Those pursuing a general education degree should expect to take courses in a broad range of subjects with a flexibility to concentrate on a few areas if they wish. Most colleges require a certain number of courses in both the arts and the humanities, which can be combined with other classes that focus on a student's interests. Students can either choose to take a wide variety of classes with extra credits or focus specifically on one or two subject areas, allowing the student to mix and match subjects that might not fall under other degrees.
General education degrees are given at the associates, bachelors, and masters level. Many students choose to study general education at an undergraduate level, then transfer to a more specific program for post-baccalaureate studies. Students can also choose to tack on a subject-specific minor to their general education degree at some colleges. For example, they might minor in business if they plan on using their general studies degree to pursue an entrepreneurial career path.
Students who receive a general education degree are taught basic skills that can be used in future academic or career endeavors. By being exposed to a variety of disciplines, students learn valuable problem solving and interpersonal skills used in these subject areas. General education degrees are also useful for students who want to develop a flexible course of study that prepares them for a wider option of career paths. Students can transfer credits from their general education degree to complete higher level degrees or list their wide range of coursework on job applications to become more competitive applicants.
Not all programs will accept transfer credits from general education programs. If students are planning on graduating to another degree program later in their academic career, they should double check with that degree program to make sure that their general education degree credits will transfer.
The flexibility of a general education program can sometimes lead students to become too unfocused, creating more confusion about their academic and career options. Students should consider why they want a general education degree instead of more focused degrees in the sciences or humanities before enrolling in a general education program.