Best Associate in General Studies Programs

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*Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

Students may choose to enroll in an associate degree program for general studies for various reasons. Once again, a degree in general studies is ideal for students who are unsure of what they want to study in a bachelor's degree program. The curriculum of a general studies program provides a unique opportunity for students to discover their innate abilities and passions that they may wish to carry over to a more advanced degree program and/or field.

Regardless of whether a student pursues a four-year degree or chooses to enter the workforce upon graduating, having a two-year degree usually provides greater employment opportunities, higher salaries, and the right skill sets to be successful. Students who pursue general studies associate degrees typically become adept in oral and written communication, data analysis, critical thinking, and research and writing.

Oftentimes, associate degree programs are available at community colleges at an affordable price, allowing students to begin their higher education experience closer to home and at a discount compared to a 4-year school. This may also be beneficial for students who are already in the workforce and need the ability to balance their college coursework with other work-life commitments.

The general requirements of a general studies associate degree program are usually the same at each college. However, elective courses vary greatly based on a student's interests. Because these types of programs offer such flexible curriculums, students should focus on the type of general studies degree they are interested in pursuing (AA, AS, or AAS) and whether that degree is transferable to a four-year program later on.

Another important factor to consider when choosing a program for an associate degree in general studies is whether it's a campus-based, online, or a hybrid program. As previously mentioned, online courses tend to provide even greater flexibility in completing a program on time, as well as for professionals and students who need to work around other life commitments and hectic schedules. Inquiring about the availability of evening and weekend courses may be another consideration for these individuals.

Prospective students may reach out to their intended school's academic advisor to learn more about their options when it comes to enrolling in an associate degree program for general studies. An advisor will be able to help a student decide the right degree path for their educational and professional goals, as well as provide information regarding course options, admissions, and accreditation status.

Application and Admissions for General Studies Associate Degree Programs

Students interested in enrolling in an associate degree program for general studies should fill out the online application found on their target school's website. For many schools, this requires students to create an online admissions profile to submit their information and supplemental documents, as well as stay up-to-date on deadlines and the status of their applications.

First-time applicants will have to also submit official transcripts from all previous schools (including their high school) and test scores (SATs, ACTs). In some situations, admissions requirements will also include submitting a form of identification and a residency application to determine if a student is eligible for in-state tuition. To submit an application and other materials, students may need to pay a nominal fee.

Depending on the school, students may have an opportunity to declare a general studies major right on the application. If not, an academic advisor is available to meet with the student to declare a major, register for courses, and set them up with any placement exams and their new-student orientation. Students transferring from other colleges will also need to undergo a transfer credit evaluation with an advisor in order to register for courses.

An associate degree in general studies usually includes about 60 credits and takes about two years to complete. However, the actual length of a program depends on several factors. For starters, students enrolled in their program full-time will likely finish their coursework faster than those who are enrolled part-time.

Additionally, individuals who take summer courses may be able to move along in their programs faster than those who take courses only during fall/winter and spring semesters. Some general studies associate degree programs offer flexible learning options, as well, in which students may be able to complete online coursework that tends to be shorter in length.

The cost of tuition for an associate degree in general studies typically depends on the location of the school, the program, and whether a student is attending in-person or through distance learning. Most two-year colleges allow students to declare their residency in the state in which the school is located to qualify for in-state tuition. This is oftentimes significantly more cost-effective than attending an out-of-state school. For example, schools may charge students between $50 and $150 per credit if they live in-state, as opposed to someone living out of state who may need to pay about $150 to $350 per credit.

Additional costs may include technology fees, health services, activity fees, amenities, parking, and textbooks. Students who need help paying for their education may qualify for financial aid or scholarships. We will discuss financial aid options in a later section.

Associate-level curriculums in general studies are typically universal from school to school; however, students often have a broad spectrum of course options when it comes to electives. Depending on the type of degree a student is pursuing (either an AA or AS), general education coursework may range from 28 to 45 credits. Other required coursework may include foundational topics in computer science, public speaking, or a foreign language.

