Is general studies a good degree?
Sarah Garza
Updated on April 01, 2026
Yes, a general studies degree is worth it for many professionals. A general studies degree may be a great degree to work towards if you want a college education but aren’t sure exactly what type of degree or career you’re interested in pursuing.
What is the best degree to pursue?
| Rank | Degree subject | % high meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Petroleum Engineering | 72% |
| 2 | Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) | 44% |
| 3 | Applied Economics and Management | 69% |
| 4 | Operations Research | 48% |
What does a degree in general studies get you?
General studies is a degree program designed for those who value a college education, but who need time to explore and discover the right career path. It allows students to fulfill general education credits, study relevant topics, develop versatile skillsets, and prepare for a wide net of career options.
What is a bachelor’s in general studies good for?
Because of its versatility, a general studies degree can prepare you for multiple industries and careers. Based on your areas of concentration, a BGS can lead to jobs in education, manufacturing, politics, marketing, logistics, nutrition, public health and social work, among other fields.
Is a general studies degree worthless?
G.S. degrees are worth it if — and only if — they are part of the entry requirements for professional degrees. For instance, if you want to do medicine or law (especially law), the G.S. degree will generally satisfy admission requirements — so there’s no point doing a really hard first degree.
Is general studies a bad major?
A General Studies major isn’t a heinous place to start if you really have no clue about where you want to land. It’s usually very simple to switch in and out of majors at liberal arts colleges or in the school of arts and sciences at universities.
What can I do after BA general?
Career Options after BA
- Study Further in your Subject (MA)
- Become a Manager (MBA)
- Specialize in Business Analytics.
- Become a Data Scientist (Diploma in Data Science)
- Learn Digital Marketing (PG Certification)
- Enter the Insurance Industry (Certification)
- Become a Lawyer (LLB)
- Journalism.
How much can you make with a general studies degree?
General Studies Salary
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | |
|---|---|---|
| Top Earners | $80,500 | $6,708 |
| 75th Percentile | $62,500 | $5,208 |
| Average | $47,721 | $3,976 |
| 25th Percentile | $26,000 | $2,166 |
How to choose the best degree program for You?
Talk to other students in degree programs that interest you and ask them where they plan on heading after graduation. Leverage your resources on campus and sit down for a while with a career advisor or guidance counselor and talk about the best degree to major in.
What kind of jobs can you get with a General Studies degree?
You can choose from a vast list of job options when you study for a degree in general studies. In this article, we have compiled 15 jobs to consider when you have earned a general studies degree. A general studies degree is a great option when you are unsure of which college major to declare. This degree will give you freedom and flexibility.
Which is the best master’s degree in general studies?
The Master of Arts program in European and Eurasian Studies (EES) at the Elliott School of International Affairs provides an interdisciplinary approach to analyzing the functi +
Which is better a general degree or a specific degree?
A more general degree may offer a broader range of career options after graduation than a very specific degree. And the trend in education toward getting a graduate degree to advance your professional skills may mean that now is not the right time for you to specialize anyway.