What can you do with a General Studies Degree?

Graduating from high school and deciding what to do next can be a stressful time. Opportunities range from continuing your education in college to attending a trade school. Then comes the topic of majors and post-graduate careers. If you’re considering multiple career paths or aren’t sure what direction you want to take, a General Studies degree may be a great starting point to help you discover your options.

According to research from College Factual, General Studies was the fifth most popular degree choice among college students during the 2021-2022 school year. The program’s popularity stems from its flexibility and broad scope, which provides students with exposure to a wide variety of subjects and skill sets.

A General Studies degree from Southeastern Louisiana University offers more than just an “easy degree” or a diploma for mom and dad to brag about. Southeastern equips students with real-world knowledge, a supportive network of faculty and alumni, and a degree with lasting value and credibility.

Once enrolled, a bachelor’s degree in General Studies from Southeastern serves as a flexible starting point for students hoping to explore their interests or pair the degree with a minor or concentration. Professors prioritize students’ career goals and ambitions, focusing on preparing them both in the classroom and for their future occupations.

The program also includes a career planning course — a three-credit class designed to help students explore personal values, career options, and academic pathways, making it ideal for those still weighing their decisions.

A General Studies degree opens doors to a variety of entry-level positions, including roles such as bank teller, copywriter, auditor, and more. For example:

• Bank tellers and auditors handle daily financial transactions for businesses, whether in local banks or major corporations. Pairing a General Studies degree with a minor in Accounting or Finance can help graduates stand out to Southeastern alumni working at companies like J.P. Morgan and First Guaranty Bank.
• Copywriting and technical writing are careers in marketing and communications where professionals develop written content for advertisements, websites, and social media. Combining a General Studies degree with a minor in Communications or Marketing at Southeastern can open exciting career possibilities in this field.

Joni Smith is one of many Southeastern alumni who embody the possibilities within a general studies degree. Smith was declared Louisianaian of the year in 2018 and Louisiana’s best teacher in 2017 for “her depth of knowledge in science and math,” according to Southeastern University Alumni Association board member Beth Ebberman.

The flexibility offered in a general studies degree from Southeastern has allowed many other alumni to enter unexpected careers.

• Zac Caramonta ‘07 – At the university, Zac Caramonta met his future wife, Cari Caramonta, and later opened a brewery in Hammond, Louisiana called Gnarly Barley. They began in their garage and a simple hobby turned into a career for Zac Caramonta merely by gaining a degree in general studies through Southeastern.
• Jaren Mitchell ‘11 – graduated from the general studies program with a minor in theatre. He became an actor after his professors provided him with the courage and understanding that his hobby of acting could deliver a significant career.

Southeastern’s program is hybrid, where half to a majority of the degree is online. With 120 hours of required credit needed, general studies are on par with the rest of the four-year degrees at Southeastern regarding time to graduate.

The choice remains up to the student on whether a 100% online setting or an in-person education is the right fit. However, Southeastern students are presented with both options that equally have support from their professors in a more personal manner than simply being a number at another larger institution.

The general studies program at Southeastern empowers students to chart their own career paths while exploring a wide range of subjects tailored to their interests. With diverse career opportunities and the support of a strong alumni network, students gain the knowledge and connections needed to succeed in any field they choose. Build the Future you want here: https://www.southeastern.edu/general-studies-program/