Earn a General Studies Degree Online
- $330/credit (120 credits)
- Transfer up to 90 credits
- 100% online instruction
- Finish your degree faster
- Dozens of concentrations available
- No application fee or SAT/ACT scores required
General Studies Degree Online Program Overview
Tailor your degree and earn it faster with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in General Studies degree online. This meaningful milestone can help you maximize already-earned credits and get a degree in the shortest amount of time – especially if you're already working in a field you love.
At Southern New Hampshire University, your general studies degree can give you a strong foundation of general education courses, including writing, humanities, history and science. You’ll also develop in-demand career skills like critical thinking and communication to gain an edge in the competitive job market.
What You'll Learn
- Modes of knowledge, inquiry and creative expression to aid communication
- Research applications that use critical evaluation and analytical reasoning
- Decision-making skills to create empathetic solutions to complex problems
- Knowledge to inform intercultural collaboration
- Principles of social justice and civic responsibility
How You'll Learn
At SNHU, you'll get support from day 1 to graduation and beyond. And with no set class times, 24/7 access to the online classroom, and helpful learning resources along the way, you'll have everything you need to reach your goals.
General Studies Degree Concentrations
With the help of your academic advisor, you’ll focus your online general studies degree on a concentration that aligns with your interests and career goals.
Unsure of which concentration to choose? The following are some of SNHU's most popular picks. Don't see what you are looking for? See a full list of concentrations in our catalog.
Business Administration
Develop the fundamental skills needed to succeed in a wide variety of fast-paced business environments with an online bachelor's in general studies with a concentration in business administration.
Courses may include:
- Financial Accounting
- Principles of Management
- Applied Marketing Strategies
Coding Basics
Learn the fundamentals of object-oriented programming that can help you enter one of the nation's fastest growing fields with an online bachelor's in general studies with a concentration in coding basics.
Courses may include:
- Introduction to Scripting
- Foundation in Application Development
Communication
Attain the knowledge, competencies and confidence required to kickstart your career in the rapidly changing industry of communication with an online bachelor's in general studies with a concentration in communication.
Courses may include:
- Visual Communication and Design
- Social Media Strategy
- Organizational Branding
Criminal Justice
Develop strong interpersonal skills and a deep understanding of our legal system with an online bachelor's in general studies with a concentration in criminal justice.
Courses may include:
- The United States Judicial System
- Technology in Criminal Justice
- Introduction to Homeland Security and Counterterrorism
Entrepreneurship
Gain the skills you need to start and manage your own business with an online bachelor’s in general studies with a concentration in entrepreneurship.
Courses may include:
- Small Business Management
- Entrepreneurship
- Business Plan Preparation
Psychology
Immerse yourself in cutting-edge theories to develop a skill set that translates to any field where understanding human behavior is important with an online bachelor's in general studies with a concentration in psychology.
Courses may include:
- Lifespan Development
- Abnormal Psychology
- Foundations of Addictions
Say Yes to Your General Studies Degree
Listen to Juan tell his story of getting his general studies degree, making his parents proud and changing his life forever.
Career Outlook
The critical thinking and communication skills you gain with a bachelor's in general studies can benefit many career paths.
"More and more employers require a bachelor’s degree for eligibility for career advancement opportunities, and professionals with bachelor’s degrees are more likely to earn higher incomes,” said Priscilla Hobbs, SNHU’s associate dean of general education and interdisciplinary studies. “Because this degree lets you choose the concentration pathway that suits you, you have the opportunity to explore a variety of career options."
Earning an undergraduate degree can significantly boost your lifetime earnings and reduce your chances of unemployment. A general studies degree program can help you complete your degree – and reap these benefits – faster.
No matter what career goals you have, completing your bachelor's degree can help you get ahead.
Jon Galvin '16 said earning a bachelor's degree was key to his long-term career potential. Working without a degree had kept him from management positions and a higher salary during a 10-year career as a civilian in the computer industry. After returning to active duty in the military, Galvin said he knew that SNHU's general studies bachelor's degree program would allow him to complete his degree – and help him prepare for the next chapter.
"Now that I have that degree, the doors that are open are limitless," Galvin said.
A bachelor of general studies from SNHU can give you the skills you need to get started in entry-level and management positions across a broad range of industries.
