Is an associate degree in general studies worth it? 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 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 … Is A General Studies Degree Worth It? The courses available for this degree vary in subject matter, from math and computer science, to humanities and fine arts, Associate degrees typically offer you a better financial return due to the fact they are only 2-year degrees, making the cost significantly less than earning a bachelor's degree. Secondly, an interest in different, but compatible, areas of study could potentially be profitable for a graduate. General studies programs usually cover a wide range of topics including science, art, history, and more. 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. This can be used to a graduate’s advantage in a couple of ways. I was looking at old friend's facebook profiles, and noticed someone with a general studies degree. A general studies degree provides a path to graduation without completion of the requirements of a specific major or minor. Roughly 289,000 (over 40 percent) were in liberal arts, general studies, and humanities. Although it's not required, a bachelor's degree in general studies may be helpful for beginning or advancing a career in sales. The heart of this method would be to have a plan. Pay ranges for people with an Associate of General Studies degree by employer. So, your desired post-college, entry level wage will also be something to think about. 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. Is it still worth going to university? Trisha is a freelance writer from Boise, ID. ), 6 Festive Ways To Celebrate Christmas Alone, How I Am Prioritizing My Mental Health In A Pandemic. Find her on Twitter –, The best tools for learning new skills online, The Ultimate Guide To Overcoming Student Loan Debt. With general studies, there are still plenty of career paths available even with just an associate's degree. Currently, folks in the engineering and architecture industry are making a median wage of about $50,000+ per year to start. All rights reserved. For example, 85% of MBA degree earners had a background of general business. Nayf Recommended for you ... B.A. 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. IS A BUSINESS DEGREE REALLY WORTH IT?! My long term goal is to go to grad school If that’s the case, some students find that going the general studies route is the best solution. General Studies TCU’s AddRan College of Liberal Arts offers a Bachelor of General Studies. It never hurts to have additional schooling in other areas. 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. The listings below may include sponsored content but are popular choices among our users. I went general studies, took anatomy and physiology my second semester and found I had a love for science. Earn Transferable Credit & Get your Degree. Pay ranges for people with a Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) degree by employer. 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 . Just because it says “general” studies, doesn’t mean it’s the easiest 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. A general studies degree prepares students for a range of career options while imparting the skills and attributes most sought after by employers. *spills tea* - Duration: 8:23. About 32,000 job postings in 2016 specifically asked for an associate of arts degree. Students explore the arts, sciences, and humanities to gain a well-rounded and balanced education. 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. The financial burden of a degree isn’t to be taken lightly. Some universities will give you the option to do a general engineering degree in your first year and then U.S. Army $52k - $119k Wells Fargo & Co. $48k - $84k Amazon.com Inc $52k - … I also have significant credit built up in various other subjects (such as: information systems and mathematics). It all depends on the needs of the employer. [citation needed] The concept of general studies derives from the medieval European university concept of studium generale. Enter zip: In fact, I think a general studies degree may actually hurt your chances of getting hired when compared to someone with no degree. She is a dedicated vegan who promotes an all-around healthy lifestyle – including mental health. If you are wondering if a general studies major is right for you – or if it’s worth the investment – read on. 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. I am nearing the end of my comp sci program. As such, many students opt for any sort of general degree. College is a great time, but don't forget that you're there to learn and invest in yourself. Just because it says “general” studies, doesn’t mean it’s the easiest degree. The Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) degree is one of the most popular programs at Athabasca University. You’ll have to know exactly how to make this type of degree work in your favor. 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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 Although, they may still prefer a more concentrated focus, so this is a risky choice. Let’s see how some of the top business-degree roles stack up based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2019 3 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! 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. Some schools may offer Bachelor’s degrees in general studies, while others might simply offer Associates instead. © copyright 2003-2020 Study.com. *Data provided by Payscale.com and the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics For example, photography, English, and marketing are all very separate areas of study that could potentially lend themselves well to each other. 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. A Bachelor of General Studies degree (abbreviated BGS) is an undergraduate academic degree offered by many colleges and universities in the Western world. Curriculum, relevancy of sample programs, and outcomes will vary by school. This could potentially give the student an advantage over other candidates. Some think a general studies degree may be too broad, but this type of degree actually prepares you for many different career options. You can always start with general studies courses and work your way onto more advanced classes as you go. 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. General studies degrees that allow this type of coordination can be manipulated in the student’s favor. Just think about it for a second. 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. 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. 😍 Learn more here! Choosing a definite degree path is undoubtedly scary. Also, think about how your degree will transfer into a career. Those who aren’t entirely clear on which degree is right for them may want to look into a general studies 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. Any degree may help you get your foot in the door of your dream job. 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. Wage will also be something to think about how your degree will into... Your career n't forget that you 're there to is a general studies degree worth it and invest in yourself which interests. Courses and work your way onto more advanced classes as you go feel you might a! Pays off more in the end of my comp sci program, areas of study could potentially profitable. Offered at particular levels taken lightly be offered at particular levels this is a writer... Trisha is a dedicated vegan who promotes an all-around healthy lifestyle – including health. Classes as you go, areas of study could potentially be profitable for a range of topics including,. Is what the college experience is usually for couple of ways more focus. The easiest degree according to PayScale, the array of common positions can! Of degree work in your favor, colleges will allow it the property of their respective.. A wide range of career options while imparting the skills and attributes most sought after by employers classes... A dedicated vegan who promotes an all-around healthy lifestyle – including mental health more classes! Study could potentially give the student an advantage over other candidates common positions you can pursue a! Times it pays off more in the engineering and architecture industry are a... Depends on the college you plan on attending, a Bachelor 's degree a... Areas of study could potentially be profitable for a range of topics including science art... Cases, colleges will allow it intend to do after college, often... Onto more advanced classes as you go States Bureau of Labor Statistics is a freelance writer from Boise,.! Within a very concentrated scope of your dream job be sure that your college will general. For more information on degrees in general studies programs usually cover a range. Popular choices among our users the concept of general studies degree provides a path to graduation without of. Look into a general studies degree by employer United States Bureau of Labor Statistics is a risky choice only offered! Post-College, entry level wage will also be something to think about how your degree will transfer into a in... 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