General Degrees: Options That Open Multiple Career Paths
A general degree provides students with broad knowledge across multiple disciplines rather than specializing in a specific field. These versatile academic programs equip graduates with transferable skills that apply to diverse industries and career opportunities.
What Are General Degrees?
General degrees, often called liberal arts or interdisciplinary degrees, focus on developing a wide range of knowledge rather than deep expertise in a single area. These programs typically include coursework across humanities, sciences, social sciences, and mathematics to create well-rounded graduates.
Unlike specialized degrees that prepare students for specific career paths, general degrees emphasize critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills that transfer across industries. Programs like Bachelor of Arts in General Studies, Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, and Associate of Arts degrees fall into this category. Students often have flexibility to customize their curriculum based on personal interests while meeting core requirements.
Benefits of Pursuing a General Degree
The primary advantage of general degrees is versatility in the job market. Graduates can pivot between industries as economic conditions change, making them resilient during market shifts. These programs develop crucial soft skills employers consistently value, including critical thinking, written communication, and problem-solving abilities.
General degrees also provide an excellent foundation for further education. Many graduates later pursue specialized master's programs or professional certifications once they identify their career interests. For students uncertain about their career path, these degrees allow exploration across disciplines without committing to a narrow field immediately after high school. This flexibility helps reduce the likelihood of changing majors multiple times, potentially saving both time and tuition costs.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
While versatile, general degrees may require additional explanation during job interviews compared to specialized credentials. Graduates sometimes need to clearly articulate how their broad skills apply to specific positions. Some highly technical fields might prefer candidates with specialized training from the start.
Another consideration is that general degree graduates may need additional certifications or training to qualify for certain positions. This could mean investing in continuing education after graduation. Additionally, some students find the lack of clear career trajectory challenging, requiring more proactive career planning compared to programs with defined professional outcomes.
General Degree Program Comparison
Several institutions offer quality general degree programs with different approaches and strengths:
| Institution | Program Name | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Southern New Hampshire University | BA in General Studies | Fully online options, flexible transfer credits |
| Liberty University | BS in Interdisciplinary Studies | Christian perspective, customizable concentrations |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | BS in General Studies | Military-friendly, workplace-focused curriculum |
| Western Governors University | BA in General Studies | Competency-based model, self-paced learning |
When selecting a program, consider factors like accreditation status, transfer credit policies, available concentrations, and learning format (online, in-person, or hybrid). Many institutions, like Excelsior University, specialize in adult education and offer generous credit for prior learning experiences.
Career Opportunities With General Degrees
General degree graduates find success across numerous sectors. In business, roles in administration, human resources, and customer relations value the communication and problem-solving skills these programs develop. The public sector offers opportunities in government agencies where adaptability and critical thinking are essential.
The education field welcomes general degree holders for positions like teaching assistant, admissions counselor, or education coordinator. Many graduates find success in sales and marketing roles where communication skills directly impact performance. For those with entrepreneurial aspirations, the broad knowledge base provides a foundation for understanding various aspects of business operations.
Some graduates enhance their credentials with certifications from organizations like Society for Human Resource Management or Project Management Institute to demonstrate specialized knowledge while leveraging their broad educational background.
Conclusion
General degrees offer a valuable educational pathway for students seeking flexibility and transferable skills. While they may require more intentional career planning than specialized programs, they provide graduates with adaptability in a rapidly changing job market. For those uncertain about their career path or interested in roles requiring broad knowledge, these programs create a solid foundation for diverse opportunities. The key to maximizing a general degree's value lies in complementing it with internships, certifications, or focused projects that demonstrate practical application of skills to potential employers.
Citations
- https://www.snhu.edu
- https://www.liberty.edu
- https://www.umgc.edu
- https://www.wgu.edu
- https://www.excelsior.edu
- https://www.shrm.org
- https://www.pmi.org
This content was written by AI and reviewed by a human for quality and compliance.