In today’s competitive job market, flexibility is a major asset. That’s where a general studies bachelor degree stands out. Designed for adaptability and personal customization, this degree empowers students to create a broad educational foundation tailored to their goals.
Whether you’re a transfer student, adult learner, or someone who wants a degree that isn’t narrowly focused, general studies offers a unique pathway. But what can you do with a general studies bachelor degree after graduation? The possibilities might surprise you.
Understanding a General Studies Bachelor Degree
What Is a General Studies Degree?
A general studies bachelor degree is an interdisciplinary program that allows students to study a wide range of subjects across humanities, social sciences, business, science, and more. Unlike specialized degrees that focus on one subject area, general studies promotes well-rounded education and flexible learning.
Students might take classes in communication, psychology, business, sociology, and technology—all within the same program. It’s ideal for those who want to tailor their learning to their interests or professional goals.
Who Should Consider a General Studies Degree?
A general studies degree can be a strategic choice for:
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Non-traditional students returning to education later in life
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Transfer students with varied credits from different majors
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Undecided majors looking for flexibility before narrowing career choices
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Working professionals needing a degree for career advancement
It’s also a popular choice for students who’ve changed majors or paused their studies and now want to complete a degree quickly without starting over.
What Can You Do With a General Studies Bachelor Degree?
General studies degrees open the door to a wide range of career paths. While it may not lead directly into a highly technical or specialized role, it builds strong communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that employers value across industries.
Careers in Business and Administration
A general studies degree is an excellent launchpad for entry-level business roles. Students with concentrations in communication, management, or marketing will find themselves especially well-prepared.
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Project Coordinator – Manage timelines and team deliverables in marketing, tech, or HR teams
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Office Manager – Oversee administrative operations and manage small teams
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Administrative Assistant – Provide organizational support, schedule meetings, and handle correspondence
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Sales Representative – Use persuasive communication and problem-solving to drive revenue
These roles reward interpersonal skills and initiative—core strengths of general studies graduates.
Jobs in Education and Training
While general studies doesn’t lead directly to classroom teaching without certification, it supports multiple roles in the education field.
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Academic Advisor – Help students select courses and chart their educational paths
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Training and Development Specialist – Design employee training in corporate environments
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K–12 Support Roles – Serve as teacher aides, substitute teachers, or tutors (often with added credentials)
Adding a minor or post-bachelor certificate can position you for more formal education roles.
Roles in Government and Public Service
The public sector values versatile degrees, and a general studies background is often enough for administrative or civil service jobs.
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Civil Service Assistant – Work in local or federal agencies managing reports or citizen services
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Public Affairs Coordinator – Help with communication and PR within government bodies
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Social Services Assistant – Support social workers or manage community outreach programs
Veterans and those interested in public impact will find this a fitting path.
Communication and Media Careers
If your coursework emphasized writing, media, or digital tools, general studies is a natural fit for roles in communications.
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Content Writer – Write blog posts, web content, or marketing material
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Marketing Assistant – Help with brand campaigns, email marketing, or market research
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Public Relations Associate – Craft messaging and respond to media inquiries
Creativity and communication—hallmarks of general studies—are essential in these fields.
Entry-Level Roles Across Industries
Many companies hire for roles based on skills and potential rather than major.
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Customer Service Manager – Manage client relations in retail, tech, or finance
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Human Resources Assistant – Support hiring, onboarding, and employee relations
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Real Estate Agent – Help clients buy and sell properties (license required)
If you’re motivated and willing to learn, your general studies degree can open multiple doors.
Can You Go to Graduate School With a General Studies Degree?
Yes—many students with general studies degrees continue their education in graduate programs. Because the degree is accredited and includes core coursework, it often qualifies for admission.
Grad School Options
Depending on your academic focus and career goals, you can pursue:
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MBA – If you’ve taken business-related courses
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Law School – With solid GPA and LSAT scores
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Master’s in Education – For teaching careers, with additional licensure
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Social Work or Counseling – Ideal if you’ve studied psychology or sociology
General studies serves as a flexible foundation for many postgrad tracks.
