Higher education is more versatile than ever, with programs tailored to all types of students. There really is no ‘typical’ approach anymore, and yet, when most people think of college, they imagine a traditional four-year, in-person experience, complete with a targeted major and minor.
This approach can certainly be appealing, especially for students with specific interests or career aspirations. There is also value in breadth of learning, and general education credits do not provide the only viable path to exploring a wider range of topics or experiences.
Another option worth considering? The Bachelor of General Studies. This distinct program draws students with varied interests and passions. Those not content to focus exclusively on one or two subjects may prefer general studies because they gain access to such a diverse range of courses. Another perk is bypassing strict class selection processes.
There is a lot to love about the Bachelor of General Studies, but this program is not right for everyone. First, it is important to clarify what exactly this degree involves and who is the ideal candidate.
At Baker College, we want future students to feel empowered and prepared, so we have answered a few important questions below, including, what is a general studies degree and how does it work? We will also reveal, is a general studies degree worth it?
The Versatility of a General Studies Degree
Few degree programs are as versatile as the general studies degree. Designed for students who value breadth of learning, this program avoids common concerns cited by many students. This consists of the pressure to pick a lane early on, and the fear of what might happen if other pathways eventually become more compelling.
Because general studies degree jobs occupy so many fields, students with this degree do not feel limited or tied down. This versatility can prompt many distinct advantages, as highlighted below:
Broad Skill Set
Like any college program, general studies emphasizes skill development. Where this differs, however, is in the scope of the acquired skills. Through diverse coursework, students get the chance to develop a comprehensive skill set that could include highly valued competencies from several key categories:
- Soft Skills: Communication, creativity, empathy, cultural awareness
- Analytical Skills: Forecasting, statistical analysis, strategic planning
- Technical Skills: Programming languages, database management, web development
Customizable Curriculum
Some students feel limited by traditional degree programs, which may only offer a few electives and could therefore prevent students from enrolling in the classes they find most compelling.
This is never a problem with a bachelor’s degree in general studies, which, in addition to 30 hours of general education, includes multiple 21-credit concentrations and an impressive 45 hours of electives. This means that students have the freedom to craft their curricula as they see fit.
Adaptability to Various Industries
Many degrees provide clear pathways toward specific sectors or positions. Students seeking their Bachelor of Science in Nursing may want to work in healthcare or those pursuing their Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education hope to make a difference in the classroom.
These targeted programs can be appealing for students with targeted objectives, but there is a caveat. Transitioning into other fields could prove difficult later on and may necessitate additional coursework or degrees.
This is where a degree in general studies shines. This degree equips students with skills in high demand across many industries but also provides customizable options so that students can acquire skills that reflect their personal and professional goals.
Advantages of Earning a General Studies Degree
As you explore degree programs, keep the Bachelor of General Studies in mind. A quick glimpse at the curriculum and customization options will reveal that this is a powerful degree that can prepare you for a career path you find compelling. Along the way, you may discover new passions that would have otherwise remained out of reach. Other benefits include:
Career Flexibility and Mobility
The job market is undergoing rapid shifts, and fields that dominate today may be less relevant in a few years. Meanwhile, the best opportunities of tomorrow have yet to emerge.
The dynamic job market of tomorrow will call for agile employees prepared to develop new skills and embrace new tools and technologies. General studies graduates are prepared to do exactly that and can easily transition to new fields as intriguing opportunities emerge.
Enhanced Employability
While some employers prefer to hire job candidates with specific degrees, many simply mandate that applicants provide evidence of a college education. In these situations, a degree in general studies can be advantageous.
For some graduates, general studies degrees may stand out. After all, as employees increasingly look for evidence of skill development, a targeted list of niche or purposefully cultivated skills could convey genuine passion and distinguish general studies graduates from those with conventional degrees.
Preparation for Advanced Studies
Like some employers, graduate programs mandate that applicants possess a bachelor’s degree, but the specific major is not always important. As such, the bachelor’s degree in general studies is an excellent option for students who instinctively know they want to eventually study at the graduate level but may not yet know which type of graduate degree to pursue.
If graduate school is the goal, there is no need to commit to a specific field just yet. So, why not spend a few years exploring several subjects? This could make it easier to pursue specialties truly driven by passion later on.
Real-World Applications and Career Opportunities
Many students feel drawn to the idea of general studies but also worry about the professional implications of this degree. This is understandable, given students’ often limited familiarity with this unique path. Many wonder, what is a general studies degree good for?
To help with career planning, we have highlighted the most compelling general studies degree job opportunities within today’s most compelling fields:
Business and Management
A general studies degree can provide well-rounded preparation for roles such as office manager. It may even be a viable option for aspiring entrepreneurs, who need to master a wide range of skills prior to launching businesses of their own. Another option is using a degree in general studies as a precursor to management programs in graduate school.
Education and Training
The education field is broader than many people realize, and while not everyone is suited to teaching, there are many other ways to contribute. For example, instructional design encourages innovative thinkers to develop instructional materials closely aligned with the needs and learning styles of different types of students.
In the workplace, there is a strong need for nuanced training design, while K-12 schools may require outside assistance with curriculum development. General studies students can develop a unique blend of technological, multimedia, and communication skills to help them thrive in far-reaching education and training roles.
Healthcare Administration
Not all professionals who aspire to work in the healthcare sector are suited to clinical roles. Thankfully, there are many excellent opportunities in healthcare administration, including important roles such as medical office manager or clinical coordinator.
These professionals must possess a thorough understanding of health systems, regulations, and ethics, but also need to develop soft skills such as collaboration, empathy, and communication.
Social Services and Nonprofits
Passion-driven professionals are often drawn to the nonprofit sector, which calls for a broad range of skills and can therefore be an excellent fit for general studies graduates. Those with strong soft skills, especially emotional intelligence and collaboration, can drive change in roles such as program manager or community outreach specialist.
Customized general studies curricula support many relevant pathways. Those interested in supporting eco-friendly causes, for instance, can study environmental science, while those who hope to strengthen underserved communities may prefer courses that explore ethical concepts or issues. Courses on grant writing or fund development are also highly valuable.
Government and Public Administration
Many skills emphasized in general studies programs prove valuable upon entering government roles, including research, public speaking, and policy analysis. Courses on organizational behavior or civic perspectives can also prepare students for the unique challenges of public administration.
Other courses or concentrations may prepare students to pursue specific types of government roles, leveraging targeted opportunities in conservation, law enforcement, or public affairs, just to paint a picture.
Media and Communication
Communication represents one of the most critical competencies developed while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in general studies. This is emphasized in targeted courses on public speaking and professional communication, of course. However, beyond this, the general studies degree forces students to adapt their communication style for different situations or audiences.
Many general studies graduates eventually move into media roles, which allow them to leverage their elite communication skills. General studies students can find success as content writers, content strategists, or even journalists.
Is a General Studies Degree Worth It?
There is no easy way to determine whether a Bachelor of General Studies is worthwhile. This degree can be helpful for many students, but others may prefer more targeted pathways.
For those who hope to develop a diverse skill set, however, this degree is definitely worth pursuing. This unique approach can open the door to a wide range of career opportunities and emphasizes passion-driven learning.
Learn More About the General Studies Degree at Baker
Are you on the hunt for a unique college pathway that introduces you to diverse concepts and coursework? You could be an ideal fit for Baker’s Bachelor of General Studies. Reach out today to learn more about this exciting opportunity.