An overwhelming number of Americans—94 percent in 2024—believe that pursuing a college degree is extremely valuable in securing a good career. A college degree can lead to higher earnings, more job prospects, and career development opportunities long-term. However, it’s not always clear which degree path someone should take upon applying to or even entering school. While many students might know how their future will unfold, up to 50 percent of incoming students enter college undeclared. For some, the goal of a college education is to gain important skills, increase networking opportunities, and secure credentials to qualify for a successful career—even if that career is still “TBD.”

If this storyline sounds familiar, rest assured you have options. You do not need to settle into one, career-specific degree path in order to reap the benefits of a college education. Rather than spending time in an area you are not sure about, you might consider a General Studies degree. A General Studies degree allows you to take college courses and explore different topics and vocations, with more flexibility than you’d find in a traditional degree program.

Let’s explore the ins and outs of a General Studies degree program, as well as the benefits it can offer you beyond classroom walls.

What is a General Studies degree?

A General Studies degree is a multidisciplinary program that offers a broad, well-rounded curriculum rather than focusing on a specific major. It covers topics across a range of academic areas, from public speaking to problem-solving, with the goal of giving students important, transferrable skills that can be applied to any career.

Those pursuing General Studies are granted the opportunity to explore various fields of study and career possibilities, whether in social sciences, business, creative writing, or law. Students can choose from a range of different electives that align with their interests and talents. All the while, they complete core general education classes, in fundamental topics like math and humanities. This provides students with a balanced curriculum and the flexibility to customize their coursework to support their passions and career goals.

This is, perhaps, the best part of a General Studies degree program. Not only can you take classes that interest you, you can also customize your course roster and explore topics pulled from other majors of study. For example, at Goodwin University, you can select electives from existing programs like Health Science, Public Health, Business Administration, and Human Services (to name a few).

Who should consider a General Studies degree?

A General Studies degree program is not right for everyone, but it is a great option for those who need flexibility in an academic program. Specifically, a General Studies degree is best for:

• Students who are unsure of a specific career path they want to take
• Students who have diverse interests and do not want to feel limited in their program
• Students who are looking for broad, versatile skill sets and a postsecondary award
• Students who are required to get a college degree to advance in their career
• Students who are returning to school to complete their college degree
• Students who are planning to pursue graduate studies and need a foundational degree
• Students who need flexibility in their class schedule (such as parents, working adults, veterans, or those with a full-time job)

Learn some more reasons to pursue a General Studies major, here.

A note on the last bullet point: Many General Studies programs are built with flexibility in mind. At Goodwin University, for example, the associate degree in General Studies is available in on-campus, online, and hybrid formats. Classes can be completed at an accelerated pace for faster degree completion, or taken in a standard semester. So, if you are looking to earn credentials quickly or take classes from the comfort of your home, this might be a good option for you.

What are the benefits of a General Studies degree?

The benefits of a General Studies program are twofold: On one hand, you can build valuable and versatile skills that apply to any future career. Simultaneously, you can create a degree program that supports your interests and professional goals. Let’s explore these benefits more below.

Transferable Skills Building

A General Studies program is specially designed to prepare students with a wide range of knowledge, flexibility, and the ability to think critically — skills that employers are seeking in job candidates. So, in completing a General Studies degree, you can expect to learn how to analyze and solve problems, think outside the box, communicate effectively, and approach challenges with an informed and integrated mindset.

Because of this interdisplinary, skill-building approach, General Studies programs position students like you for a variety of careers after graduation. You will gain the skills needed for a diversity of entry-level positions in business, health-related fields, and other industries seeking self-motivated individuals with excellent communication skills, critical thinking skills, and analytical skills. And the best part is, you do not need to feel boxed into one career choice!

A General Studies degree program prepares you with versatile skills that can transfer to any career environment, whether that’s mathematics or marketing. So if you are unsure what you want to do, or want to pursue a degree that adds real value to your skillsets, this is a great option for you. And with knowledge spanning different subjects, employers will respect your degree choice. A General Studies degree shows off your ability to find footing when different challenges, questions, and situations arise. Upon leaving a General Studies program like Goodwin’s, you will be better able to:

• Analyze, think critically, and problem-solve
• Be adept in reading comprehension, reasoning and research
• Communicate effectively in the workplace
• Demonstrate competency in research modes and information technology
• Interact in a multicultural environment

A Customizable Degree Path

General Studies programs allow students to build a curriculum that aligns with their interests and career goals, through a variety of elective course offerings. And by having the opportunity to take different classes, you can also gain a better grasp on what those goals and interests really are. A General Studies degrees allows you to explore different subjects, develop your professional interests, and gain a solid understanding of which path you will take next – perhaps a Bachelor’s degree program, or a start in a specific career.

At Goodwin University, our associate degree in General Studies offers a secure environment where you can really develop your interests, progress academically, and increase career readiness at the same time.

What can you do with a general studies degree?

After earning a General Studies degree, you will have transferrable skills and knowledge that can apply to any career. Your critical thinking and flexibility will be valued by any employer. And, your knowledge in English, communications, computer literacy, mathematics, social science, and humanities will allow you to find success in any path you pursue next.

In short, there is a lot you can do with a General Studies degree in hand! With an associate degree in General Studies, you can qualify for an array of entry-level positions in:

• Advertising
• Business/ Business Administration
• Journalism
• Law
• Library Science
• Sociology
• Teaching
• Writing & Editing

Learn more about the different career options here!

Is a General Studies degree worth it for you?

A General Studies degree is a great option for anyone who wants to earn a college education – recent high school graduates, people just starting their careers, people looking to advance in their current position, or even adults looking to change careers or go back to school. No matter where you are in life, a General Studies degree can show prospective employers that you are disciplined and committed to your success. Learn more about the benefits of this major, here.

The associate degree in General Studies is most worth it for those who are interested in building their skills and gaining knowledge in different areas of study, without limiting themselves to one career path. This type of program will equip you with an associate degree (a standard requirement for many jobs) and point you in the right direction of what to do next. It is also great for those interested in a versatile career path such as Journalism or Library Science, both of which integrate a variety of different skillsets and knowledge bases on the day-to-day.

Start your career path – whatever it may be – with a General Studies degree and gain the skills needed for success in a variety of different careers. Call Goodwin University at 800-889-3282 or request more information online to learn more.