A general studies degree will help you improve your communication skills and gain more in-depth information in a range of disciplines.
An associate degree in general studies can prepare you for immediate entry-level employment or serve as a stepping stone to a bachelor’s.
It’s a well-rounded degree program that teaches you crucial abilities that modern businesses seek in recruits, like relationship-building, communication, and critical thinking.
If you want to enhance your education and career, you might wonder if an associate in general studies is worth anything.
Keep on reading this article to find out.
What Is An Associate In General Studies?
A general studies degree provides a well-rounded education that helps individuals get ready to continue their education or start a career.
Although an associate in general studies degree incorporates material from all academic core courses, it does not designate a student’s major field of study.
Although slightly different, each path below is a form of general studies degree.
1. Liberal Arts
If you haven’t chosen a career yet, a liberal arts degree can be ideal because you can be able to enroll in classes like science, math, history, literature, and several electives.
You can now know what you appreciate and perhaps wish to explore further as you progress through this degree.
2. Interdisciplinary
While earning your associate in general studies degree, you may be able to integrate two academic fields through an interdisciplinary studies program.
You can adjust the educational course load using this program to match your unique objectives.
Although general education courses are still necessary, you can still add a combination of subjects from two distinct majors.
3. Multidisciplinary
Interdisciplinary degree programs and multidisciplinary degrees are similar. The main distinction between these two programs is that a multidisciplinary degree allows you to combine three areas of interest, whilst an interdisciplinary study only allows you to mix two majors.
Multidisciplinary programs will enable you to receive a customized education, allowing you to focus your educational aspirations toward a certain career.
Associates In General Studies Abbreviation
Most associate degrees help students meet their general education requirements, which include those in Science, Math, History, and English, to transfer into a four-year program.
With an associate in general studies degree, you can also decide to enter the workforce right away.
Most students in associate programs will finish with an associate degree in either science or the arts.
The difference between these degrees is below:
Associate In Arts
With an associate degree in arts, students can concentrate on electives in subjects like psychology, history, humanities, and economics.
These are often not stem-type courses, thus they would be a better fit for someone wishing to enter the business, education, or management professions.
Associate In Science
If you want to grow in a job in science, technology, or mathematics, an associate degree in science is the best choice.
An associate in general studies degree can lead to careers in accounting, a science lab, or computer technology.
Is An Associate In General Studies Worth Anything Learning?
Having an associate degree in general studies does not prevent you from enrolling in classes in a subject other than your chosen major.
As long as you fulfill the criteria for your core academics, you are free to take electives from any discipline.
You will receive a thorough foundational survey of coursework from a range of subjects through this program.
A variety of topics, including English, history, the social sciences, arithmetic, economics, and more, will be covered.
In a major in general studies, you might enroll in some of the following courses:
1. Comparative Literature
In comparative literature, you’ll learn to compare the styles, antecedents, and cultural facets of various literature as you research and write about them.
2. Anthropology
In anthropology, students examine various human communities and cultures throughout history.
3. Economics
In economics, students will examine how people behave in the corporate sector.
Other courses include;
- Introductory English
- US History
- Fine Arts
- Physical Science
- Lab Science
- Analytical Writing
- Speech Writing
- Algebra
- Social Sciences
- Literature
- Ethics
Is An Associate In General Studies Worth Anything In The Job Market?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that businesses frequently seek out graduates with a general studies degree, so an associate in general studies is valuable.
Students in these disciplines typically have great communication and analytical abilities because a general studies degree makes individuals motivated and able to succeed in any line of work.
An associate in general studies degree makes students good at solving problems, getting along with others, and having a good education, so they tend to do well everywhere they go.
You can be prepared for a wide range of diverse industries with an associate degree in general studies.
With the broad knowledge gained from general studies, you could pursue a career in one of these areas:
- Business
- Technology
- Math
- Science
- Writing
- Social Sciences
- Human Resources
- Marketing
- Communications
- Media
- Public Relations
- Law
- Finance
Careers In An Associates In General Studies Degree
After completing your associate degree program, you are qualified for lots of careers and entry-level jobs like:
1. Executive Assistant
You can work in a variety of positions as an executive assistant and are in a good position to advance in your organization.
Your degree program will equip you with the interpersonal, writing, and organizational abilities you need to do a good job.
This job entails clerical duties like filing, scheduling meetings, interacting with clients, maintaining calendars, and buying.
2. General Manager
General managers are in charge of overseeing business operations and a group of people, whether they work in retail or restaurants.
You will be in charge of hiring, scheduling, measuring daily income, and motivating your team to succeed in this position.
Many of the organizational, fundamental math, and communication skills required for this position can be learned in a general studies program.
3. Bookkeeper or Financial Clerk
Businesses frequently require a group of accounting experts, so you can begin your career in one of these two entry-level positions.
You should graduate from your associate degree program with the basic math and writing abilities needed to get started.
4. Social Media Manager
Most businesses require communicators who are capable, accountable and have a strong knowledge of English to represent their companies online.
As a social media manager, you play a key role on a company’s marketing team because your associate degree program will educate you on how to do effective research, analyze information, and write clearly.
5. Nonprofit Roles
If you want to work for a company that promotes a cause or social issue that genuinely matters to you, the nonprofit sector is a terrific place to start.
Your associate degree can equip you for a range of charity positions, such as communications, development, or program management.
Is An Associate In General Studies Worth Anything In Terms Of Salary?
