Choosing the General Studies major at µÛÍõ»áËù means embracing a unique blend of flexibility, relevance and support. With a General Studies major, you have the freedom to customize your degree by selecting from a variety of minors and certificates, allowing you to shape your education based on your interests and career goals. This approach gives you the practical skills employers want, making you a competitive candidate in the job market.
General Studies Major
The General Studies major at µÛÍõ»áËù is designed for students interested in a multidisciplinary education. The program challenges students to think critically and process information from a variety of academic areas, preparing them for an array of career opportunities or graduate study.
- Convenient online or hybrid classes
- Streamlined pathway to graduation with 120 credit hours
- Prepares graduates for a variety of career paths
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Why major in General Studies?
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Multidisciplinary Learning for Real-World Impact
The General Studies major lets you bring together your academic interests to give you a high-level understanding of complex issues. This approach not only broadens your perspective but also improves your critical thinking, problem solving and communication skills — essential tools for navigating today’s interconnected world.
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Career Opportunities for General Studies Graduates
OHIO’s General Studies major prepares you for roles across industries such as business, health care, government and education. Your practical skills will empower you to pursue rewarding opportunities and make meaningful contributions in your chosen field.
Choosing Your Path: General Studies vs Specialized Studies
University College offers two similar but very different undergraduate programs so it's important to understand the distinctions between them. The General Studies and the Specialized Studies majors each offer unique benefits tailored to different student needs and preferences. Here's a breakdown to help you determine which program aligns best with your goals:
General Studies | Specialized Studies | |
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Type of individualized degree | Institutionally-designed major via selection of pre-existing programs | Student-designed major via a proposal |
Core courses | 2 general studies courses and 2 minors and/or certificates | 30 hour major credit residency, 39 credit hours of 3000 level courses, and proposal inclusive of 15 courses |
Who is this degree best for? | Best for students seeking a flexible degree plan that allows them to choose between online, Athens, and regional campuses, while providing comprehensive learning across various disciplines and topics. | Best for students interested in designing their degree program with guidance from faculty mentors. |
More Information |
Curriculum
To earn a bachelor's degree in General Studies, students must complete a total of 120 semester hours, which includes meeting the OHIO BRICKS General Education requirements. As part of their degree, students will choose two minors or certificates from existing degree programs. Entry to these minors or certificates are subject to the college's requirements.
Online students may choose from the following minors and certificates:
Athens campus students can add any minor or certificate at the University.
Additionally, students must complete the following courses for a total of 6 credit hours:
- UC 2610 - General Studies Seminar
- UC 4610 - General Studies Capstone
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Tuition & Fees
U.S. News & World Report ranked µÛÍõ»áËù the #1 Best Value Public University in µÛÍõ»áËù and 30th in the nation. We're continuously striving to make college more affordable and accessible, while maintaining the high quality and value of an OHIO education.
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Financial Aid & Scholarships
Our Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships provides services to students and parents both in-person and remotely. You can visit our office on the ground floor of Chubb Hall or reach us at financial.aid@ohio.edu or 740.593.4141.