General Studies

All accredited universities require students to take a core curriculum in subjects like English, social studies, mathematics, science, literature, and computer literacy. By studying the humanities, students learn to think critically, write effectively, and put their knowledge into a broad perspective.

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Some universities award Associate degrees after these requirements are finished. These degrees are often called Associate of "General Studies" or "Liberal Arts." The advantage to working adults who are earning degrees online is that they can earn an Associate degree and then advance into a career-oriented Bachelor's program in fields like Business or Information Technology.

A few people decide not to major in anything, but to continue to study a variety of subjects in liberal arts. Universities respect these generalists by awarding them with degrees in "General Studies" or "Interdisciplinary Studies" or even "Self-Designed Major." These degrees are perfect for the person who just wants to learn a little something about everything.