Students can typically find the following course titles in their general studies associate degree programs:

• Composition I and II
• College Algebra
• Public Speaking
• Earth Science
• Introduction to Psychology
• Creative Writing

At the associate level, there are many great entry-level careers for a degree in general studies. Of course, some fields may require that a student completes a bachelor's degree program for career advancement.

Graduates who are starting out in the workforce with an associate general studies degree will be able to apply several skill sets from their academic programs, such as oral and written communication, interpersonal skills, attention to detail, critical thinking, decision-making, and organization.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the following associate-level general studies careers in 2020 had a median salary of:

• Secretaries and Administrative Assistants: $40,990
• Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks: $42,410
• General Office Clerks: $35,330
• Paralegal and Legal Assistants: $52,920
• Travel Agents: $42,350

Begin a Career as an Administrative Assistant

Many graduates with associate degrees in general studies choose to pursue an entry-level career as a general administrative assistant. Administrative assistants are responsible for taking on routine clerical tasks that allow for the efficient operation of a company or organization. Duties typically include taking phone calls and messages and transferring calls to other employees, organizing and setting up meetings, handling incoming and outgoing faxes and mail, preparing and editing documents, maintaining files, and basic bookkeeping.

Typically, administrative assistants utilize computers and technology to create spreadsheets and prepare reports and presentations. They may also handle other office responsibilities, such as ordering supplies and negotiating with vendors. To be successful, administrative assistants are usually adept in decision-making, interpersonal communication, writing, and organization.

According to the BLS, the employment growth is expected to decline by 7 percent (2020-2030) for administrative assistants. There will still be a projected need for people in these roles within the medical field as the healthcare industry expands.

Begin a Career as a Travel Agent

A career as a travel agent may be ideal for students with an associate degree in general studies. While a high school diploma is technically sufficient to obtain employment in this position, some college or a college degree with hospitality or business-related coursework is preferred. Travel agents are responsible for arranging business or leisure travel itineraries, coordinating tours and excursions, researching affordable travel fares, and booking flights, hotel rooms, events, and activities.

Typically, travel agents have a sense of adventure that allows them to specialize in exotic vacation planning, communication and customer service skills, keen attention to detail, and organization skills. The ability to multitask while working on several different itineraries is also important. Travel agents should also possess sales skills in order to negotiate travel deals and persuade clients to buy certain travel packages or tours.

According to the BLS, it is expected that job growth for travel agents will increase by 5 percent between 2020 and 2030. This is due to the COVID-19 recovery and more people turning to travel agents to book their travel experiences.

It is important for students to attend a college or university that is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting organization. In fact, students seeking federal financial aid, scholarships, and even gainful employment will need to show proof of attendance at or graduation from an accredited school. Higher education institutions receive accreditation for meeting and exceeding satisfactory academic standards through exemplary curriculum and instruction, as well as by providing several academic and career resources to their student body. Although general studies programs typically do not have programmatic accreditation, students should instead look for a school's regional or institutional accreditations, such as the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

For more information regarding accreditation, students can visit their school's website or search for their college's accreditations through the U.S. Department of Education's Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP).

Graduates with associate degrees in general studies may decide to seek entry-level employment in various fields upon completion of their programs; however, many students may also choose to enroll in a bachelor's degree program for general studies or a specific field. Regardless of whether a student enters the workforce or continues their education, there are several opportunities for career advancement for these associate degree holders.

Those who seek jobs as general office clerks may opt to advance in their careers by obtaining a Professional Administrative Certification of Excellence (PACE) credential. Individuals who hold a PACE credential are able to demonstrate their skills in interpersonal communication, task and project management, and computer and technology usage. Candidates must enroll online, complete the learning modules and study guides, and pass a comprehensive multiple-choice exam. Recertification for the PACE credential is every two years and requires the completion of 2.4 continuing education units (CEU).

Of course, depending on the type of field a student works in upon completing their associate degree programs in general studies, there may be even more certification opportunities related to their specific industry.

Students who have obtained an associate degree in general studies may decide to continue their education in a bachelor's degree program and higher. Although students may have a better idea of where their academic and professional interests lie upon completing an interdisciplinary associate degree program, others may find options for continuing general studies at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels.

