Best Online General Studies Degrees

General studies programs provide a broad base of knowledge, which complements many career paths. In reality, general studies
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Updated October 4, 2023

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Many prospective college students don't understand what goes into a general studies bachelor's degree online, as the major seems ambiguous at first glance. In reality, general studies provides a broad base of knowledge, which complements many career paths. General studies students essentially take general education courses for all four years of college, mixing courses in the arts, sciences, and humanities.

As more jobs require bachelor's degrees, a bachelor's in general studies allows graduates to compete for roles while keeping their options open. It's a great fit for adult learners seeking flexibility, as many online programs can be tailored to specific interests. Read on to learn more about graduates' common career paths, coursework, financial aid, and the importance of accreditation.

What Courses Can be Taken for an Online General Studies Degree?

While completing an online bachelor's degree in general studies, students cover diverse topics, such as art, film, history, math, science, sociology, philosophy, business, and psychology. The courses highlighted in this section provide a sample of what degree seekers may learn, but prospective students should contact their potential schools directly for their full curriculum.

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Featured Online General Studies Programs

Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.

How Much Can You Make in a General Studies Career?

A general studies bachelor's degree online is interdisciplinary in nature, allowing learners to gain foundational skills in a wide array of topics and explore many different career paths. Some learners focus more on art-related classes, while others lean more heavily on physical science coursework. Remember, a general studies bachelor's degree does not guarantee you a job.

Alabama Median Annual Salary: $30,420

Number Currently Employed: 1,460

Projected Job Growth: -20.2 percent

Alaska Median Annual Salary: $37,340

Number Currently Employed: 90

Projected Job Growth: -3.3 percent

Arizona Median Annual Salary: $24,220

Number Currently Employed: N/A

Projected Job Growth: N/A

Arkansas Median Annual Salary: $28,250

Number Currently Employed: 1,230

Projected Job Growth: +1.4 percent

California Median Annual Salary: $40,040

Number Currently Employed: 21,000

Projected Job Growth: -4.3 percent

Colorado Median Annual Salary: $29,470

Number Currently Employed: 1,820

Projected Job Growth: +18.6 percent

Connecticut Median Annual Salary: $34,780

Number Currently Employed: 2,010

Projected Job Growth: -7 percent

Delaware Median Annual Salary: $31,870

Number Currently Employed: 200

Projected Job Growth: -7.7 percent

District of Columbia (DC) Median Annual Salary: $64,930

Number Currently Employed: 270

Projected Job Growth: -1.5 percent

Florida Median Annual Salary: $33,400

Number Currently Employed: 11,740

Projected Job Growth: +5.2 percent

Georgia Median Annual Salary: $34,780

Number Currently Employed: 3,510

Projected Job Growth: -11.9 percent

Hawaii Median Annual Salary: $28,530

Number Currently Employed: 1,370

Projected Job Growth: -10.3 percent

Idaho Median Annual Salary: $25,730

Number Currently Employed: 100

Projected Job Growth: -19.4 percent

Illinois Median Annual Salary: $31,580

Number Currently Employed: 5,030

Projected Job Growth: -18.3 percent

Indiana Median Annual Salary: $29,410

Number Currently Employed: 1,800

Projected Job Growth: -30.8 percent

Iowa Median Annual Salary: $28,020

Number Currently Employed: 1,870

Projected Job Growth: -10.8 percent

Kansas Median Annual Salary: $33,090

Number Currently Employed: 1,330

Projected Job Growth: -24 percent

Kentucky Median Annual Salary: $35,680

Number Currently Employed: 1,490

Projected Job Growth: -22 percent

Lousiana Median Annual Salary: $24,150

Number Currently Employed: 1,100

Projected Job Growth: -7.9 percent

Maine Median Annual Salary: $29,230

Number Currently Employed: 360

Projected Job Growth: -13.5 percent

Maryland Median Annual Salary: $25,310

Number Currently Employed: 3,280

Projected Job Growth: +75.3 percent

Massachusuetts Median Annual Salary: $39,170

Number Currently Employed: 3,790

Projected Job Growth: +12 percent

Michigan Median Annual Salary: N/A

Number Currently Employed: 3,280

Projected Job Growth: -12.2 percent

Minnesota Median Annual Salary: $38,980

Number Currently Employed: 2,400

Projected Job Growth: -14.7 percent

Mississippi Median Annual Salary: $40,260

Number Currently Employed: 720

Projected Job Growth: -15.9 percent

Missouri Median Annual Salary: $28,830

Number Currently Employed: 3,750

Projected Job Growth: +1.3 percent

Montana Median Annual Salary: $26,430

Number Currently Employed: 400

Projected Job Growth: -18.5 percent

Nebraska Median Annual Salary: $28,380

Number Currently Employed: 1,280

Projected Job Growth: -17.5 percent

Nevada Median Annual Salary: $30,660

Number Currently Employed: 1,970

Projected Job Growth: -16.3 percent

New Hampsire Median Annual Salary: $31,650

Number Currently Employed: 470

Projected Job Growth: -15.1 percent

New Jersey Median Annual Salary: $26,540

Number Currently Employed: 4,750

Projected Job Growth: -31 percent

New Mexico Median Annual Salary: $29,170

Number Currently Employed: N/A

Projected Job Growth: N/A

New York Median Annual Salary: N/A

Number Currently Employed: 9,420

Projected Job Growth: -5.8 percent

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Number Currently Employed: 5,580

