Associate of Arts (AA): General Studies Degree Overview
An Associate of Arts in General Studies program allows students to choose the courses that they feel are necessary for reaching their goals. This type of AA program provides a broad educational foundation and prepare students to transfer to 4-year programs.
Associate of Arts in General Studies
Some students are undecided about careers they may want to pursue in the future. An Associate of Arts in General Studies program encourages these individuals to pursue open-ended degrees while fulfilling core requirements. Graduates can secure general entry-level employment or enter college or university degree programs. Candidates should take it upon themselves to make certain that specific courses or programs can transfer to their prospective 4-year school for further learning.
Education Prerequisites
Some community colleges that offer 2-year Associate of Arts programs do not require a high school diploma or the equivalent for entry, while others do. Placement exams may be necessary for applicants to prove relevant skills, and necessary remedial classes may be assigned to those who don't qualify to bypass them.
Course Topics
An Associate of Arts in General Studies program allows students to build a broad-based education. They learn how to think critically, communicate well and synthesize knowledge from many disciplines. The following is a sample of possible course topics:
- Biology
- College algebra
- Communications
- English composition
- Foreign language
- Lab science
- Sociology
- U.S. history
Career Information
Many of those who earn an Associate of Arts in General Studies continue on to baccalaureate programs. Even for those who do not, career opportunities are increased. The National Center for Higher Education Management Systems, using 2007 U.S. census information, found that those with associate degrees had median annual salaries approximately $10,000 higher than those with only a high school diploma (www.higheredinfo.org).
Continuing Education
Many general studies programs prepare students to discover their career interests and choose a goal for further training or educational studies. Depending on their niche career interests, this may lead to enrolling in a bachelor's degree program or short-term certificate program. Graduates may seek vocational training, internships or certifications relevant to their potential job area. Prospective students may wish to seek out schools with strong job counseling divisions where advisors can help them decide what their upcoming path should be and complete the necessary steps to achieve it.
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6 Popular Schools
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Colorado (3 campuses)
Classroom-Based Programs
- Associate
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Associate
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Applicants must be 22 years of age or have active military status
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Associate
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- AA in Liberal Arts
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Associate
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- AA in Psychology
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-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Associate
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Associate
Other Schools:
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School locations:
- Ohio (2 campuses)
Areas of study you may find at University of Cincinnati include:
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- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Human and Social Services
- Liberal Arts, Humanities, and General Studies
- General Studies
- Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Social Science and Studies
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School locations:
- Delaware (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of Delaware include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, Master
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Cultural Studies
- Ethnic and Gender Studies
- Geography and Cartography
- Human and Consumer Sciences
- Human and Social Services
- Liberal Arts, Humanities, and General Studies
- General Studies
- Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Public Administration
- Social Science and Studies
- Social Studies and History
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School locations:
- Louisiana (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of Louisiana include:
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- Graduate: First Professional Degree, Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate, Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Human and Consumer Sciences
- Human and Social Services
- Liberal Arts, Humanities, and General Studies
- General Studies
- Political Science
- Social Science and Studies
- Social Studies and History
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School locations:
- Louisiana (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Southeastern Louisiana University include:
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- Graduate: Master
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Human and Consumer Sciences
- Human and Social Services
- Liberal Arts, Humanities, and General Studies
- General Studies
- Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Political Science
- Social Science and Studies
- Social Studies and History