"Before even completing my degree, I accepted a position as the head of park maintenance for my city," said Cody McKee '20. "My work experience played a large role in that, but I believe the fact that I was nearing completion of a bachelor's degree really set me apart. Subsequently, since completing my degree, I have seen a large uptick in recruiters reaching out to me from all over the country, and I have been offered positions at other municipalities and lawn and landscape firms."
With dozens of degree concentrations available, you can get the specialized training you need to explore careers in fast-growing fields like human services, human resources, marketing and more.
An online general studies degree can also prepare you to advance your education with one of SNHU’s many online master’s degree programs. By completing your undergraduate degree as quickly as possible, you can get started on a valuable master’s degree sooner.
Job Growth and Salary
Earning a bachelor's degree can help you move forward in the workforce. While there are still a number of jobs and careers that don't require this level of education, there are plenty out there in which a 4-year degree is necessary. A general studies degree can offer you the well-rounded education you need.
Job Growth
Jobs for bachelor’s degree holders are growing. In fact, jobs that require a 4-year degree are projected to grow 10% through 2026 – faster than the national average.1
Bachelor’s degree holders also experienced lower rates of unemployment than workers with less education, at 2.2% in 2022.1 Workers with some college experience but no degree saw 3.5% unemployment in 2022, while the unemployment rate for workers with only a high school diploma was 4.0%.1
Salary
A bachelor’s degree could increase your median weekly earnings by about 68%, compared to working with only a high school diploma.1 In 2022, bachelor's degree holders also earned 53% more each week than workers who have completed some college courses but do not have a degree.1
Earning your master's degree can boost your career growth and salary potential even further: Master's degree holders earned a median weekly salary of $1,661 in 2022 – nearly 16% more than bachelor’s degree holders.1
Understanding the Numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors — like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
Start Your Journey Toward an Online General Studies Degree
Why SNHU for Your General Studies Degree
Flexible
With no set class meeting times, you can learn on your schedule and access online course materials 24/7.
Affordable
As part of our mission to make higher education more accessible, we’re committed to keeping our tuition rates low. In fact, we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation.
Prior coursework could also help you save time and money. SNHU’s transfer policy allows you to transfer up to 90 credits toward your bachelor's degree and 45 credits for an associate degree from your previous institutions—that means you could save up to 75% off the cost of tuition. You could also save time and money by getting college credit for previous work experience, or by taking advantage of military discounts and employer tuition assistance if available to you.
Respected
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 160,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), a regional accreditor, which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- U.S. News & World Report named SNHU the 2021 Most Innovative University in the North and one of the nation's "Best Regional Universities"
- Awarded the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology by The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
- A $1 million grant from Google.org to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
Network
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 300,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
93.6% of online students would recommend SNHU (according to a 2022 survey with 17,000+ respondents). Discover why SNHU may be right for you.
Admission Requirements
Expanding access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your degree. That’s why you can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials:
- Completed free undergraduate application
- Prior transcripts, which we can retrieve at no cost to you
- Test scores are not required as part of your application
Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 6 (8-week) undergraduate terms.
How to Apply
If you’re ready to apply, follow these simple steps to get the process going:
- Complete a free undergraduate application
- Submit any additional documents required
- Work with an admission counselor to explore financial options and walk through the application process
If you have questions or need help filling out your application, call 1.888.387.0861 or email enroll@snhu.edu.
What SNHU Students are Saying
"I was able to transfer in 90 credit hours from other universities and complete my degree in a year. I had been enrolled in 3 other universities prior to my time at SNHU. I feel like I actually learned more in SNHU classes than any of the other institutions I attended."
Courses & Curriculum
SNHU's general studies degree online provides a solid foundation in ethics, decision-making and the social sciences.
The curriculum offers a broad base of liberal arts coursework that can be customized to your previous college experience and interests. In the general studies program, you'll be on the fast track to a valuable 4-year degree.
"The (general studies) program is designed to help busy students finish their degrees,” said Priscilla Hobbs, SNHU’s associate dean of general education and interdisciplinary studies. “If you have earned credits from other institutions and experiences, but have yet to earn your degree, this program lets you leverage those credits toward a degree that will open opportunities toward achieving your professional goals."
