For many students, navigating the landscape of postsecondary education can be overwhelming. Students craving the freedom of college may find it difficult to decide what they want to major in, or the career they want to pursue. Thankfully, students interested in exploring many different career paths and keeping their options open can fulfill their undergraduate requirements through a General Studies degree.
Unlike programs geared toward specific professions, General Studies degrees are designed for the intellectually curious and career-flexible. A great way for students to gain knowledge in several different subjects, a General Studies degree equips students with foundational skills that empower them to carve their own, unique professional paths.
What can you do with a General Studies degree after graduation? Let’s take a look at some examples of General Studies job outcomes, as well as the skills students learn through General Studies degree programs.
What is a General Studies degree?
A General Studies degree is an associate degree designed to prepare students for a variety of careers and professions. General Studies programs focus on the development of students’ skills in critical thinking, effective communication, and their adaptability to multicultural environments in the modern workforce.
Students carve their own path in college with courses customized to meet their interests and professional goals including courses in English, Computer Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Social Science, Public Speaking, Humanities, and more.
What skills are taught in General Studies programs?
A General Studies program isn’t just about accumulating knowledge; it’s about honing transferable skills through their core curriculum and elective courses. For example, if a student is passionate about journalism, they can gain valuable communication and technical skills through a customized curriculum – with electives they can choose, tailored to their interests and goals.
Students also become adept at the following:
- Critical thinking: Analyzing information, questioning assumptions, and forming independent conclusions.
- Problem-solving: Approaching challenges creatively and devising effective solutions.
- Leadership: Inspiring and motivating others to achieve common goals.
- Research: Gathering, analyzing, and interpreting information to support your ideas.
- Communication: Articulating your thoughts and ideas clearly and persuasively, both verbally and in writing.
Students should also look for robust General Studies programs that offer a carefully curated and equally flexible curriculum as well as programs that can be customized by each student. This allows students to explore multiple topics that interest them or curate their classes that align with their career goals.
For example, Goodwin University students can choose from courses in:
- Business Administration
- Communications
- Criminal Justice
- Early Childhood Education
- Global Studies
- Health Science
- Homeland Security
- Philosophy
Ready to take the first step towards your new future? Get started today by learning more about our General Studies program at Goodwin!
Jobs you can pursue with a General Studies degree
The beauty of a General Studies degree lies in its flexibility to create an individualized academic path, regardless of how general, specific, or unique that path is.
Here are just a few industries you can explore with a degree in General Studies. All median annual salaries, job openings, and employment growth rates are provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Advertising
Interested in shaping public perception and influencing consumer behavior? If so, consider a career as an advertising sales agent where you’ll connect businesses with ideal audiences. These individuals earn a median annual salary of $58,450 and will see an average of about 10,500 job openings per year from 2022 to 2032.
Or, take on a leadership role as an advertising, promotions, and marketing manager where you will orchestrate entire marketing campaigns and drive brand awareness. These professionals earn a median annual salary of $127,830. Plus, with an employment growth rate of six percent to 2032, resulting in about 34,000 job openings per year, you’ll be sure you are entering an in-demand role and industry.
Business and business administration
The business landscape is a dynamic puzzle, and a General Studies degree provides the pieces to build a successful career.
In fact, overall employment in business and financial occupations is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations, resulting in about an average of 911,400 job openings each year to 2032.
Many graduates with General Studies degrees become human resources specialists who create thriving workplaces and earn median annual salaries of $64,240. Or, guide informed business decisions with your knowledge of market trends as a market research analyst and earn $68,230 annually. Other roles and their median annual salaries include:
Sociology
General Studies degrees open doors to fulfilling careers in sociology, where students can study and serve society and social behavior.
Many government-based jobs are available to graduates of General Studies programs. For example, policy analysts analyze policy and influence positive change within communities. Others choose to become legislative aides where they help shape laws that impact millions at the local, tribal, state, or federal level.
Candidates can also pursue careers as public safety administrators and telecommunicators who answer emergency and nonemergency calls and provide resources to assist those in need. These individuals earn a median annual salary of $46,900.
Teaching and education
From educating young minds to shaping the field of education overall, a General Studies degree equips candidates for rewarding careers in education.
Graduates go on to careers as:
- Kindergarten or Elementary School Teacher – $61,620
- High School Teacher – $62,360
- Postsecondary teachers – $80,840
- Librarians and library media specialists – $61,660
Employment in educational instruction and library occupations is projected to grow as fast as the average for all occupations, resulting in an average of about 857,600 job openings each year to 2032.
From healthcare and government work to hospitality and non-profit organizations, your adaptable skill set and diverse knowledge base provided by a General Studies degree will be valued across industries.
Forge your own path At Goodwin University
At Goodwin University, we understand the power of flexibility. Our General Studies degree program allows you to create a personal academic journey by selecting courses that match your interests and career goals. Our experienced faculty and robust career support services are here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact us today and discover how a General Studies degree can empower you to forge your personal, unique path to a successful and rewarding career.
Goodwin University is a nonprofit institution of higher education and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Goodwin University was founded in 1999, with the goal of serving a diverse student population with career-focused degree programs that lead to strong employment outcomes.