Best Online General Studies Degree Programs
If you pursue an online bachelor’s in general studies, you can personalize the curriculum to match your academic interests and career goals. This degree is a valuable option for new college students and working professionals alike. The following guide can help you find a general studies program that suits your needs; it details common course requirements, concentrations, and admission criteria.
This guide also covers entry-level career opportunities, advancement options, and answers to frequently asked questions for those looking to pursue an online bachelor’s in general studies.
Bachelor’s in general studies programs offer broad degree plans that allow you to choose from diverse majors, minors, and electives. Career options differ based on the courses you select. By emphasizing business competencies, for example, students gain the knowledge and experience needed to work as human resource specialists, purchasing agents, or personal financial advisors.
Information technology offers another viable industry for general studies graduates. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that IT and computer occupations will grow by 356,700 openings per year between 2023 and 2033.
Featured General Studies Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Accredited Online Bachelor’s in General Studies Programs
University of Central Florida
- Orlando, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,368
- Out-of-state$19,810
- In-State$6,916
- Out-of-state$25,759
- Retention Rate93%
- Acceptance Rate41%
- Students Enrolled67,959
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment9%
- AccreditationYes
Minot State University
- Minot, ND
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,168
- Out-of-state$7,168
- In-State$9,352
- Out-of-state$9,352
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate93%
- Students Enrolled2,777
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment61%
- AccreditationYes
Trine University
- Angola, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$34,330
- Out-of-state$34,330
- In-State$45,350
- Out-of-state$45,350
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate92%
- Students Enrolled4,088
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment36%
- AccreditationYes
Oklahoma State University-Main Campus
- Stillwater, OK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,417
- Out-of-state$20,937
- In-State$4,208
- Out-of-state$15,836
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate71%
- Students Enrolled25,359
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment53%
- AccreditationYes
Texas Tech University
- Lubbock, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,934
- Out-of-state$21,174
- In-State$6,956
- Out-of-state$15,136
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate67%
- Students Enrolled40,378
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment63%
- AccreditationYes
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
- Lafayette, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,407
- Out-of-state$19,135
- In-State$5,511
- Out-of-state$19,239
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate75%
- Students Enrolled15,219
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
University of Nebraska at Omaha
- Omaha, NE
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,344
- Out-of-state$19,926
- In-State$6,138
- Out-of-state$14,760
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate86%
- Students Enrolled15,058
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment76%
- AccreditationYes
University of North Dakota
- Grand Forks, ND
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,882
- Out-of-state$13,324
- In-State$11,963
- Out-of-state$17,944
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate83%
- Students Enrolled13,876
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment68%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.
We use datasets from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools and our methodologies. This ranking is from 2020. To learn more, check out our full ranking methodologies.
Online Bachelor’s in General Studies Program Overview
By pursuing an online bachelor’s in general studies, students strengthen core skills in liberal arts areas like communication, physical sciences, social sciences, and mathematics. Coursework comprises a minimum of 120 credits. Conventional bachelor’s programs typically take four years to complete, but you can speed up your graduation timeline by enrolling in an accelerated or degree completion track (if you already have some college experience).
Credit distribution varies based on specific program goals. Higher education institutions that offer a self-designed major option typically divide the curriculum into general education and major classes selected from 2-3 academic departments. Elective work rounds out the degree plan and allows enrollees to take additional coursework in their major or take on a complementary minor.
You can expect to complete required classes in advanced college rhetoric, American government, and introduction to psychology. Some schools allow learners to gain practical experience by engaging in internship and practicum experiences. Degree work typically culminates with a capstone experience in the form of a senior seminar or research project.
Common Bachelor’s in General Studies Degree Courses
Online Bachelor’s in General Studies Admission Requirements
GPA Minimum
Undergraduate programs commonly maintain a 2.0 GPA requirement for incoming first-year and transfer students. Competitive colleges and universities may ask for at least a 3.0 GPA. You may be able to bypass the GPA requirement by demonstrating stellar standardized test performance or possessing work experience.
SAT/ACT Scores
Online schools increasingly eschew standardized testing, opting for a more holistic student evaluation method that considers a candidate’s background. However, many colleges still require you to submit ACT or SAT scores. Minimum requirements vary, so confirm these numbers with an advisor. Some institutions grant exemptions if you possess an exceptionally high GPA.
Transfer Credit
Although standard pathways do not usually require transfer credit, students pursuing degree completion tracks must have previous college experience. Additionally, universities may allow you to transfer up to 90 credits toward a baccalaureate degree plan. In addition to college-level coursework, you can gain transfer credits for work experience, military training, volunteering, and professional certification/licensure — as determined by an institution’s prior learning assessment process.
Personal Statement
This document enables you to stand out from the applicant pool by detailing your academic history, career objectives, and research interests. Most schools ask for a 2-3-page statement that responds to a general prompt, while other institutions require you to submit short answers to a series of essay questions.
Recommendation Letters
Universities use references to gain a more intimate understanding of prospective students. You should expect to furnish 2-3 letters from teachers, mentors, former/current employers, and/or other individuals who can attest to your personal qualities and professional accomplishments. Colleges usually require written testimonies, but certain schools may prefer to contact your references directly by phone or a digital conference platform.
How to Choose a General Studies Bachelor’s Program
Students should always research potential general studies programs before applying. First, applicants should look for institutional or programmatic accreditation to ensure that the college meets the educational standards set by the U.S. Department of Education.
Next, students should research program length, curriculum, and the format of the program (online, on-campus, or hybrid delivery) to make sure the program meets their specific needs.
Readers can find more information about choosing an online bachelor’s degree in general studies on this page.
Online Bachelor’s in General Studies Career Paths
Online bachelor’s in general studies programs allow you to tailor the curriculum to match your goals, so career paths vary among students. This flexibility makes general studies a good option for working professionals with specific career aspirations.
The lucrative IT field offers graduates meaningful work within a globally interconnected field. BLS projections indicate that software development and information security analysis positions will experience job growth rates of 17% and 33% from 2023-2033, respectively. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of general studies, these programs can also prepare you to pursue a law degree.
Related Careers
Frequently Asked Questions
Job opportunities upon graduation depend on how you design your bachelor’s in general studies degree plan. Working professionals may enroll in these programs to strengthen useful skills in program administration, strategic leadership, and data analysis. By pursuing a physical science major, like biology or chemistry, you can complete the prerequisite courses needed to earn a nursing degree.
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