If you’re undecided about what you’d like to major in, you are not alone. An estimated 20-50% of students entering college choose to enroll as “undecided.” It’s completely understandable! Upon entering college, you’re faced with a huge assortment of classes in an endless array of subject areas. From Film History to Chemistry, how are you supposed to narrow down your choices to fit within the confines of a major’s course requirements? Luckily, there’s a wonderful degree program suited perfectly for students who are driven to explore a bit more. The General Studies degree is the ideal program for students who want to tailor their degree to fit their interests and personal goals. Let’s explore some of the benefits of this unique degree path.
What is a General Studies Degree?
As discussed, it is not uncommon for students to begin their college program before knowing exactly what they’d like to major in. Some students are interested in too many subjects to choose just one! For these students, a degree in General Studies is a wonderful option. General studies degree programs provide students with a broad understanding of a wide variety of topics. This results in a degree that is more flexible than most traditional degree programs. Some schools, including University of Bridgeport, offer students the opportunity to choose an area of concentration within the General Studies program.
General Studies Degree Options
At University of Bridgeport, there are three General Studies degree programs that students can choose to pursue. Students who want to earn a two-year degree can choose between an Associate in Arts (AA) or an Associate in Science (AS). The most commonly chosen degree, however, is the bachelor’s degree in General Studies. The BS in General Studies is a four-year program of study that may be offered on-campus or online. General Studies students work closely with an academic advisor to design an academic program that suits their specific needs, goals, and interests. Students may choose to pursue an area of concentration as well as a minor. For example, a student who chooses a concentration in Business Studies may decide to earn a minor in Psychology.
General Studies Curriculum
The General Studies degree program requires students to complete a foundation of general education credits in Composition and Rhetoric, Mathematics, Fine Arts, Humanities, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, and Liberal Arts. They also need to complete a capstone seminar and a first-year seminar.
In addition to general education classes, students will need to choose a concentration. University of Bridgeport offers concentrations in Business Studies, Health Sciences, Humanities, Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Science, Engineering, Social Sciences, and Computer-Related Fields. Here are just a few examples of coursework in these areas:
Business Studies
- Accounting
- Economics
- Finance
- Law
- Management
Health Sciences
- Chemistry
- Community Health
- Nutrition
Humanities
- Art History
- Literature and Linguistics
- Music Appreciation
- Philosophy
- Religion
Natural Sciences and Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Geology
- Physics
Science/ Engineering/ Computer-Related Fields
- Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Physics
- Chemistry
Social Sciences
- Economics
- Political Science
- Sociology
General Studies Degree Outcomes
Students in the General Studies program are prepared to communicate effectively both in writing and orally. They’re trained to comprehend, analyze, and interpret texts in a variety of subject areas. The curriculum that students complete in this program helps them to develop the skills they need to enter graduate study in a variety of areas including Law, Marketing, Psychology, Social Sciences, and more, depending on the area of concentration that they decide to pursue. Additionally, graduates of the General Studies program are qualified to enter the workforce in a number of positions in a number of fields such as media, management, and human services.
Top Benefits of Earning a Degree in General Studies
General Studies graduates are well-rounded individuals who have had a strong foundation built upon a liberal arts education. Additionally, schools that offer the option to pursue an area of concentration set their students up for a successful transition to either graduate school or a career. Here are just a few more benefits of earning a college degree in General Studies.
1. Flexibility
A bachelor’s degree in General Studies offers students flexibility. Much like many other liberal arts degrees, students in the General Studies program can frequently earn some, if not all, of their credits online. University of Bridgeport, for example, offers a General Studies BS online. This particular path is ideal for adult learners who require flexibility to balance school with other obligations, like work. Courses in this program are offered entirely online.
2. A Great Option for Transfer Students and Adult Learners
The BS in General Studies is a wonderful option for transfer students, as well as adults who wish to go back to school. This is because a General Studies degree allows the maximum number of free electives permitted by the university. Students have the ability to choose courses that fit their interests and professional goals. This is great for those who are on the fast track to earning a bachelor’s degree, due to the credits available in diverse content areas. It is also great for incoming transfer students, as there’s more flexibility in which courses can be considered for transfer in a General Studies program.
3. Versatility
Upon graduating from the General Studies degree program, many students will find that they have plenty of job opportunities. This degree can prepare graduates for jobs in
leadership positions, human resources, sales, marketing, and more. As mentioned, the areas of concentration offered by UB can further prepare graduates for more specialized roles, making this a versatile and valuable degree program.
4. Earn a Fulfilling Degree
General Studies can be a highly rewarding and fulfilling degree of study. Students are able to explore a wide variety of topics throughout the entirety of their program. Upon completion of their degree, they’ll have gained a deep understanding of interesting topics ranging from philosophy to social science to natural sciences. The freedom to explore and experiment with their curriculum is one of the many benefits that students who pursue this degree can expect.
A General Studies degree provides students with the opportunity to gain knowledge in a wide variety of subject areas. This unique degree prepares students for a number of career opportunities, including graduate school for bachelor’s degree holders. For students who are eager to find a degree they can shape to fit their interests and career goals, the BS in General Studies is certainly worth considering.