They study their favorite subjects as well as those that are completely new to them. Many Universities will not accept General Studies as an A level subject for admissions. If you fall into either bucket, it’s okay. Earning a general studies degree can serve as a prerequisite for a professional career or as a stepping stone to a college degree in another discipline. Students who earn a degree in general studies have numerous career options. This type of degree allows you to gain a wide cross section of knowledge and experience. Because its focus is broad, students are able to remain engaged in their coursework. A Bachelor of General Studies degree (abbreviated BGS) is an undergraduate academic degree offered by many colleges and universities in the Western world. Because the general studies major covers various subjects, and establishes a stretch of skillsets, you can rest assured it will apply to any future education you pursue. For example, some Goodwin students will complete their associate degree in general studies, discover they want to work with children, and later pursue a bachelor’s degree in Child Study to become a licensed schoolteacher. Many students starting college don’t have a clear idea of what major to choose. Students who can demonstrate the ways in which they took full advantage of their university education will have a leg up over their competitors in the job market. 2. This relatively new degree program, offered at both associate and bachelor's degree levels, provides students with the flexibility to explore a variety of subjects. This can be used to a graduate’s advantage in a couple of ways. If you are wondering if a general studies major is right for you – or if it’s worth the investment – read on. Your passions. This is a flexible degree path, which adds to its appeal. If you understand the value of higher education, but do not know what you want to do with it just yet, a general studies major is a great option. General Studies Degree Career Possiblities, 4 Types of Therapy for Mental Health and Well-Being, Careers in Industrial & Organizational Psychology, Top 5 Jobs: Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Touro University Worldwide: California Transfer Students, Characteristics of a Successful Online Student. This major is more board and will provide you with more opportunities than a general studies major. The general studies program is valuable because it helps students develop stronger communication skills, increase literacy and math skills, bolster critical thinking and gain a broader base of knowledge in a number of interesting subjects. It allows students to fulfill general education credits, study relevant topics, develop versatile skillsets, and prepare for a wide net of career options. The A.A. is best for those planning to pursue four-year majors that fall under Liberal Arts (such as art, art history, psychology, history, English, philosophy, and theater). 1. If a student’s degree plan requires more than six hours of religion, then upper-level religion and Christian Studies classes will be allowed to satisfy this General Studies requirement. a versatile educational program that allows the student to have a large say in the direction of their studies At Goodwin College for example, general studies majors will take the core requirements of English, math, and the required sciences. It allows students to fulfill general education credits, study relevant topics, develop versatile skillsets, and prepare for a wide net of career options. If you are interested in pursuing a general studies degree in Connecticut, please do not hesitate to reach out to Goodwin College. In fact, with a general studies degree in hand, you can go on to fulfill many entry-level careers right away, earning over $50,000 per year. You get your core courses done (English, math, science, etc.). 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). In my opinion that makes General Studies students more competitive for both employment and graduate school. Your degree. University Studies Program Your strengths. This allows homework, projects and watching lectures to be scheduled around a student’s professional and personal life. It offers flexibility in course selection, ranging from math and computer science to humanities and fine arts to behavior and social science. So if you were questioning the value of an associate’s degree, maybe those 1.6 million more potential jobs will change your mind! Earning a general studies degree allows students the opportunity to advance their career while completing coursework at their own pace. An associate degree involves a two-year college education. degrees using the University Studies major. These programs may touch on many different aspects of working with computers: hardware design, computer programming, software development, web design and … This concentration builds the framework to dictate the courses necessary to meet the student’s career goals. Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Master of Arts in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Master of Science in Human Resource Management, PsyD in Human & Organizational Psychology, The Edith Neumann School of Health and Human Services, Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy, Master of Science in Health Sciences – Health Education, Master of Science in Health Sciences – Public Health, Master of Science in Healthcare Administration, Maricopa Community Colleges Transfer Partnership, College Credit for Military Training & Service, Military Spouse and Family Education Benefits, What You’ll Earn: Salaries in Health and Human Services, Things to Consider When You Are Getting An MBA. Instead, you’ll learn how to think critically, communicate effectively, and pull together knowledge from many disciplines -- skills you’ll need to be successful in almost any career. In short, a General Studies degree allows students to earn a degree in a major not offered by the university or for those who may wish to deviate from the academic plan laid out by Department X. Major in General Business if you are not sure about what you want to do. Today, up to 50 percent of students enter college with an undecided major, and 75 percent change their major during their time in school. What Does An Educational Psychologist Do? A general studies degree allows students the opportunity to explore a variety of interests, producing a well-rounded individual who can enter a variety of fields upon graduation. The multidisciplinary approach of the general studies program, coupled with the opportunity students have to carefully select coursework based on their individual interests and career goals, makes this option an excellent way to prepare students for further study. General studies is often cited as the most personally rewarding degree program available to students. 