Projected Job Growth: -8.2 percent

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Number Currently Employed: 160

Projected Job Growth: -19.4 percent

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Number Currently Employed: 5,720

Projected Job Growth: -14.1 percent

Oklahoma Median Annual Salary: $28,310

Number Currently Employed: 2,160

Projected Job Growth: -3.6 percent

Oregon Median Annual Salary: $30,860

Number Currently Employed: 1,570

Projected Job Growth: -2 percent

Pennsylvania Median Annual Salary: $30,370

Number Currently Employed: 4,680

Projected Job Growth: -15.1 percent

Rhode Island Median Annual Salary: $49,350

Number Currently Employed: N/A

Projected Job Growth: N/A

South Carolina Median Annual Salary: $27,840

Number Currently Employed: 1,750

Projected Job Growth: -13.2 percent

South Dakota Median Annual Salary: $29,550

Number Currently Employed: 370

Projected Job Growth: -11.4 percent

Tennessee Median Annual Salary: $28,250

Number Currently Employed: 2,950

Projected Job Growth: -7 percent

Texas Median Annual Salary: $26,330

Number Currently Employed: N/A

Projected Job Growth: N/A

Utah Median Annual Salary: $36,220

Number Currently Employed: 2,010

Projected Job Growth: +22.7 percent

Vermont Median Annual Salary: $43,340

Number Currently Employed: 870

Projected Job Growth: -2.5 percent

Virginia Median Annual Salary: N/A

Number Currently Employed: 2,980

Projected Job Growth: +14.1 percent

Washington Median Annual Salary: $38,660

Number Currently Employed: 4,070

Projected Job Growth: -5.1 percent

West Virginia Median Annual Salary: $26,030

Number Currently Employed: 370

Projected Job Growth: +7.9 percent

Wisconsin Median Annual Salary: $31,120

Number Currently Employed: 2,400

Projected Job Growth: +13.1 percent

Wyoming Median Annual Salary: $29,200

Number Currently Employed: 200

Projected Job Growth: -5.6 percent

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions on Courses and Careers in General Studies Program

Once students learn what a general studies bachelor's degree online entails, they may have some questions about how to choose the right program for them. Learners should consider coursework and potential career paths, along with course delivery format and whether a prospective program would help them achieve their career goals. Review the FAQ below, and reach out to individual schools with further questions.

What strategies should I employ when picking classes?

This depends on your goals. Some students choose general studies as a major because it covers so many topics, but others opt to tailor their electives to create a more focused plan of study. Consider what you hope to get out of these four years and create a plan to ensure you meet your goals.

Are there any concerns about completing this degree online?

Online general studies degrees provide the flexibility to attend school while still balancing personal and professional responsibilities. Most distance learning courses mirror their on campus counterparts, in fact, many are taught by the same campus-based professors. When looking at online programs, make sure your school maintains a good reputation, and that its online education department offers practical, helpful learning technologies.

What should I pay attention to when looking at faculty?

When reviewing faculty, students need to look for three characteristics: education, experience, and research interests. All faculty should have at least a master's degree, plus practical, real-world experience in their field. If you think you're interested in a particular subfield, check to see if a prospective school employs faculty with those same interests.

Should I look for a specific curriculum focus?

Again, this depends on what you hope to gain from your degree. Many general studies allow for interdisciplinary customization. They may not offer specializations, but students can often focus their studies to learn more about a specific topic or discipline if they so choose.

How will this degree help me reach my goals?

Completing a bachelor's degree in general studies online does not necessarily qualify you for any particular role, but it should prepare you to apply for positions requiring a bachelor's degree. This degree can fit students who do not yet know what they want to study or pursue for a career, but who still want to complete a bachelor's degree. Many general studies graduates go on to complete more specialized master's programs after spending some time in the workforce.

Scholarships and Financial Aid for General Studies Programs

Completing a bachelor's degree requires a great deal of funding. Most students cannot pay for their degree out-of-pocket, so they turn to alternative funding sources to help cover costs. Student loans represent one funding method, but degree seekers should explore scholarship and grant options, since these forms of aid do not require repayment. Below are just a few scholarship options for general studies applicants below.

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