What Can You Do With a General Studies Degree?

The post-pandemic job market is competitive and chaotic. A higher education degree offers many personal and career benefits. It's an asset for hiring, promotions, and maintaining stable employment. 

What can a general studies major do for you? A general studies degree is a flexible program where you decide what courses best fit your goals. Some common misconceptions about the general studies degree include not graduating with competitive skills in your field, or not having the abilities needed to graduate with a specific major. 

In reality, a general studies degree provides a rewarding curriculum. It gives you the opportunity to tailor your education to the relevant abilities you need. You can learn marketable skills across multiple disciplines. 

Are you wondering if a general studies degree can meet your educational goals? Keep reading to discover if this major is the right fit for you.

What Are the Benefits of a General Studies Degree?

A general studies degree offers adaptability in coursework compared to specific degree plans. A general studies major can be especially beneficial for nontraditional students such as:

• military members and veterans 
• single working parents and dual-working households 
• returning students with some credits, but no degree
• current employees who want to switch careers 
• students who have switched major’s multiple times 

This degree plan also allows students more choices in coursework and concentrations. CCU's associate in general studies program offers a life science and social science track. Students can pick from multidisciplinary electives that include economics, psychology, and health care. 

With general studies, students can hone soft skill sets in science, math, and the liberal arts. These skills can include:

• Verbal and written communication
• Research and analysis
• Critical thinking
• Problem-solving 
• Collaboration and project management
• Creativity and innovation
• Adaptable learning strategies
• Negotiation and persuasion

Along with soft skills, students can choose from a wide range of technical skills. Examples can include content creation and social media management in liberal arts. It can also include financial and account management in technology and business. 

Many careers demand higher education skills that span multiple fields of study. Read on for examples of careers that generally require a variety of skill sets. 

1. Brand Manager 

Brand managers ensure a company's products and services meet its customers' expectations.

Brand managers must have top-notch communication and marketing skills.  They also have skills in budgeting, analysis, problem-solving, and innovation.  

2. Executive Assistant 

Executive assistants are the coordinators for key executives within a company.

Executive assistants rely on their meticulous organizational and communication skills. They also perform varying tasks within their role. These tasks can include research, statistical analysis, record keeping, and data entry.

3. Social and Community Service Manager

Social Service Managers oversee programs and institutions that serve the public. They may work for local and state governments or private, non-profit organizations.

Social Service Managers are the liaison between their organization and the public. They gather data and generate reports to prove the impact of their programs and services. 

They rely on communication and human resource management. They also have skills in finance, data analysis, and public relations. 

4. Chief Operating Officer

Chief Operating Officers are top executives that work for the company's CEO. They maintain their executive strategy.

COOs need at least a decade of company experience in addition to higher education.

They coordinate all departments and rely on their leadership and communication expertise. They have a solid understanding of all the technical roles within their organization. 

5. General Manager 

A general manager is an executive who oversees a company's daily operational functions. GMs can also fulfill the role of chief operating officers and CEOs. 

GMs have a solid foundation in leadership, project management, and human resource management. They have the finance and accounting skills to manage their company's operational budget. 

6. Business Analyst 

Business analysts are the liaison between a company and its technology and finance departments.  

Business analysts have skills in complex analysis and problem-solving.  They must understand all the business, finance, and technology functions within their company.

They have the interpersonal skills needed to explain problems. And the persuasive communication skills they need to carry out solutions.

7. Technical Writer

Technical writers specialize in simplifying complex information for clients. They analyze the information provided by subject matter experts. 

Their educational foundation is a mix of communication and technological expertise. They may also need varying technical skills from graphic design to computer scripting. 

8. Industrial Production Manager 

Industrial production managers, or plant managers, are responsible for a factory's daily operations.

They oversee quality control and production processes. They have both human resource management and business management skills. They also have skills in data analysis, written and oral reporting, and budgeting.

Start Your AS or BS in General Studies Today

A general studies degree is for you and your needs. It allows students the flexibility to meet all their educational goals. It can be the steppingstone to a career that demands multidisciplinary skill sets. 

If a degree in general studies is the right fit for you, apply for admission or contact an advisor today.