A bachelor’s degree opens doors across nearly every industry. For students who want a flexible path to that credential, a general studies program offers something traditional majors do not: the freedom to build a degree around your goals rather than a single major. This broad approach appeals to working adults returning to school, career changers and anyone with transfer credits from multiple fields.
The Bachelor in General Studies (BGS) online program from Youngstown State University (YSU) allows students to earn a bachelor’s degree on their own schedule. The program accepts up to 90 transfer credits, and students work with an advisor to design two custom areas of concentration. Whether you are finishing a degree you started years ago or exploring new career prospects, a general studies degree program can help you move forward.
The question many people ask is simple: what can you do with a general studies degree, and is it worth the investment? The data points to a clear answer. A BGS builds career readiness through diverse coursework, and graduates enter a job market that increasingly rewards broad, adaptable skill sets.
What Is a Bachelor in General Studies?
YSU’s online BGS program is an interdisciplinary undergraduate program that draws from multiple academic areas rather than focusing on a single field. Students take general education courses in subjects like social science, humanities and natural science, then choose elective courses and a concentration that align with their interests. This structure resembles a liberal arts education but offers more flexibility in how students combine their coursework.
Most programs require 120 credit hours, and many accept transfer credits. That makes a BGS especially appealing to students who have earned credits at more than one school or through prior learning assessments. Rather than starting over, students can apply those credits toward a degree and focus on filling gaps.
Concentrations vary widely by school. Common options include business, communication, criminal justice and social sciences. Students work with an advisor to pick a concentration and build a plan that supports their career goals. The degree often ends with a capstone project or internship, giving students a chance to apply what they have learned in a real-world setting.
The degree is designed for a wide range of learners. Working adults who paused their education can return and finish without having to repeat coursework. Military veterans with training credits, community college graduates and career changers all benefit from the program’s flexible structure. Online degree options make it even more accessible, allowing students to complete coursework from anywhere.
What Can You Do With a Bachelor of General Studies?
A general studies degree prepares graduates for a wide range of careers. Because the curriculum spans multiple disciplines, graduates develop the broad knowledge base that employers in management, business operations, education and social services value. Entry-level and mid-level roles in these fields often require a bachelor’s degree as a baseline.
The earning potential is significant. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), workers with a bachelor’s degree earned median weekly wages of $1,543 in 2024, compared to $930 for those with only a high school diploma. Bachelor’s degree holders also face lower unemployment — 2.5% versus 4.2% for high school graduates. Over a full career, those weekly differences add up.
According to CNBC, bachelor’s degree holders earn a median salary of $2.8 million over their careers — 75% more than workers whose highest credential is a high school diploma. The job market continues to shift in favor of degree holders, and research projects that by 2031, 42% of all new jobs in the United States will require at least a bachelor’s degree.
For professionals with work experience but no four-year credential, finishing a general studies degree can unlock roles that were previously out of reach. As educational requirements across industries continue to rise, completing a degree transforms from a personal milestone into a competitive career necessity.
For professionals who have accumulated work experience but never completed a four-year credential, finishing a general studies degree can open doors to roles that were previously out of reach. BLS data makes clear that as occupations grow more specialized, the credential gap between degree holders and non-degree holders will only widen — making completion an increasingly strategic career move.
Skills You Build in a General Studies Program
Employers consistently rank communication, teamwork and critical thinking as the skills they value most in new hires. The National Association of Colleges and Employers identifies eight career readiness competencies that college graduates need, and with those three at the top of the list. A general studies program builds each of them through its interdisciplinary design.
Critical thinking shows up in nearly every course. Students learn to gather evidence, weigh different viewpoints and draw conclusions — a process that strengthens decision-making on the job. Communication skills develop the same way: a social science course may require research papers, while a business course focuses on presentations.
This variety also builds problem-solving skills and adaptability, two qualities that translate well across industries. NACE data also show that about 86% of bachelor’s degree graduates from the Class of 2024 were employed or in further education within six months of graduation, a sign that these competencies match what the job market demands.
General studies students gain an additional edge through concentration courses. These focused electives let students develop deeper knowledge in a specific area, such as criminal justice or data analytics, while still maintaining the broad foundation that makes them flexible hires.
Is a General Studies Degree Worth It?
For many students, the answer is yes — especially for those who already have some college credit. A general studies degree is one of the most transfer-friendly options available. Programs like YSU’s online BGS program accept credits and offer prior learning assessments so that students can get credit for professional training and work experience they have already completed.
The flexibility extends to the online degree format. Students can take courses on their own time, which makes degree completion realistic for working adults and non-traditional students who cannot attend classes on a fixed schedule. The investment pays off: a general studies degree online costs less at many institutions than traditional on-campus programs, and graduates still gain the same credentials that employers require.
One smart strategy is choosing concentrations that align with a specific career path. A student interested in management might pair business and communication. Someone drawn to social services could combine psychology and criminal justice. This kind of strategic planning turns a general studies degree into a focused credential not the “generic” label some critics assume. The capstone project or internship that most programs require adds hands-on experience that strengthens a graduate’s resume.
Learn more about Youngstown State University’s online BGS program.
About Youngstown State University’s Online Bachelor of General Studies
YSU is a public university in Youngstown, Ohio, offering a range of accredited undergraduate and graduate programs. The Williamson College of Business Administration holds AACSB International accreditation, one of the highest standards in business education.
Youngstown State University’s online BGS is a 120-credit-hour program designed for students who want to finish their bachelor’s degree on a flexible schedule. The program accepts up to 90 transfer credits and offers Prior Learning Assessment options so students can earn credit for professional experience. Students work with an advisor to build two custom concentrations and complete a capstone project or internship.
