A General Studies Degree Is a Launchpad for Career Changers

Thinking about a new direction, but unsure which lane to choose? A general studies degree offers the broad academic grounding and real-world skills that help you transition with confidence into a new career.

Built around general education plus flexible electives, a general studies degree strengthens communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork, and adaptability. These are the very capabilities hiring managers prefer and often require.

For career changers, that blend is powerful. A general studies degree allows students to explore their interests and develop marketable skills. It also allows them to have the option to move on and earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree at a later time. A general studies degree is a practical way to move forward now without locking into a narrow track.

What Is a General Studies Degree?

Typically earned as an Associate of Arts (AA), a general studies degree expands students’ knowledge in foundational areas such as writing, math, social sciences, arts and humanities, and history. The program also offers students the opportunity to choose electives that fit their career ambitions.

The result is a well-rounded academic base and versatile skill set. Students sharpen their written and verbal communication, boost quantitative and digital literacy, and practice creative and analytical thinking. That breadth helps newcomers ramp up quickly in unfamiliar roles and industries. That’s a significant advantage for those who want to change careers.

Why It’s a Smart Path for Career Changers

Flexibility. You can “test and learn” across subjects while earning a recognized credential. Many students complete an AA program on the way to a bachelor’s degree, but others use it to qualify for better entry-level roles right away.

Speed. Prior coursework, military experience, or transfer credits can help students complete their credentials more quickly.

Earnings lift. Federal data consistently show associate-degree holders out-earn high school graduates on average. And if you continue to pursue a bachelor’s degree, the earnings potential climbs again. In that way, the degree pays off now and sets graduates up for more later.

Momentum. Research finds that general studies graduates are more likely to continue their education and develop a habit of lifelong learning. That’s crucial for making multiple career moves over time.

Skills Employers Value In Many Fields

Executives routinely rank transferable skills as top hiring criteria. A general studies degree builds many of them. They include:

Clear communication: writing succinct emails, presenting ideas, and collaborating across teams.
Critical thinking & analysis: evaluating sources, weighing trade-offs, and making sound decisions.
Ethical judgment & professionalism: navigating gray areas with integrity.
Teamwork and independence: contributing effectively while also taking initiative.
Adaptability: learning new tools, workflows, and domains quickly.

These are the durable, industry-agnostic skills that travel with workers from role to role, making them better candidates for jobs and promotions.

Career Paths General Studies Graduates Can Enter

Because it isn’t tied to a single major, a general studies degree opens multiple doors. Graduates commonly step into roles such as:

Administrative or executive assistant
Customer success or client services
Marketing, communications, or PR assistant
Research assistant or analyst (entry level)
Bank teller or financial services associate
IT support specialist or software team assistant
Hospitality or restaurant manager
Paralegal assistant or legal support
Law enforcement (agency-dependent)

These roles are attainable starting points. The communication, analysis, and organizational strengths that AA graduates bring help them progress into coordinator, specialist, and manager positions as they gain experience or continue their education.

From Launchpad to Long-Term Growth

A general studies program is both a door-opener and a multiplier. Once employed, graduates can apply classroom learning immediately and build a professional network.

If they decide to pursue further education, they can identify the specific bachelor’s major (business, psychology, communication, IT, public administration, etc.) that best fits their goals. Many programs are offered online, making it easier for working professionals to earn a degree.

Students should look for AA programs that allow them to transfer credits, provide academic and career counseling, flexible scheduling (such as with online programs), and offer relevant coursework.

Touro University Worldwide offers an AA in General Studies that allows students to hone essential skills and make themselves more marketable employees. The program also offers a concentration in accounting for those interested in pursuing a career in this field.

For those ready to make a change and qualify themselves for better positions, a general studies degree from Touro University Worldwide offers a practical way to achieve that goal. Students earn a respected credential and strengthen skills that employers need.