An associate degree in general studies offers springboard to many careers

An associate degree in general studies can provide a great foundation for entering the workforce and investigating your career options.

Most general studies degree programs focus on math, English, science and history, providing a well rounded base of knowledge that can transfer to many industries. If you're looking to get your foot in the door in health care, technology or other growing fields, a degree in general studies can help. You'll gain valuable work experience while determining whether to pursue additional degrees in a particular specialty.

Benefits of a general studies associate degree online

One major advantage to a general studies degree is the wide range it covers. You might take a liking to biology and discover that a medical career is next or learn to love English composition and go on to teaching. Whichever path your choose, an online associate degree in general studies will get you started.

There are many online associate degree in general studies programs that provide a convenient way to get started. Online classes offer the convenience of working from home and meeting deadlines around your schedule. There also are financial aid options for those who need assistance from grants, scholarships or work study programs.

When pursuing a general studies degree, you'll likely take math courses in algebra or calculus, English courses in composition or literature, and science coursed in biology or chemistry. An associate degree in general studies typically takes two years to complete.

Careers with a general studies associate degree

While many people use a general studies degree for jobs as billing clerks, receptionists, office assistants and other administrative duties, it also can be a springboard into the growing health care or financial services industries. Or, you might want to continue on to earn a liberal arts degree. Here are few examples:

Medical assistants are in hot demand and the need is expected to grow by 34 percent in the 2008-2018 decade, about three times as fast as the average for all occupations. Some medical assistants are trained on the job, but an associate degree in general studies could give you an edge and allow you to learn the business as you pursue advanced degrees in health care. Medical assistants often oversee client records, insurance forms, customer service issues and general administrative tasks. They are not involved in direct patient care. The mean annual wage for this type of job was $29,450 in May of 2009.

Bill and account collectors earned a mean annual wage of $32,560 in May of 2009 and the job category is expected to grow by 19 percent from 2008 to 2018. Collectors often work with health care and financial companies to call on delinquent accounts and manage the collection process. You'll need good customer service skills and an attention to detail. Many people in these positions receive on the job training, but an associate degree in general studies would help set you apart from the crowd.

A general studies degree will give you a well-rounded foundation you can use in a variety of careers or as a springboard for more studies in the future.

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