Guide to Online Associate's Degrees in General Studies

It’s not easy choosing a major. There are so many options these days, from Internet Marketing to Women’s Studies to Mathematics. There are more degree choices today, and deciding on just one can be an overwhelming experience.

If you’re one of those people who are having a tough time choosing, then don’t sink down to eeny-meeny-miny-moe just yet. You have the option of getting a general studies associate degree and buying yourself a bit more time to decide.

The reason why getting an associate’s degree in general studies is such a great idea is because it’s specifically designed for people who aren’t quite ready to declare a major yet. A general studies degree gives you a broad understanding of many different subjects, including:

Math
History
Psychology
English
Public Speaking
Humanities
Earth Science
Astronomy
Computers
Art and Theater
Personal Health and Wellness
And much more

Now, if you plan to stop at an associate’s degree, this might not be the best choice for you. Why? Because there’s not a whole lot you can do with it in the work world aside from prove to potential employers that you can get a degree and learn at a college level. Yes, these are very important traits, but as far as earning potential, you’ll be set to make much more with some of the other associate degrees that are available.

A general studies associate degree is designed to strengthen students learning skills and expose them to many different subjects, which will enable them to decide what they might like to do as a career. It’s very helpful to gain a broad understanding of all the different areas of study, so after two years you have an idea of where you’d like to go next.

For example, you may start school with no idea what you’d like to do as a career, so you pick General Studies to buy some time. You take many different classes, but find that your psychology classes really interest you and that you have a natural flair in this area. After two years, you decide to pursue psychology for your bachelor’s degree, all because of your general education studies.

Many students that pursue an associate degree in general studies go on to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in education. The reason is because they’ve already gotten a thorough understanding of the subjects they’ll be teaching their students, and a general studies degree satisfies many General Education requirements of four-year universities.

This is also a very fun degree to consider. Why? Because you get to learn about so many different things! It’s the jack-of-all-trades degree that really helps you broaden your horizons. Many students report a high-satisfaction with this degree, simply because every semester their course load is completely different. It’s a fun way to learn about a lot of different things.

Guide to Online Associates Degree Programs

Associate degree holders generally have better job prospects than those with only a high school diploma. Earning an associate degree usually takes two years, and doing so in at an online school can be much more convenient than at a traditional campus. Below are the top accredited online schools offering associate degrees in the US.

	With one of the largest offerings of accredited online associate degrees, Post University is consistently highly rated by its students because of its flexibility and affordability. All associate degrees offered are fully accredited. Post was founded in 1890 and has been providing highly-rated degree programs to students ever since with an emphasis on practicality and application. Read full school profile » Request Information
	The University of Phoenix was one of the first accredited colleges to offer online degrees. Today, it has grown to become one of the nation's largest universities through its online division and campuses coast to coast. They remain one of the top choices for students looking for an associates degree online because of the broad array of choice and affordability they offer students. Read full school profile » Request Information
	With perhaps the largest number of online associates degrees offered, Kaplan University's degrees are fully accredited, affordable, and offer a flexibility that many other online schools cannot match. This unrivaled selection spans several industries, hundreds of specializations, and all degree levels of education, empowering students to choose their own path to a career. Read full school profile » Request Information
	One of the nation's leading Christian universities, Liberty offers a broad range of accredited associate degrees online. Their incorporation of moral and ethical considerations into study make them a popular choice for students seeking a well-rounded education built on academic integrity. Established in 1985, Liberty University has one of the longest-standing online education programs in the country. Read full school profile » Request Information
	The online associates degrees at Everest University can be completed in under 2 years, making this a great way for students to quickly works towards their life goals. An associates degree can give you a jump-start on your career and open opportunities around every corner. Many of the programs help students pursue positions in ever-growing fields. Read full school profile » Request Information
	Virginia College offers a wide range of accredited associates programs. VC takes several steps in helping students pays for college by offering financial aid to those who qualify, including textbooks in the tuition cost, and providing online programs that can be completed under two (2) years, giving students a quick way to jump start their careers. Read full school profile » Request Information
	DeVry University is a highly-regarded leader in education with campuses across the nation and several online degrees available. DeVry focuses on providing degrees centered in the technology industry or fields that require a broad understanding and need for technical skills. DeVry has several highly popular degrees like Accounting, Web Graphic Design, Health IT, and Network Systems Administration. Read full school profile » Request Information
	Strayer University has over the last decade become one of the most respected schools offering accredited online associate degrees. Their strong reputation among employers, broad course offerings, and over one hundred years in education make them consistently a top choice for students. Strayer has over 85 campuses and 60,000 students currently attending online or at one of its campuses. Read full school profile » Request Information