Additionally, there are several certificate programs available for students to improve their skill sets in wide-ranging specializations and topics. We will discuss these degree options in the sections below.

Bachelor's Degrees in General Studies

Students with an associate degree in general studies may decide to continue their education in a specific major at the bachelor level. Other students may choose to continue in an interdisciplinary program for general studies, gaining broad expertise in an array of academic subjects.

A bachelor's degree program in general studies usually takes about four years to complete and typically includes general education requirements (these are often completed in an associate degree program), as well as courses that fulfill concentrations of the student's choosing. Most often, a bachelor's degree in general studies culminates in a Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) in General Studies.

Master's Degrees in General Studies

As students continue their education in more advanced degree programs, a curriculum in general studies may be harder to come across. However, students who wish to pursue a more interdisciplinary study may decide to enroll in a graduate program for liberal arts. Similar to a curriculum for general studies, liberal arts courses cover the four liberal arts branches of study: natural sciences, social sciences, arts, and humanities.

A master's degree program for general studies or liberal arts may include about 30 credits of coursework and usually takes about two years to complete. To culminate their studies, students may be required to submit a thesis/dissertation and defense or pass a series of comprehensive exams. Students often obtain a Master of Arts (MA) in Liberal Arts upon completion of their programs.

Doctoral Degrees in General Studies

While there are not currently any doctoral degrees under ''general studies'' specifically, students may opt to pursue a doctorate in liberal studies or liberal arts instead. Additionally, students may instead choose to major in a specific branch of liberal arts at this point in their education. A doctorate is the highest level of academic achievement a student can obtain and is typically reserved for individuals seeking careers in higher education teaching, research, or leadership roles.

Many doctorates in liberal studies take about two to five years to complete and may range between 36-60 credits; however, the number of required credits may be more or less depending on the school. Students in doctoral programs may need to complete other program requirements, such as teaching apprenticeships, fieldwork, comprehensive examinations, and a thesis/dissertation and defense.

A doctorate in liberal studies may culminate in a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or a Doctor of Liberal Arts (DLA).

Certificate Programs in General Studies

Students who are considering enrolling in an associate degree or bachelor's degree program for general studies may decide to begin their college career with a certificate in general studies. Generally, a certificate in general studies is designed for students to complete their first year of academic study towards a two-year program. A certificate in general studies typically consists of a curriculum of 15-30 credit hours, depending on the school.

While the majority of general studies certificates are transferable to associate degree programs, students are encouraged to speak with an academic advisor to determine if all their coursework will carry over.

Students who opt to invest in their futures by enrolling in an associate degree program for general studies typically find that doing so is a cost-effective choice at the beginning of their college careers. However, for those who cannot afford their college tuition and other educational costs, there is federal financial aid and several scholarships available for them to apply to.

To qualify for federal financial aid, students must be able to demonstrate financial need. Students can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine how much money they may be eligible to receive. Other eligibility requirements include attending an accredited college or university, maintaining U.S. citizenship or eligible non-citizen status, and proof of satisfactory academic progress. Students may also apply for federal work-study programs in addition to FAFSA, in which they may earn money through a campus job to offset their tuition.

There are many scholarships and grants available, as well, that students can search for and apply to online. Many two-year colleges also have internal scholarships to students enrolled in associate degree programs. Other financial aid options may include an employer tuition reimbursement program through the student's workplace or military educational benefits.

Students can speak with their college's financial aid representative to learn more about their options for paying for their associate degree, including tuition and financing, FAFSA, and scholarships.

Sante Fe Community College Tuition Scholarships

The Sante Fe Community College Tuition Scholarships are awarded to continuing students at Sante Fe Community College who are enrolled at least part-time and are in financial need. Students must also have a minimum grade point average of 2.5 and should have already completed the FAFSA form to be eligible. Award amounts vary based on the type of enrollment.

HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarships

The HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarships are offered to Georgia residents who have demonstrated academic achievement at the college level at an eligible Georgia higher education institution. Eligibility requirements include having U.S. citizenship or eligible non-citizen status, enrollment in a degree-seeking program, and remaining in good standing with other financial aid and student loans.