Is a General Studies Degree Worth It?

Maybe you got a start on your college degree years ago and, for whatever reason, weren’t able to finish your program.

Or maybe you’ve always known you would go to college and earn your degree, but you haven’t been able to decide on a specific major or field of study.

Or, perhaps you have a wide range of career interests and are looking for a degree that’s versatile enough to deliver the knowledge and skills to succeed in a variety of fields.

These are just a few examples of circumstances in which a general studies degree could be the ideal solution and best path ahead to achieve your academic and career goals.

What is a General Studies Degree?

A general studies degree is a multidisciplinary degree program that delivers knowledge and training across a broad spectrum of academic areas of study. These areas of study typically include:

• Humanities
• Mathematics
• Natural sciences
• Social sciences

As a general studies student, you’ll gain a well-rounded and comprehensive base of knowledge in these areas. At the same time, you'll also hone other important skills like critical thinking, teamwork and written and verbal communication, among others.

Additionally, many general studies programs — such as the one offered at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) — allow you to choose from a variety of concentrations as a way to focus your degree. Some areas of concentration include:

• Business administration
• Coding basics
• Criminal justice
• Psychology

What Kind of Courses Will You Take as a General Studies Major?

General studies degree programs typically include required core courses, electives chosen from a wide range of academic areas and courses directly tied to areas of concentration.

Your core courses through SNHU’s general studies program may include:

• Research and Persuasion
• Mathematical Reasoning for Modern Problem-Solving
• Ethical Decision-Making and Problem-Solving
• Ethics in Global Society

What is the Purpose of a General Studies Degree?

More than anything, a degree in general studies demonstrates that you’ve done the work to earn your degree, while also serving as a versatile academic credential that can be applied to a wide range of professions, according to Indeed.

A general studies degree can be an excellent choice in any number of life circumstances and situations, including if you've earned a significant amount of academic credits elsewhere.

Indeed pointed out that it’s also a proven path for anyone who isn’t certain on what college major to declare, as well as for those who want to keep a wide range of professional options open, some of which include:

• Technology and communications
• Science and mathematics
• Business and human resources
• Social sciences
• Media and literature

Along with the versatility offered by a degree in general studies, students who pursue their degree online also benefit from the flexibility and convenience of completing their work on a schedule that works best for them.

“SNHU was the perfect fit for me because I have a family, I work a full-time job, I have young children, I have adult children. So my life is completely all over the place,” said Anson Owen '24, who earned his degree in general studies. “And the way SNHU online is set up, it just made it so easy for me to do my work when I needed to do my work. Although I had a deadline, I could take the time to do it throughout the whole week at my leisure.”

Is It Worth Getting a General Studies Degree?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are notable differences in median weekly earnings and in unemployment rates when comparing those with a bachelor’s degree and those with just a high school diploma.*

In fact, BLS data shows that, in 2023, the median weekly earnings for those with a bachelor’s degree is nearly $600 higher than those with a high school diploma.*

That same data shows that the unemployment rate in 2023 was 1.7% lower for those with a bachelor’s degree compared to those with a high school diploma.*

Beyond the statistics, Owen said earning his general studies degree has been a significant achievement in his life for a number of reasons.

“I have faced a lot of obstacles on my journey to get my degree,” said Owen, who experienced several starts and stops during the 28 years he spent pursuing his degree.

“What I want to show my kids … is never give up,” he said. “No matter what you go through, no matter what comes your way, no matter the ups and downs you might have to deal with, just never give up.”

Can You Be Successful With a General Studies Degree?

Individuals with a general studies degree have found success in many different professional fields and disciplines, from banking, business and accounting to writing, international sales and public relations, according to Indeed.

One key aspect of a general studies degree that equips students and graduates for success, the article stated, is the interdisciplinary nature of the curriculum. As a general studies major, you’ll find yourself working across several academic departments, which will help broaden your overall perspective and enable you to develop strong teamwork skills.

And the ability to essentially mold your general studies degree program around your interests by choosing a concentration helps strengthen your knowledge, skills and readiness within those areas, according to Owen, who graduated with a concentration in criminal justice.

“I’d like to get more into counseling and probation for youth,” Owen said. “My heart is for youth; I feel like I was meant to be a dad, so I just feel like counseling and mentoring youth is what I was meant to do in my life. And the degree is just going to push me forward in a manner that I can actually do it professionally.”

Owen had attended six different colleges and universities off and on throughout his educational journey before ultimately deciding to pursue his general studies degree online at SNHU.

Every time he returned to pursuing his degree at various schools, Owen said it felt like he was starting over from scratch until he looked into the program at SNHU. By enrolling in SNHU's general studies program, which accepts up to 90 transfer credits, he was able to earn his degree faster.

As he now looks to embark on a career in youth counseling, he said he's ready for the challenge and plans to keep his eyes open for new opportunities as he advances in the field.

“I have the backing and the education to show that I can move into this career path, start maybe entry-level and then move my way up to the point where I may even come back for my master’s,” Owen said.

*Cited job growth projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Actual salaries and/or earning potential may be the result of a combination of factors including, but not limited to: years of experience, industry of employment, geographic location, and worker skill.

Cary Jordan is an Iowa-based writer with more than 20 years of writing and editing experience on a wide range of issues related to higher education. Cary has held administrative and cabinet-level positions at multiple colleges and universities, and his writing has spanned topics related to undergraduate education as well as graduate education in the areas of business, law, medicine and engineering, among others.