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. A General Studies Degree is an undergraduate program that allows selection from a broad range of courses in a variety of subjects … or bachelor of sciences (B.S.) Good Luck. Skills learned in a general studies program translate to almost any entry-level job that does not require highly specialized training. This open-approach educational model is a key benefit of general studies programs, in that you get an overview of many subjects, rather than a narrowed curriculum. Upon choosing general studies as your major, you will be matched with an academic advisor at Goodwin College. If you are not ready to commit to years in college, or commit years to a dedicated specialization, rest assured that a general studies degree can take less than two-years to complete. After earning a general studies degree – which includes the core general ed requirements you’d need for just about any major – you can go onto to pursue a bachelor’s degree in the field of your choice. General studies associate's programs are often designed for transfer to 4-year schools; students can explore multiple fields. This broad focus oftentimes sparks inspiration in students, which leads them to continuing in the bachelor’s degree program of their choice. Privacy Policy . This can be used to a graduate’s advantage in a couple of ways. Together, you will design a solid academic plan and curriculum that works for you. A general studies degree can be applied to a variety of career fields because of the number of subjects included. Employment may be found in both the private and public sectors of the work force. As a general studies major, you can take time to explore these subjects, earn college credits, develop new skills, and figure out where you want to go next. There's a lot to consider as you select your undergraduate major. A general studies associate degree is an accessible starting point for students who understand the value of higher education but do not know what academic major or career pathways they want to pursue. A bachelor's degree in general studies does not focus on preparation for one specific career path, but rather encompasses a broad range of fields, including business, arts, science and humanities. Career pathways for graduates of Goodwin’s general studies program include: But this is just the beginning. Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) - Salary - Get a free salary comparison based on job title, skills, experience and education. There are also many adults today who went to school, entered the workforce, but now are seeking a career change. It’s an extremely flexible focus for a college degree that enables you to strengthen important skills such as communication, … General engineering is also a good option for those who are undecided on the kind of engineering they’d like to specialise in. And because it’s an associate degree from an accredited institution, your credits will transfer, too. These are just some of the many options available to general studies majors at our career-focused college. A general studies degree serves as an stepping-stone and prerequisite toward further education at the undergraduate and graduate level. Some universities will give you the option to do a general engineering degree in your first year and then choose the area of the discipline you’d like to pursue in your second year. CTNext Grant Enables Goodwin College to Design Entrepreneurship Opportunities, Earn Your Master’s in Public Health Online, New England Commission of Higher Education, 12 credits of General Education Electives. This degree is also great for students who want to broaden their educational horizons. If you wish to work with people, courses in Human Services and Early Childhood Education may pique your interest. Degree programs such as the Associate of Arts in General Studies from Touro University Worldwide offer coursework 100% online. NB. Or maybe, what you want to do is very specific, or very unique, and there isn’t a perfect program option for it. © Maybe you do not know what you want to do with your career. Another benefit of an associate's degree in general studies is that the credits you earn typically transfer to 4-year schools, decreasing the time it will take you to earn a bachelor's degree. The major advantage of a general studies program is that it offers students the opportunity to explore their interests while simultaneously preparing them for a wide variety of careers. How Do I Become a Marriage and Family Therapist? Are You Well-Suited for a Career in Human Services? 2. The general studies program at Goodwin College is designed to provide a secure atmosphere where you can develop interests, progress academically, and prepare for the next step – whether that’s a four-year degree, a career, or a vocational path. Disclaimers. Administered by a college's liberal arts division, this degree is often pursued by individuals who are not sure of what type … A general studies degree, however, will introduce you to multiple career fields through a series of concentrated courses. You may also take courses in Business/Business Administration, and prepare to become your own boss. But that’s not the case for many associate’s degree … TOURO UNIVERSITY WORLDWIDE, TUW Consumer Information Policies . The following chart outlines the specific General Studies requirements for each of DBU’s bachelor’s degrees. 3. Some examples include biology, cultural studies, philosophy, social sciences, public speaking and more. document.write(new Date().getFullYear()); With a general studies degree, you can customize your courses to your passions. College is a large investment of time and money and you want to get the biggest benefit from both investments, so a general studies degree may make the most sense. A general studies degree isn’t focused on a specific profession or industry, so it offers a lot of flexibility for students with a wide range of interests. These programs prepare you to eventually attend a four-year institution through a curriculum of general … The general studies curriculum is interdisciplinary, offering students preparation for a wide range of careers. The credits and classes you take are guaranteed to transfer to any four-year college in Colorado. This degree … You do not need to commit to one career path right away. General Studies is a subject which encompasses all aspects of the world around us. A general studies program offers students the opportunity to explore their interests, while also preparing them for a variety of career pathways. you can, at least at my school, get a B.A. Some examples include biology, cultural studies, philosophy, social sciences, public … In addition to these general ed pre-requisites, however, they are free to choose course options that