Your Guide to General Degrees: Options and Career Paths

What Are General Degrees?

General degrees, often referred to as liberal arts degrees or interdisciplinary studies, are academic programs designed to provide students with a broad educational foundation rather than specialized training in a specific field. These degrees typically encompass coursework across humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics.

Unlike specialized degrees that focus on a single discipline, general degrees emphasize developing well-rounded knowledge and transferable skills. Students typically have the flexibility to select courses from various departments, creating a customized educational experience aligned with their interests while meeting core requirements. This approach allows learners to explore different subjects before committing to a specific career path, making general degrees particularly valuable for those unsure about their professional direction.

Types of General Degrees Available

General degrees come in various forms, each offering different approaches to broad-based education. The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Liberal Studies remains one of the most common, covering humanities, social sciences, and sometimes natural sciences. Similarly, a Bachelor of Science (BS) in General Studies provides a foundation across disciplines with slightly more emphasis on mathematics and sciences.

Interdisciplinary Studies degrees allow students to combine two or more academic disciplines into a coherent program, creating unique educational pathways. Many universities also offer degrees in University Studies or General Studies, which provide maximum flexibility in course selection while ensuring students meet core educational requirements. These programs typically require completion of a capstone project that demonstrates the integration of knowledge across different fields, showcasing the student's ability to synthesize information from various disciplines.

Provider Comparison: Universities Offering General Degrees

When considering where to pursue a general degree, several institutions stand out for their comprehensive programs and flexibility. Here's a comparison of notable providers:

Each institution approaches general education differently, with varying levels of flexibility and support. University of Maryland Global Campus offers a General Studies bachelor's degree specifically designed for transfer students with significant prior college credit. Meanwhile, Western Governors University provides competency-based education that allows students to progress at their own pace, potentially completing their general studies degree more quickly.

Benefits and Drawbacks of General Degrees

General degrees offer several advantages for today's students. The flexibility to explore multiple disciplines helps those unsure about career paths to discover their interests while developing broadly applicable skills. Graduates typically possess strong critical thinking abilities, effective communication skills, and adaptability—qualities increasingly valued by employers in a rapidly changing job market.

However, general degrees also present certain challenges. Some employers may prefer candidates with specialized technical training for specific roles. General degree graduates might need additional certifications or master's degrees to enter certain fields. Additionally, the lack of a clear career track can make initial job searching more challenging, requiring graduates to clearly articulate how their broad skillset applies to specific positions. PayScale data suggests that while starting salaries might be lower than some technical degrees, general studies graduates often see competitive mid-career earnings as their adaptability becomes increasingly valuable.

Career Paths and Advancement Opportunities

Contrary to common misconceptions, general degrees open doors to diverse career opportunities. Graduates often excel in roles requiring adaptability, communication, and problem-solving across multiple domains. Common career paths include positions in business administration, human resources, marketing, and public relations.

Many general degree holders find success in the growing field of content creation and digital marketing, where broad knowledge combined with communication skills proves valuable. Others pursue careers in education, government, or nonprofit management. According to Indeed, employers increasingly value the soft skills developed through general education programs, particularly for roles requiring collaboration across departments or adaptation to changing business environments. For career advancement, many graduates complement their general degree with industry certifications, specialized master's degrees, or targeted professional development to enhance their qualifications for specific sectors.

Conclusion

General degrees provide a versatile foundation that prepares students for diverse career paths in today's evolving job market. While they may require additional effort to market effectively to employers compared to specialized degrees, their emphasis on transferable skills—critical thinking, communication, and adaptability—creates graduates well-positioned for long-term career success. As the workplace continues to change rapidly, the broad knowledge base and flexible thinking fostered by general degrees become increasingly valuable assets. For prospective students considering their educational options, a general degree offers a pathway that keeps doors open while developing the fundamental capabilities needed across virtually any professional environment.

Citations

• https://www.snhu.edu
• https://www.liberty.edu
• https://www.asu.edu
• https://www.excelsior.edu
• https://www.umgc.edu
• https://www.wgu.edu
• https://www.payscale.com
• https://www.indeed.com

This content was written by AI and reviewed by a human for quality and compliance.