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What Is a General Studies Degree?
The associate degree in general studies provides a foundation for both your future career and college graduation goals. It presents and develops all the basic skills you need for success in your career (providing business communication skills, project management skills, and interpersonal communication and collaboration that are essential for the 21st-century global workforce). As an academic foundation, it hones critical thinking, research, and writing skills that you need for more advanced degrees like bachelor’s and beyond.
If you enroll in a general studies program, you can expect to take required general education courses across multiple disciplines. These vary by school but usually cover the major subject areas. You’ll also be able to take elective courses that match your interests.
Colleges may offer general studies degrees at the associate’s and bachelor’s levels. Associate degrees are two-year programs that cover foundational topics across core subject areas. Many associate degree students will transfer those credits into a bachelor’s program. Bachelor’s degrees are four-year programs that let students explore certain subject areas more deeply.
Some general studies programs let you choose specializations, such as business management or family studies. If you know what you want to study at a more advanced level, specializing in your general studies program may serve you well.
What Can You Do With a General Studies Degree?
A general studies degree is a stepping stone to a better future. The importance of college has only increased as the working world becomes more complex and competitive. A degree gives you a competitive edge with hiring managers, helps you advance at work, and may reduce your likelihood of unemployment.
Choosing general studies puts you on the path to all of these benefits. It gives you a versatile academic foundation that prepares you to enter the workforce or pursue additional education. If you want a bachelor’s or master’s degree but don’t know what field to choose, an associate’s degree in general studies lets you sample what’s out there.
You may even discover reasons to pursue your graduate degree.
4 Advantages of an Associate’s Degree in General Studies
A general studies associate’s program is a smart choice for aspiring degree holders. You’ll experience college and learn skills you can apply in various settings, all in as little as two years, while getting these benefits.
1. Transferable Skill Development
General studies programs help you build the transferable skills that today’s employers demand. Studying at the college level develops skills like collaboration, creative thinking, data analysis, and project management that apply across multiple fields and industries.
2. Time Efficiency
Planning your academic and professional future can be time-consuming. There are thousands of potential career fields out there. You could easily spend years sampling various options through volunteering, taking classes, and working hourly jobs.
By enrolling in a two-year associate’s degree program, you can sample multiple fields in a structured environment, with guidance from professors and university staff. Not everyone knows what field of study they want from the outset. Being able to sample multiple fields fosters personal growth that will help you better understand what you are most passionate about and how this translates to your long-term academic or career goals.
3. Foundation for Further Education
An associate’s degree in general studies prepares you for an advanced education in almost any field. Whether you want to become a software developer or get a bachelor’s degree in marketing, a general studies associate’s degree lets you complete the core courses you need.
A general studies program is also ideal if you haven’t yet chosen a career path. You’ll take the essential courses that form the basis for most academic disciplines, learning what interests and motivates you. If you choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree, you can transfer credit from your associate’s program so you don’t have to start from scratch.
4. Cost-Effectiveness
An associate’s degree in general studies is a two-year program that requires fewer credit hours than a bachelor’s degree. Credit hours measure the time and effort necessary to complete a course. Four-year programs require more courses and credit hours.
Colleges and universities typically charge per credit hour, with most courses being three credit hours. Associate degree programs allow you to earn your degree with fewer credit hours. They may also cost less per credit hour than a four-year program.
Job Opportunities With a General Studies Associate’s Degree
What is a general studies degree good for in the professional world? You can get many jobs with a general studies associate’s degree. This education prepares you for many career paths, even if you don’t pursue further study.
Administrative Roles
Associate’s degree programs help you develop essential workplace skills like time management, organization, and communication. These skills prepare candidates for success in entry-level roles such as administrative assistance.
Administrative assistants serve essential functions in an office setting. They may:
- Schedule meetings and appointments
- Handle incoming and outgoing phone calls, mail, and email
- Edit or proofread documents
- Maintain or create file organization systems
- Prepare reports and presentations
Skilled administrative professionals are in demand across multiple industries and can be a door to greater opportunities. You can build on-the-job knowledge and work your way up to higher-level positions, including management.
Digital Marketing and Social Media Jobs
Digital marketing is one of the top jobs in demand in 2025. Companies depend on qualified digital marketers to promote their brands and build connections with consumers online.
Digital marketers design campaigns for various online channels, including email, video, social media, and Google search. They may work across all channels or specialize in a niche, such as content marketing or social media.
Social media marketers focus specifically on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and X, formerly Twitter. They learn how to choose the right platform for a brand or campaign and create content that resonates with audiences.
Digital marketers must be adaptable, organized, and detail-oriented — all qualities you develop and sharpen in a general studies associate’s degree program.
Sales Positions
If you enjoy working with people and finding solutions that meet their needs, you might thrive in an entry-level sales role. Sales professionals work in many different settings, from retail stores to corporate offices. Outside sales representatives may travel to meet clients.
Earning an associate’s degree tells employers that you have the communication and organizational skills you need to succeed. With a degree in general studies, you’ll have the background knowledge to work with clients in various industries.
From there, you can demonstrate your talent for sales and earn promotions to higher-level positions. In time you may even become a sales director, potentially earning over $200,000 a year.
Social Services Positions
You don’t need an advanced degree to get a position helping others. An associate’s degree in general studies is a good starting point for getting a job with a social services organization or other nonprofits. Those organizations often need people to work in fundraising, communications, or fostering community partnerships.
Working in a social services organization is a great way to make an impact and gain experience to help you build a career. You’ll meet committed people who can advise you and help you plan your next steps, all while doing good work.
Hospitality Management Roles
Earning an associate’s degree in general studies can help you land a position as a hotel or motel general manager. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, these positions pay a median of $65,360 per year or $31.42 per hour.
Hospitality management is a demanding but rewarding career requiring communication and organization skills, as well as a strong work ethic. You’ll build all of those capabilities in a general studies program. If you thrive as a manager, you can continue on to earn your bachelor’s and secure a higher-level position. Many executive positions in hospitality pay six-figure salaries.
Begin Your Associate’s Degree in General Studies Today
Thanks to the growing number of online general studies degree programs, getting your associate’s degree is more convenient than ever. At City University of Seattle, we design our program offerings so adults from all backgrounds can earn their college degrees and achieve their dreams.
CityU’s Associate’s in General Studies is an online 90-credit program that provides a solid academic foundation for work or advanced study. You’ll dive into a broad range of disciplines, from college-level writing to economics. Learn more today and start planning for the future you want.
FAQs About General Studies Associate’s Degrees
What is the difference between a bachelor’s degree and an associate’s degree?
A bachelor’s degree is typically a four-year program, while an associate’s degree is two years. Students in a general studies bachelor’s degree program may have more opportunities to take elective courses or focus on a particular subject area.
What is the meaning of general studies?
General studies is an interdisciplinary degree program that covers a broad base of topics, including language, math, and the social sciences. Students may choose general studies as a foundation for further study or to qualify for entry-level jobs.
What is the most useful associate’s degree?
Any associate’s degree can be valuable if it aligns with your skills and interests. An associate’s degree in general studies is often the most useful option if you aren’t yet sure what you want to study further or want a broad academic base.
Reviewed by Rachel Peterson, Program Director and VP of Student Administration at CityU of Seattle.
