General Studies Degrees and Career Paths

Which Types of Jobs Are Available For General Studies Majors?

General studies majors are interested in a true range of careers and positions. From retail management to correctional workers, public relations assistants to human resources representatives, graduates of general studies programs use the organization, directing, and communication skills they learned in school to find success in the workplace.

A day in the life of a general studies graduate varies dramatically based on the career path he or she chooses. Graduates may spend a day organizing a sales floor, preparing a training package for new hires, or working on a public relations team.

The biggest challenge of the general studies major is in working to make the major suit your career goals. For students without clear goals, the general studies major offers a broad base of education. Before graduation, however, it is recommended that students seek out internships, summer work, and other positions that can help add practical experience to the major.

Formal Training Required to Work in General Studies Jobs

Look for general studies coursework to mix psychology, communication, and theoretical training. Courses in a general studies degree related to education may include training in developmental psychology, educational psychology, community relations, learning and motivation, and cognitive processes.

General studies majors are popular at the associate's and bachelor's degree level. Certification programs are also available. The major is a popular option among students who aren't sure what path to take in their education, but nevertheless want a degree that offers improvement in a range of skills. Through the coursework of a general studies major, students improve skills in critical thinking, analyzing, explaining, directing, and communication.

In terms of employment possibilities, an ideal general studies graduate will typically mix their formal coursework and study with internships, summer work, and even full-time careers. Hiring managers often value a general degree with specific real-world experience related to the career, and general studies majors fulfill that expectation through extracurricular activities and work experience alike.

The Typical Career Path of Someone Majoring in General Studies

Unlike a one-track degree program, the general studies major in education offers students a more all-purpose level of training. Because the major is somewhat broad, graduates have a range of career options. Your own interests and skills then help determine your career future. Take a look at just a few potential career options for general studies graduates:

• Community agencies: Take charge of community activities as a program assistant
• Correctional facilities: Manage inmate rehabilitation as a correctional officer
• Museums: Bring in new patrons as a public relations specialist
• Hospital complexes: Maintain facilities and operations as a property managers
• Retail stores: Surround yourself with trends as a buyer or manager

Students enrolled in general studies majors are typically individuals with a wide scope of interests. Graduates may already have some work experience, which they may pair with a general studies major to further an established career or head in a new direction.

Job Outlook and Salary Information for Someone Who Majored in General Studies

Salary and job outlook varies for positions linked to general studies graduates. For the most competitive careers, general studies majors may find themselves competing with students who have more specialized degree experience. However, in situations where work experience and internships are considered more important than the college major itself, general studies majors should find the most success.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports salaries for careers typically linked to general studies majors. Retail sales managers earned a median annual wage of $34,900 in 2009, while retail buyers earned $48,650. That same year, correctional officers earned $39,050 and property managers earned $48,460. Social and human services assistants earned $27,940.

Because the degree describes a broad career field, job opportunities in the future may be good for general studies majors. Employment growth for correctional officers is expected to rise at 8 percent between 2008 and 2018. In the same time period, opportunities for retail sales managers are expected to grow 5 percent. Opportunities for social and human services assistants may experience the highest level of growth, with a 22 percent increase expected, according to the BLS.