Tips for Strengthening Your Application
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Complete relevant internships or certifications
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Craft a strong personal statement explaining your path
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Secure recommendations from professors or mentors
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Maintain a competitive GPA
Pros and Cons of a General Studies Bachelor Degree
Advantages
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Flexibility – Design your own academic path
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Career Versatility – Skills apply across industries
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Time Efficiency – Great for returning or transfer students
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Affordability – Often offered online or at state schools
Disadvantages
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Lack of Specialization – May not qualify for certain technical jobs
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Requires Self-Motivation – You must proactively plan your career
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Employer Perception – Some employers may value specialized degrees more
Success often depends on how well you market your degree and experiences.
How to Maximize Your General Studies Degree
General studies is only as powerful as you make it. Strategic decisions during and after your studies can help you compete with more specialized degrees.
Skill Development Strategies
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Add a minor in business, communication, or computer science
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Complete internships related to your career goals
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Earn certifications – Examples:
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Google Analytics
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Project Management (CAPM)
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HR (SHRM-CP or PHR)
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Teaching credentials
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These signal expertise beyond your major.
Building a Strong Resume
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Highlight transferable skills like writing, communication, teamwork, and research
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Use outcome-based descriptions (“Increased customer satisfaction by 25%…”)
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Tailor your resume to the job description
Pairing your degree with relevant experience is key.
Top Industries Hiring General Studies Graduates
Here are some of the top sectors actively hiring general studies graduates:
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Business & Marketing – Entry-level roles in sales, HR, operations
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Education – Advising, training, support staff roles
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Government & Public Policy – Administrative support, coordination, outreach
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Nonprofits & NGOs – Program coordination, communication, fundraising
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Technology Support – Customer success, project support, documentation roles
Job titles may differ, but employers consistently value flexible thinkers.
Real-World Success Stories
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Emily, a general studies graduate, now works as a communications director at a nonprofit after gaining PR certifications.
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Jorge finished a general studies degree online and later earned an MBA. He now works as a project manager at a logistics firm.
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Hannah used her general studies background to enter a teaching credential program and now teaches high school English.
The path may be nontraditional, but the outcomes can be just as rewarding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is a general studies degree worth anything?
Yes. While it doesn’t lead directly to a niche field, the value lies in its flexibility. You gain a range of transferable skills that apply across multiple industries. It’s especially useful for career changers or those re-entering the workforce.
Can I get a good job with a general studies degree?
Absolutely. Many employers prioritize soft skills and work experience over your exact major. Common jobs include roles in administration, sales, marketing, government, and HR.
What majors pair well with general studies?
If your school allows, consider minors in:
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Business Administration
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Psychology
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Communications
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Computer Science
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Education
These pairings create more focused resumes.
Can you go into teaching with a general studies degree?
Yes, but you’ll likely need a post-baccalaureate teaching credential. Your general studies degree covers core subjects that make you eligible for many elementary or secondary teaching programs.
What’s the difference between general studies and liberal arts?
General studies is broader, allowing custom coursework across many fields. Liberal arts typically focuses more on the humanities and philosophy. Both build critical thinking, but general studies is often more career-focused.
What is the average salary with a general studies degree?
Salaries vary by industry. Some common averages:
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Administrative roles: $45,000–$60,000
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Sales and marketing: $50,000–$70,000
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Government/public sector: $48,000–$65,000
With experience or further education, these numbers rise.
Read More Also: Building Your Personal Brand as a Student
Final Thoughts
So, what can you do with a general studies bachelor degree? The answer: more than you might think.
This degree is about unlocking opportunity. It gives you a broad skill set, versatile knowledge base, and freedom to shape your career on your terms. With intention and planning, a general studies degree can be just as powerful as a specialized major—and sometimes even more so.
Whether you’re launching your career, changing directions, or preparing for graduate school, this degree gives you the foundational tools to thrive.