Best Online General Studies Degree Programs

This core class helps learners develop critical thinking and written communication skills. Topics include expository writing, academic research, and business communication. Through class discussion, enrollees develop an understanding of rhetorical functions and composing processes for many contexts and audiences.

Bachelor’s in general studies programs usually require each enrollee to complete at least one math class. In principles of statistics, you learn to perform statistical computations and analyze vast data sets. Additional topics include probability concepts, rules of distribution, hypothesis tests, and measures of central tendency and variation.

This survey course teaches you the function and structure of the human body, including the physiological process of the skeletal, nervous, and muscle systems. You will also examine how molecules form cellular organelles leading to the formation of the cell, tissue, and organs. Furthermore, the class provides an overview of genetics and inheritance.

As an advanced course for students who pursue business or IT majors, database management covers practical and conceptual approaches to designing different data systems. You will delve into available database models and current industry standards for performance optimization and information security. Additional topics include Structured Query Language, IT decision-making, and data normalization.

This specialized class provides foundational training for future health professionals. Enrollees explore common and uncommon physical/physiological changes associated with aging, along with factors that contribute to the aging process. Additionally, you will analyze the various theories of aging; age-related pathologies; and dying, death, and grieving.

Legal assistants support lawyers by helping with cases, conducting research and interviews, and organizing files. These professionals need strong critical thinking and organizational skills and a thorough knowledge of the law.

Median Annual Salary: $60,970

Lobbyists work for businesses, nonprofits, and other special interest groups. These professionals attempt to convince elected officials and other public figures to adopt policy positions that will benefit their clients.

Median Annual Salary: $88,473*

Administrative assistants oversee clerical and administrative tasks in an office. These professionals maintain files and databases, manage calls, and interact directly with clients. Administrative assistants need exceptional organizational and communication skills.

Median Annual Salary: $44,280

Copywriters create content for businesses and other companies. They may need to translate complex ideas into relatable copy. These professionals need excellent writing and proofreading skills.

Median Annual Salary: $58,618*

Office managers keep operations running smoothly in an office. They need excellent communication and time management skills. These professionals work closely with other employees and must oversee multiple projects at once.

Median Annual Salary: $48,430*

Students should always clarify their academic and professional objectives before pursuing enrollment. They should also work closely with an academic advisor to ensure that degree requirements support their post-graduation endeavors.

Personalization is one of the cornerstones of a bachelor’s in general studies program. You can focus on an area such as arts and humanities, behavioral science, applied science, or business and technology. Within these broad areas, you may further customize the curriculum by selecting appropriate majors and minors.

A general studies degree can prepare you for a master’s program in teaching, which enables you to earn initial state certification to teach in K-12 schools. A master’s degree can also open the doors to some postsecondary teaching jobs in community and technical colleges. To work as a tenure-track university professional, you usually need a doctoral degree.

A bachelor’s in general studies typically requires four years to complete. However, you may be able to expedite graduation by enrolling in a year-round accelerated track that features five- or eight-week classes. If you possess transfer credits, degree completion options can also allow you to graduate faster.