by our College Data Analytics TeamA degree in General Studies covers General Studies. An Undifferentiated Program That Includes Instruction In The General Arts, General Science, Or Unstructured Studies. Examples: [Undeclared Major], [Undecided]. Continue reading for the essential details every general studies major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering general studies programs.
Nationwide, general studies is a popular field of study, with 127,908 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best General Studies Schools ranking analyzes these 833 schools to determine the best overall colleges for general studies students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of general studies programs later in this article.
There are several general studies degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 20,685 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 90,391 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 12,743 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 4,086 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 2 |
Studying general studies opens doors to many career paths. Here are some of the most common occupations related to general studies.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to general studies.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | 964,215 | -0.1% |
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of general studies graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Wages typically rise as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $32,164 |
| 4 years | $37,934 |
| 5 years | $44,008 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for general studies graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers general studies grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | $68,967 |
With 833 different general studies programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased general studies school rankings to help you.
Those considering general studies, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies | 344,220 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Other | 45,889 |
| Humanities/Humanistic Studies | 22,307 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
