Undergraduate
Degrees
Bachelor of Science
General Studies
A Solid Foundation
With the average person making three
career transitions – not just job changes,
but wholly new career paths – during his
or her working life, it makes a lot of sense
to develop broad-based skills that can
be applied in different positions and in
different industries.
A general studies degree equips students
with the communication expertise,
critical thinking abilities and worldview
that translate into transferable skills valued
by all employers. Such students are not
limited by one area of specialization,
but rather use their strong capacities
for problem-solving, critical thinking,
communication and life-long learning
to quickly master new skills in new
environments.
Career Options
Although pursuing a general studies degree provides
extensive opportunities for personal enrichment, it can
also serve as a highly effective springboard to a variety
of career paths, career advancements and as a highly
effective foundation for graduate study.
General studies graduates are employed in nearly every profession
ranging from business, sales, journalism, marketing and social service
to medicine, law and collegiate teaching (for those who have gone on
to complete graduate degrees).
General studies provides a breadth of knowledge that is particularly
advantageous in our increasingly complex and rapidly changing world,
where today’s skills are quickly outdated by tomorrow’s new technologies.
Research Connects Liberal Arts Study with Top Performance
In fact, an AT&T study found that, because of their interpersonal skills,
liberal arts grads were superior in management skills to business majors,
math majors and science/engineering majors. The study also found
these graduates moved into middle management faster than the math
and science/engineering majors, and reported higher job satisfaction.
Likewise, a 20-year study by Stanford University found the most
advantageous business skill is the ability to communicate, and that
the most effective communicators were people with a strong liberal
arts background.
Many employers seek broadly educated individuals (particularly those
who already have work experience) for managerial and administrative
positions, because they bring a broader worldview, understanding of how
diverse components of an organization and its environment interconnect,
and strong critical thinking and evaluation skills.
The particular career path you pursue will depend largely on your
interests and strengths.