Why This Matters
-
36% OF THOSE OVER 25 HAVE A BACHELOR’S DEGREE
The U.S Census Bureau reports that, as of 2019, more than a third of those in the United States who were at least 25 years old had completed a bachelor’s degree.
-
18% OF JOBS REQUIRE A BACHELOR’S DEGREE
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), around 18% of jobs required applicants to have a bachelor’s degree. Another 5% required some college or an associate degree.
-
EARN AN AVERAGE OF $1,173 PER WEEK
Information from the BLS shows that those with a bachelor’s degree earn, on average, $461 more per week than those who only have a high school diploma.
Our Research
Our list of the best online bachelor’s in general studies programs focuses on Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees. Other options also include Bachelor of General Studies and Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies. All of the degree programs we included are offered completely online.
Because they are more general degrees, these programs are usually accredited by the national or regional accrediting body for the school. These include the Higher Learning Commission, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
- 58 hours to write this article
- 116 universities and colleges we assessed
- 198 education programs we compared
The Top 50 Online Bachelor’s in General Studies Programs
Discover More Options
What You Should Know About This Degree
Students usually choose a bachelor’s degree in general studies because they don’t have a specific major they are interested in. Similar degrees could be anything from a bachelor’s in humanities or a bachelor’s in natural sciences. These degrees are still general but will focus more on English and history or science and math, respectively.
Accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission or a recognized regional accrediting body is a sign that the degree is valid and from a reputable institution. Degrees from accredited institutions are more likely to be accepted by prospective employers.
The job growth prospects are strong for those with a bachelor’s degree, as a college education opens up a wide variety of positions those with only a high school diploma don’t qualify for.
There are no specific certifications or licenses required for those earning a bachelor’s degree in general studies, but there are many jobs that do require these. If you know you are going into a specific role, it’s a good idea to find out if certifications are required.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching online bachelor’s in general studies programs:
- Am I eligible for this program? To be accepted into an online bachelor’s in general studies program, you generally just need a high school diploma or equivalency. You may have to show a certain GPA or SAT test score or take a placement test.
- How long does it take to complete this online degree? This degree requires anywhere from 120 to 128 credits to graduate. Depending on how many classes you take per semester, you could complete it in anywhere from 2 years going full-time or 6 years going part-time.
Once you have found a program that you’re interested in, it’s important to note all of the deadlines and information required for the application. If you need help paying for your degree, the financial aid office can help you apply for scholarships, grants, and student loans and provide more information on work-study programs.
Compare School Options
Related Degrees
- Political Science
- Media Communication
- Environmental Management