speak to them. Associate Degree in General Studies. A degree in general science provides an opportunity to study a broad range of scientific disciplines. Rather than major in one area of science, this interdisciplinary approach is more flexible and will expose you to classes such as chemistry, biology, environmental science, geology, physics and computer science. A general studies degree is perfect for students who want to move up in their careers or begin a new path. Career Profile: Nursing Home Administrator, What Can I Do with a Health Sciences Degree, Marriage and Family Therapists: Salary Potential and Career Growth. Instead, you might consider something called a “general studies” major. Major: General Studies In a general studies major you’ll build a broad-based education. Common areas include: The general studies program is valuable because it helps students develop stronger communication skills, increase literacy and math skills, bolster critical thinking and gain a broader base of knowledge in a number of interesting subjects. 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 … The concept of general studies derives from the medieval European university concept of studium generale. Call 800-889-3282 to learn more. For working adults on the move, unlocking career potential with a Bachelor of General Studies can be a good option to consider. Electives make up the bulk of the general studies degree at Goodwin College, with students required to complete: Electives are available across our various programs of study. It’s normal! Social Workers and Marriage and Family Therapists. Perhaps the greatest benefit of a general studies major is that it enables you to create your own academic path. Your academic plan will be based on your personal needs, as well as your professional goals. General studies programs usually cover a wide range of topics including science, art, history, and more. The general studies degree is a great option if you're not sure which subject or career is right for you. What is general studies? Sometimes you need room to grow in your own direction -- to learn what you want to know, to become who you want to be.. CoLA undergraduates can choose to build their own bachelor of arts (B.A.) Difference in an Associate Degree in General Education & One in a Technical Program. A Degree in General Studies - The Basics College students who are having difficulty deciding on a course of study may pursue a degree in general studies. Below, we delve into the top reasons to pursue an associate degree in general studies today. 5 Career Paths for Public Health Degree Graduates, The Role of Industrial and Organizational Psychology in the Workplace, A Day in the Life of a Healthcare Administrator. In addition to the many careers you can pursue, an associate degree in general studies will also qualify you to pursue advanced degree programs. Additionally, a BGS can be completed in as few as 48 months through accredited, online bachelor degree programs. Related Occupations for General Studies Majors Some of these occupations may require additional education at Graduate or Professional … I would still advise you to transfer to a 4 years University unless you are getting a specialized degree like paralegal studies or radiology. The skillset a Gender Studies degree provides could truly be applied in any setting and provide a great deal of benefit to the workplace, and graduates with this degree are employed virtually everywhere, from the arts to business, education, health care, media, law, and even sports. General studies is a degree program designed for those who value a college education, but who need time to explore and discover the right career path. Many students, by the time they graduate high school, do not know where they want to take their career. Psychology: Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science? The Associate Degree in General Studies is ideal for students who want to explore a variety of study areas before committing to a career path. While pursuing this type of degree, the student will be required to choose a specific concentration. The general studies curriculum provides a common educational experience for students as well. Given that many jobs in the United States are mid-skilled, a two-year degree is often enough to help you qualify for employment. A general studies major, despite popular belief, can be a major step in getting to the career of your dreams. Learn more about Lamar University online BGS degree. The A.A. is a two-year degree that’s designed to transfer to a four-year school. Computer studies degree programs exist to teach students about computers in a general sense, without specializing in a specific aspect of the industry. Depending on the electives you choose, you will have the opportunity to take online classes, evening classes, and weekend courses, for added flexibility. Students who earn a degree in general studies prepare for careers in many fields, including business, education, politics, and law. Accurate, reliable salary and compensation comparisons for United States You … In either case, completing a general studies degree program can be a very personally rewarding experience, precisely because it is such a broad program. If that’s the case, some students find that going the general studies route is the best solution. You won’t learn the skills you’ll need to do a certain job. Data from national sources shows that individuals with an associate degree, on average, earn more income than high school graduates, and are less likely to be unemployed. You could have higher earning potential. Students who earn this degree should list the specific skills they learned in their courses on their resume. General studies is a degree program designed for those who value a college education, but who need time to explore and discover the right career path. A general studies degree is an excellent choice for people who love to study humanities and liberal arts. degree in Liberal Studies (Elementary Education) and concentrate in Dance (meaning you would have to take 18 units of dance in the Liberal Studies program) and then you could teach elementary school in general (as a back up) or get a job in a school teaching dance. It deals with politics, ethics, literature, language, culture, science, technology and mathematics. 1. Its varied curriculum covers topics such as English, math, humanities, the sciences, public speaking, and communications – all of which are applicable to any career you choose down the road. You can also dip your toes into other programs through electives, in efforts to determine where your passions lie. Classes can be taken from wherever you are in the world, as long as you have … What is the Role of an Organizational Psychologist? 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