Below are the average salaries of people with an associate in general studies degree, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
| Careers | Annual Median Salary |
| Wholesale and Manufacturing Sales Representative | $62,070 |
| Paralegal | $52,920 |
| Psychiatric Technician or Aide | $33,140 |
| Customer Relations Representative | $35,830 |
| Case Work Aide | $35,960 |
| Secretary or Administrative Assistant | $40,990 |
| Financial Clerk | $41,520 |
| Sales Clerk Supervisor | $41,580 |
| Human Resources Assistant | $43,250 |
| Teacher Assistant | $28,900 |
Is An Associates In General Studies Worth Anything Good?
The abilities required to be successful in a variety of vocations can be acquired with the aid of an associate degree in general studies.
An associate degree can be beneficial for many since employers like candidates who are adaptable and have a wide range of expertise.
An associate in general studies degree can provide you with a range of courses to aid in the development of your talents in numerous fields.
You could work as a general manager, public relations officer, copywriter, and administrative assistant.
Compared To A Bachelor Degree, Is An Associate In General Studies Worth Anything?
Both an associate and bachelor’s degree in general studies is beneficial, depending on your career goals.
Below are the advantages of each degree:
Associate Degree In General Studies
- Fewer courses are necessary, so the overall tuition cost is often lower.
- It finishes faster since it’s two years.
- It speeds up your transition into the workforce.
- You don’t need the GPA or SAT scores, which are required to enroll in a higher degree program.
- You can finish the first two years of your bachelor’s degree program, then later transfer the credits.
Bachelor’s Degree In General Studies
- You have more alternatives for professions in a range of fields.
- You have a greater long-term earning potential.
- You become more proficient in a variety of core competencies, including research and communication.
- After graduation, you are likely to begin at a high-level position in a corporation.
- You can apply for scholarships, loans, and grants to lower the cost of attending school.
You May Like:
Accreditation For An Associates In General Studies Degree
Having a degree from an approved institution proves that your university upholds the educational standards necessary to give students the skills they need to compete in a global market.
Accreditation is not a requirement for schools, but if you intend to move to a four-year program or pursue a certification, you’ll need to enquire about the program accreditations before enrolling.
The associate in general studies degree is accredited throughout six regions by various agencies, such as:
- Accrediting Commission for Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges
- Higher Learning Commission (North Central)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Financial Aid For An Associates In General Studies
Depending on the institution you pick, earning an associate degree in general studies will cost you a lot.
Financial aid packages are typically available at community colleges and vocational schools, however, the actual cost of your program will depend on things like your finances and grants or scholarships.
To get assistance to pay for your education, you can apply for grants, scholarships, and loans, among other financial rewards and awards.
To further help with any questions you may have, speak with the financial advisor at your school.
They will be able to provide you with a wealth of details regarding grants, loans, and other financing options.
Ensure you fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and on their website, you can discover all the necessary details, including deadlines, forms, and instructions.
FAQ
What Associate Degree Is Most Valuable?
The most valuable associate degree are:
- Radiation Therapy.
- Nuclear Technology.
- Nuclear Medicine.
- Dental Hygiene.
- Web Development.
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
- Aerospace Engineering.
- Electrical Engineering.
Is A Degree In General Studies Good?
Since the abilities acquired can be used for jobs in many different professions, a general studies degree can be used for several careers.
A degree in general studies is something to take into consideration if you’re not sure which direction to go.
What Is The Point Of General Studies?
A discipline of study called general studies does not concentrate on any one particular course of study.
A major in general studies gives students a depth of knowledge in certain fields of personal interest as well as a breadth of knowledge across disciplines.
What Jobs Make 6 Figures With An Associate Degree?
Jobs like:
- Air Traffic Controller. Salary: $124,540.
- Computer Programmer. Salary: $82,240.
- Radiation Therapist. Salary: $80,570.
- Nuclear Technician. Salary: $80,370.
- Nuclear Medicine Technologist. Salary: $75,660.
- Dental Hygienist. Salary: $74,070.
- Registered Nurse. Salary: $70,000.
Can You Make 100k With An Associate Degree?
There are various occupations where you can make around $100,000 per year with only a two-year degree, contrary to the belief of some individuals who believe a four-year degree is necessary to obtain a higher-paid career.
What Is The Easiest Degree To Get?
The easiest degrees to get are:
- Psychology.
- Criminal Justice.
- English.
- Education.
- Religious Studies.
- Social Work.
- Sociology.
- Communications.
Is A General Studies Degree A BS Or BA?
A bachelor’s in general studies is a well-rounded undergraduate degree that emphasizes the acquisition of fundamental information in a variety of areas and fields.
Does General Studies Still Exist?
The likelihood is that you won’t be obliged to study general studies because there are so few institutions that still designate it as a required course.
Does General Studies Count As An A-level?
In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, students between the ages of 16 and 18 can take the General Studies GCSE, which replaced the A-level.
What Is The Easiest 2-Year Degree To Get?
The easiest associate degree to get is:
- Associate in Liberal Arts or General Education.
- Associate in Accounting.
- Associate in Healthcare Management.
- Associate in Marketing.
- Associate in Business Administration.
- Associate in Fashion Merchandising.
- Associate in Family and Child Therapy
Conclusion
An associate in general studies is valuable because by choosing to further your education, you are improving your future.
Your path to a higher degree or a more lucrative job setting can be started with an associate degree in general studies.
You can broaden your knowledge and get experience in a variety of fields with the aid of this degree.
With the information in this article, you’ll be able to decide if an associate in general studies is worth anything.