A general studies degree at SNHU includes 120 course credits. Requirements include 42 general education credits, 12 credits in a concentration of your choice, a 3-credit degree planning course and 63 elective course credits.
SNHU’s generous transfer policy accepts up to 90 transfer credits toward an online bachelor’s degree program. This means you could take as few as 5 terms – or 10 courses – to complete your degree.
The general studies bachelor's degree program kicks off with a degree planning course. This course helps you establish goals and outline your coursework so you have a clear path to graduation.
General education courses are designed to give you in-demand skills that employers want and lay the groundwork for lifelong learning. In these courses, you'll explore a broad range of educational topics, including:
- English composition
- Mathematics
- Humanities
- Social sciences
- Natural sciences
- History
The courses you take for your general studies degree concentration depend on your career goals and interests.
"There are several concentration options that you may choose, each focused on the essential skills desired by employers across the spectrum," Hobbs said. "These skills may be oriented toward a discipline, such as accounting or psychology, or toward a valuable skill, such as leadership or creative problem-solving. With the variety of options, you can choose the path that works best for you and your goals."
The concentration options can be explored in more detail during the degree planning course at the start of your program. Your academic advisor is also available to support you through the process of choosing a concentration.
Kaylee Castillo '21 chose to pursue the human resources concentration.
"I wanted to study this program to gain knowledge pertaining to the human resources field," she said. "I was attracted to the organizational leadership courses like Human Resource Management, Employee and Labor Relations, and Total Rewards."
Cody McKee '20 studied a concentration that could open up doors for him.
"I chose a concentration in environmental science," he said. "I have worked in lawn and landscape my entire life, and I was looking to find a path that would help me branch off of that into a role in conservation and land management."
You can customize your general studies degree even further with your elective courses. Electives give you the flexibility to dive deeper into your chosen concentration. You can also use your electives to explore another area of interest. If you’ve completed college coursework in the past, electives make it easy to transfer past credits to your SNHU degree.
Throughout your degree program, SNHU's student support team can help you stay on track with your studies and get you to graduation – and a career – faster.
Our admission team tries to make sure you don’t miss out on any transfer credit opportunities so you can complete your degree program as quickly as possible. Your academic advisor can offer guidance and support throughout your degree program. And SNHU’s career advising team can help you land an internship to strengthen your degree learning.
An internship is not required to earn a general studies degree. But it can give you a leg up when applying for jobs, particularly if you find an internship position that aligns with your degree concentration and career goals.
An internship can also further develop the career skills gained through your online general studies degree courses and help you apply them to real-world situations.
These skills include:
- Communication: Effectively share ideas and adapt a message to reach a variety of audiences.
- Collaboration: Build partnerships and work effectively with others to reach a common goal.
- Critical thinking: Analyze information and assess its value to make data-driven, ethical decisions.
- Problem-solving: Connect online learning to practical solutions for real-world problems.
Curriculum Requirements & Resources
General Education
All undergraduate students are required to take general education courses, which are part of SNHU's newly redesigned program, The Commons. The goal of The Commons' curriculum is to empower you with some of the most in-demand skills, so you can succeed not only in your academic career, but in your personal and professional life too.
Technology Resources
We provide cloud-based virtual environments in some courses to give you access to the technology you need for your degree – and your career. Learn more about our virtual environments.
Earn Math Credits
Save time and tuition with our Pathways to Math Success assessments. Depending on your scores, you could earn up to 12 math credits – the equivalent of 4 courses – toward your degree for less than $50 per assessment. For additional information, or to register for a Pathways to Math Success assessment, contact your admission counselor or academic advisor today.
| View Full Curriculum in the Catalog |
|---|
| BA in General Studies |
| Courses May Include | ||
|---|---|---|
| BA in General Studies Online | ||
| IND 299 | Strategies for Specialization Planning | Develop an academic plan of study in alignment with a selected specialization within the General Studies major. Establish a rationale for specialization selection reflective of previous education experience, interest, and background toward future career goals. |
| Total Credits: 120 | ||
Minimum Hardware Requirements
|
Component Type |
PC (Windows OS) |
Apple (Mac OS) |
|---|---|---|
|
Operating System |
Currently supported operating system from Microsoft. |
Currently supported operating system from Apple. |
|
Memory (RAM) |
8GB or higher |
8GB or higher |
|
Hard Drive |
100GB or higher |
100GB or higher |
|
Antivirus Software |
Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
|
SNHU Purchase Programs |
||
|
Internet/ Bandwidth |
5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency |
5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency |
Notes:
- Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
- Note: Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10.
- Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for Microsoft 365 plans for business, education and government.
- Antivirus software: Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
University Accreditation
Tuition & Fees
As a private, nonprofit university, we’re committed to making college more accessible by making it more affordable. That’s why we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation.
We also offer financial aid packages to those who qualify, plus a 30% tuition discount for U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty.
| Online Undergraduate Programs | Per Course | Per Credit Hour | Annual Cost for 30 credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree/Certificates | $990 | $330 | $9,900 |
| Degree/Certificates (U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty)* | $693 | $231 | $6,930 |
Tuition Rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually. *Note: students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.
Additional Costs No Application Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course)
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do with a degree in general studies?
Earning a bachelor of general studies can help you find a new career or advance in your current job. In a general studies degree program, you can gain career skills that are sought after by employers, including communication, critical thinking and problem-solving. And you’ll be able to tailor your learning toward subjects that align with your career goals.
Bachelor’s degrees are in high demand. Workers with bachelor’s degrees are more likely to earn more – and have lower rates of unemployment – than those without a 4-year degree.1
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, bachelor’s degree holders earned about $25,844 more per year than workers with some college experience but without a 4-year degree.1 Unemployment rates for workers with a bachelor’s degree were 2.2% in 2022, compared to 3.5% for workers with some college courses but no degree and 4.0% for workers without any college experience.1
A general studies degree can also act as a stepping stone to a more advanced degree. You can earn your undergraduate degree faster and move on to a more specialized online master's degree – boosting your salary and career prospects even more.
Master's degree holders earned a median weekly income of $1,661 in 2022 – nearly 16% more than bachelor's degree holders.1
Can you earn a general studies degree online?
Of course. Earning a general studies degree online means you’ll have 24/7 access to course materials. You can complete your coursework when it’s convenient for you, whether that's at noon or midnight.
SNHU's online general studies degree was designed for flexibility. Six 8-week terms each year mean you can earn your degree at your own pace, even while balancing a career and family obligations.
"Online study has been a great fit for me," said Kaylee Castillo '21. "I can sit down during my most productive time of the day and work on my assignments. I was a bit nervous about my ability to work in unstructured timelines, but I have been thriving in this type of learning environment."
Academic advisors can ensure you make the most of any prior education and professional experience. Their guidance can help you earn your bachelor’s degree in the shortest amount of time possible.
As an online student, you’ll still have access to networking opportunities and learning services. Online student services include online clubs, tutoring, writing help and career counseling.
What does a general studies degree mean?
With a general studies degree, you can explore a variety of courses and apply them to a bachelor’s degree. General studies courses include history, natural and social sciences, technology and humanities.
A general studies degree is particularly helpful for students who have already completed some college coursework and want to finish their degree. You can focus your degree on an area of concentration that interests you and aligns with your chosen career path.
"For students to be adequately prepared to do well in their chosen career, they need to have not only the rigor of an academic education but also an applied, relevant and practical curriculum that focuses on the development of these core skills," said Anthony Siciliano, SNHU’s associate vice president of general education programs.
Is general studies the same as liberal arts?
A general studies degree is a type of liberal arts degree and can be viewed as an extension of the common associate degree in liberal arts. Liberal arts defines a number of university majors, usually focused on the literature, humanities and social sciences. Liberal arts subjects aim to provide general knowledge on a subject, rather than technical skills.
With a bachelor of general studies degree online, you’ll gain a broad base of liberal arts education, exploring social sciences, natural sciences, history and humanities.
Your general education courses can also help you develop key career skills that are in high demand across many industries. You'll develop communication, critical thinking and problem solving skills that you can apply to any career.
What are general studies courses?
In an online bachelor of general studies program, courses include general education classes, elective classes and classes to help you earn a concentration in one area of study.
To earn a general studies degree at SNHU, you’ll need to complete 42 credits of core general education courses. These courses are the foundation for your learning and cover everything from writing and humanities to mathematics, history and science.
