without being locked into a specific academic or career path.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is a general studies degree worth it?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The reality of a general studies degree is that it doesn’t prepare you for a specific career path, which is a primary reason people pursue a degree to begin with. In this sense, it may not be the best degree option, especially if you have a specific field or career path already in mind. On the other hand, a general studies degree gives you the freedom to take many different types of classes and build knowledge in several different areas. This can be worth it if you’re not certain about your future career path but still want to get a college education.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What can you do with a bachelor’s degree in general studies?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A bachelor’s in general studies strengthens critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills. These skills are all relevant for entry-level roles in fields like business, public relations, social services, and the nonprofit sector.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A general studies degree can prepare you for careers such as insurance sales agent, market research analyst, and technical writer. Other potential jobs include editor, public relations specialist, and advertising sales agent.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is general studies an actual major​?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]General studies is a real major, and many college and universities offer general studies as an academic pathway. The degree includes the same general education courses as any other major.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]However, your upper division courses may draw from more academic areas than a traditional, more specialized major.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Discover More College Resources” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,905,1300″][/hen-ui-article-row]