How do bachelors in general studies compare to other degrees?

[OfficerA]

Asking out of curiosity, as my installation commander received this degree from the Air Force Academy. How competitive is it to other degrees?

[cookderosa]

It is a "check the box" degree. Meaning, your degree will not be specialized in something career-specific. In other words, you won't be more qualified than someone with a specific degree in that field, however, when stacked against someone with a degree outside their field of expertise, you'll be equal. MANY jobs don't care what your degree is in, and in that case, a general studies degree is perfect. If, however, you need a degree "in" something for advancement, you'll want to find a concentration/major that applies to your field. The difference is essentially what makes up the "core" or "major" of a degree. In most degrees, the first half are identical in every degree. The second half will consist of electives and specializations. In a general studies degree, it will consist of electives and a range of classes. Hope that helps!

[sanantone]

A degree in general studies is like a degree in liberal studies, liberal arts, multidisciplinary studies, individualized studies, and interdisciplinary studies. If your degree has any kind of focus, you will have to explain it in your resume and cover letter. For example, I've gotten interviews for jobs that wanted a sociology, psychology, or criminal justice degree with my social science degree because I explained the content of my degree. However, I think most in HR know that a social science degree can be composed of psychology and sociology. It can also be composed of subjects like political science and economics, but the assumption is that, if you're applying for social service jobs, then you probably took courses in the behavioral sciences. It will be more difficult to get someone to take a deeper look at a general studies degree because it can be just about anything.

Like Cookderosa said, some jobs just want a bachelor's degree. These jobs are usually in sales and insurance.

[defscarlett]

I strongly believe that a degree in General Studies is only partially beneficial to someone with a lot of experience and just need a degree to get ahead in their current job. I think it is something that can still be a hindrance to someone even with the best experience, as General Studies screams "I have no direction in life." However this degree is still better than no degree.

[cookderosa]

A degree in general studies is like a degree in liberal studies, liberal arts, multidisciplinary studies, individualized studies, and interdisciplinary studies. If your degree has any kind of focus, you will have to explain it in your resume and cover letter. For example, I've gotten interviews for jobs that wanted a sociology, psychology, or criminal justice degree with my social science degree because I explained the content of my degree. However, I think most in HR know that a social science degree can be composed of psychology and sociology. It can also be composed of subjects like political science and economics, but the assumption is that, if you're applying for social service jobs, then you probably took courses in the behavioral sciences. It will be more difficult to get someone to take a deeper look at a general studies degree because it can be just about anything.

Like Cookderosa said, some jobs just want a bachelor's degree. These jobs are usually in sales and insurance.

that made me laugh....

[rebel100]

However, I think most in HR know that a social science degree can be composed of psychology and sociology.

Funny, I think most in HR are generally lucky to find their way to and from the place they work everyday. I certainly give them exactly zero credit in being able to decipher the nuances of higher education degree's.

I work in a place that places a high value on nursing degrees (BSN/MSN) for....wait for it....NURSES! For all other positions the area studied compared to the job often don't match up. Think EVS Director with an IT degree, IT guys with AS in Emergency Medical Services, an EMS director with a degree in Finance, A whole slew of folks in roles that prefer a degree, yet due to hiring from within (at least in the past) have attained their positions without any degree at all. And lets not forget the rebel who holds a general studies degree from COSC...yet managed to sneak into a job that involves writing policy and managing a staff of 40. I do feel the need to explain my degree...that's the purpose of a resume and a challenge I welcome. I added an MBA 6 months ago and other than a microscopic pay raise ($0.40 an hour I believe it was) it hasn't made a lot of difference. Sure looks nice on my business card and email signature though.

If you want a job in an industry that requires a specific degree...then you better get that degree. I tell my kids this all the time. If your a 30 something mid career guy/galthat wants to move up I think the specific degree matters a lot less. We could also discuss the value of a degree from a top tier school like the Air Force Academy vs say Kaplen, UofP, or even University of Florida. End of the day you need to do your research before making an informed decision.

[Prloko]

Asking out of curiosity, as my installation commander received this degree from the Air Force Academy. How competitive is it to other degrees?

I think a BIG distinction to note here is the degree is from the AF Academy. Military Academies are considered Ivy League quality, so a GS degree from the AFA is a lot more competitive than a BSBA from TESC. Companies always have a spot open for an officer, even glorified SrA (Lts), unless of course the position requires a special degree like engineering, CS, etc.

[sanantone]

that made me laugh....

LOL. That's just what I've seen when searching for jobs that require a generic bachelor's degree.

Funny, I think most in HR are generally lucky to find their way to and from the place they work everyday. I certainly give them exactly zero credit in being able to decipher the nuances of higher education degree's.

I don't have a very high opinion of HR, and their software can weed out qualified applicants, but I do give them some credit. There was one agency I worked at under a contractor. They had an opening for a security specialist position that required a degree in criminal justice. The person who ended up being hired had a degree in engineering, but he also had experience as a special agent with the FBI. Rarely have I seen a job that specifically lists social science as a desired degree, but I've had a lot of interviews for jobs in the criminal justice and social services fields.

[bluebooger]

isn't General Studies the only degree cosc gives ?

ok, it seems they've added 3 others
Cyber Security
Health Care Administration
Health Information Management

but General Studies seems to be the only other thing
Majors and Concentrations - Fields of Study - Charter Oak State College

[sanantone]

isn't General Studies the only degree cosc gives ?

ok, it seems they've added 3 others
Cyber Security
Health Care Administration
Health Information Management

but General Studies seems to be the only other thing
Majors and Concentrations - Fields of Study - Charter Oak State College

At least with COSC you can list an official concentration.