General studies courses also include a 12-credit area of concentration that aligns with your coursework and your goals. Concentrations include information technology, business, communication, creative writing, psychology, sport management and more.
A bachelor of general studies also includes 63 credits of free electives. You can explore the topics that interest you and best serve your career goals. Elective courses also make it easy to apply prior college credits to your degree.
A degree planning course at the start of your general studies bachelor degree can help you develop an academic plan of study, choose a concentration and ensure your learning aligns with your career goals.
"It has given me a sense of appreciation, a sense of belonging and at the same time it has challenged me a lot," said general studies graduate Hermanisha Neptune '16. "Things that I was unsure of, if I was unsure about myself, having my education actually took all that stuff away."
How long does a general studies degree take?
It depends. A bachelor’s degree typically takes about 4 years to complete. But a general studies degree can be a faster path to graduation, particularly if you’ve already completed some college courses.
“The general studies degree is designed to help students achieve their goal of a degree without having to start over because they transferred universities,” said Priscilla Hobbs, associate dean of general education and interdisciplinary studies at Southern New Hampshire University.
The bachelor of general studies was designed to help you leverage past college credits and earn a degree. SNHU accepts up to 90 transfer credits toward a bachelor’s program. This means you could take as few as 10 courses, or 5 terms, to get your degree.
"I was attracted to the general studies program because it utilized most of the credits I have collected throughout the years," said Kaylee Castillo '21. "It allowed me to not only take classes related to my desired job, but it also allowed me to move up my graduation date."
Our admission team tries make sure no transfer credits are left behind. And your academic advisor offers guidance and support throughout your degree program to get you to graduation faster.
Is a general studies degree worth it?
Absolutely — it's especially worth it if you're a transfer student, because it could be your fastest path to completing your degree.
Thanks to SNHU's generous transfer policy, which accepts up to 90 transfer credits toward an online bachelor’s degree program, you could take as few as 5 terms – or 10 courses – to earn your general studies degree after transferring.
And even if you aren't a transfer student, a general studies degree can be extremely worthwhile, since bachelor’s degree holders earn about $25,844 more per year than workers with some college experience but no degree and $30,108 more than workers with only a high school diploma.1
Additionally, a general studies degree can further specialize your education or be a springboard for one of SNHU's many graduate degrees.
Why do people get a general studies degree?
Everyone's education journey is different, but one of the most popular motivations for earning a general studies degree is so you can utilize previously earned credits to advance your career.
"I had a lot of credit hours in other majors, so being able to tie all of that into a degree that would also open up doors in my current career was a major plus," said Cody McKee '20.
On the other hand, Kaylee Castillo '21 was motivated to enroll in SNHU's general studies program because it let her earn a degree on an accelerated timeline. "It allowed me to not only take classes related to my desired job, but it also allowed me to move up my graduation date," she said.
Regardless of your reasoning, a general studies degree can offer a multitude of benefits.
What is another name for general studies degree?
Other names for general studies degree include interdisciplinary studies, liberal studies and liberal arts. These names interchangeably describe a flexible degree that allows a high number of transfer credits and free electives.
Can you put general studies on a resume?
You can without a doubt list a general studies degree on your resume.
Just like a bachelor's in psychology or a bachelor's in business, a bachelor's in general studies from SNHU is an accredited degree from a respected university that can help you stand out amongst the competition when applying for jobs.
Related Articles
Why is Poetry Important? Celebrating National Poetry Month
Actor Stephanie Gould Surprised Onstage With Diploma Delivery
Associate Dean of Liberal Arts Dr. Robert Denning: A Faculty Q&A
References
Sources & Citations (1)
1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2018/article/bachelors-degree-outlook.htm#projections-by-entry-level-education (viewed Oct. 24, 2023)
- https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2023/data-on-display/education-pays.htm (viewed Oct. 24, 2023)
- https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2018/article/bachelors-degree-outlook.htm (viewed Oct. 24, 2023)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-and-human-service-assistants.htm (viewed Oct. 24, 2023)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/human-resources-specialists.htm (viewed Oct. 24, 2023)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/advertising-promotions-and-marketing-managers.htm (viewed Oct. 24, 2023)
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.