There are a variety of education programs that lead to a generalist bachelor's degree. See how this degree program can prepare you to work in a number of fields or get you ready for master's program enrollment. Explore the subjects you'll study and how you can complete some classes online.
What Is a Generalist Bachelor's Degree?
A generalist bachelor's degree program allows you to study a wide range of areas on your way to graduation. Depending on the school, this may mean following a structured plan or could mean creating your own schedule with the help of an academic adviser. Your degree may also aim to focus on a certain area that you find interesting, or can be a sampling of all academic areas in a quest to help you determine what you enjoy the most. In addition to earning your bachelor's degree in general studies, some schools may require you to minor in a certain area of your choosing.
While studying broad topics, you can take the time to make the important decision about your career goals and test your strengths in some of your areas of interest. But if you're considering a field with many years of specific training necessary, you may fall behind. Deciding whether focused training or a broad base of knowledge is most important to you should influence your decision to enroll in a generalist bachelor's degree program.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Continuing Education</b></td><td> Graduate programs are available in many fields</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Online Availability</b></td><td> Online programs are available</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> Mathematics, social sciences, natural sciences, economics, history</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Possible Careers</b></td><td> Sales associate, marketing specialist, writer, office administrator</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td>$65,810 <i>(market research analyst)</i></td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td>18% growth <i>(market research analyst)</i></td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCanIDoWithMyDegree">What Can I Do With My Degree?</h3><p>Due to the general nature of these programs, earning your degree prepares you for a variety of future possibilities. One option is to decide what academic area interests you most and continue studying that area in graduate school. Throughout the course of your bachelor's degree program, you gain critical thinking and research skills that are highly valued in any graduate program. If you choose not to continue your education, you may still have a greater chance of finding good paying employment than someone without a degree or someone with a lower degree, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Some examples of job areas you may qualify for include:
</p><ul><li>Sales
</li><li>Marketing
</li><li>Business
</li><li>Writing
</li><li>Office administration
</li></ul><h3 id="section---CanICompleteMyDegreeOnline">Can I Complete My Degree Online?</h3><p>Many schools offer bachelor's degrees in general studies through an online format. Some schools offer this degree to students who have taken college courses but never finished their degree. Earning your bachelor's degree online could benefit you if you are working full time or have other daily obligations. Online generalist bachelor's degree programs are similar to on campus programs, requiring you to complete coursework and tests, listen to lectures and exposing you to a variety of subject areas. The main difference is that online programs rarely if ever require campus visits, and they provide you with more flexibility for when you complete your coursework and ultimately graduate.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatClassesWillITake">What Classes Will I Take?</h3><p>To a large extent, the courses that you take depend on what your interests are and what areas of study you would like to explore. Some areas that you could consider taking classes in include:
</p><ul><li>Mathematics
</li><li>Social sciences
</li><li>Natural sciences
</li><li>Economics
</li><li>Foreign languages
</li><li>Literature
</li><li>History
</li><li>Criminal justice</li></ul>
