{"id":5968,"date":"2019-08-01T16:42:38","date_gmt":"2019-08-01T20:42:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/?p=5968"},"modified":"2024-12-19T17:05:55","modified_gmt":"2024-12-19T22:05:55","slug":"general-studies-major","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/general-studies-major\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Reasons to Pursue a General Studies Major"},"content":{"rendered":"

Many students, by the time they graduate high school, do not know where they want to take their career. There are also many adults today who went to school, entered the workforce, but now are seeking a career change. If you fall into either bucket, it\u2019s okay. It\u2019s normal!<\/p>\n

Today, up to 50 percent of students enter college with an undecided major, and 75 percent change their major during their time in school. You do not need to commit to one career path right away. Instead, you might consider something called a \u201cgeneral studies\u201d major. General studies is a degree program designed for those who value a college education, but who need time to explore and discover the right career path. It allows students to fulfill general education credits, study relevant topics, develop versatile skillsets, and prepare for a wide net of career options.<\/p>\n

If you are wondering if a general studies major is right for you \u2013 or if it\u2019s worth the investment \u2013 read on. Below, we delve into the top reasons to pursue an associate degree in general studies<\/a> today.<\/p>\n

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  1. You\u2019re unsure which career pathway you want to pursue.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    If you understand the value of higher education, but do not know what you want to do with it just yet, a general studies major is a great option. A general studies program offers students the opportunity to explore their interests, while also preparing them for a variety of career pathways. Its varied curriculum covers topics such as English, math, humanities, the sciences, public speaking, and communications \u2013 all of which are applicable to any career you choose down the road.<\/p>\n

    As a general studies major, you can take time to explore these subjects, earn college credits, develop new skills, and figure out where you want to go next. You can also dip your toes into other programs through electives, in efforts to determine where your passions lie. This open-approach educational model is a key benefit of general studies programs, in that you get an overview of many subjects, rather than a narrowed curriculum.<\/p>\n

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    1. It\u2019s a great launching point for your education and career.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Typically, upon completion of a general studies major, you will be awarded an associate degree. Data from national sources<\/a> shows that individuals with an associate degree, on average, earn more income than high school graduates, and are less likely to be unemployed. In fact, with a general studies degree in hand, you can go on to fulfill many entry-level careers right away, earning over $50,000<\/a> per year.<\/p>\n

      Career pathways<\/a> for graduates of Goodwin\u2019s general studies program include:<\/p>\n