A bachelor’s degree in general studies gives you the skills companies are seeking. In fact, employers have repeatedly reported that they’re more interested in your ability to think critically, solve problems and communicate effectively than they are in your major.
A Bachelor of General Studies is also a great choice for someone who is transferring college credit they’ve previously earned. This includes academic credit awarded for military experience and training.
Buyers and purchasing agents purchase products, goods and services. They compare prices and the quality of items and services, analyzing proposals and bids. They also keep track of supplies. You’ll want to mix foundational business courses and take mathematics. If you’re specifically interested in the agricultural sector, consider taking biology or environmental studies courses, too.
Public relations specialists help organizations or public officials maintain their image by coordinating communication. They write press releases, provide information to the media and draft speeches. Take advantage of a B.G.S. by mixing and matching business, marketing, English and communication studies classes.
Non-profit organizations rely heavily on fundraisers to support services and operations. These professionals come up with campaigns and messages to appeal to potential donors. And they maintain good relationships with existing donors, including maintaining donor records. You’ll want to take business courses such as finance and marketing. Also consider taking human services classes to get a better understanding of working with communities, groups and social policies.
Sales managers direct the distribution of goods and services. They oversee customer service, effectively resolving any complaints. They also determine rates and special pricing plans. Take business courses such as economics, human resources and management. Sociology courses may also come in handy to help you better understand how people interact.
Event planners help people and organizations host meetings, celebrations and conferences. They plan details such as time and location, inspect and select appropriate venues and coordinate services and supplies such as transportation and food. In addition to basic business classes such as marketing, consider taking communication studies courses. Some event planners eventually become self-employed, so classes in entrepreneurship might also be helpful.
Travel agents benefit from having a degree. That’s because they need good organizational, problem solving and communication skills. Travel agents have big responsibilities as they plan and arrange tours and excursions. They need to be able to think logistically, solve problems and communicate effectively. Consider mixing business courses such as marketing, management and international business. Computer courses could also be beneficial to learn about database and network systems.
Security guards and surveillance officers help companies and organizations protect their property by deterring criminal activities. They monitor alarm systems and security cameras, control access to buildings and respond to emergencies. While you’ll want to take criminal justice courses, basic business courses such as economics and management will give your degree an edge. You may also want to consider taking computer information systems courses to get an understanding of hardware, software and networks.
Logisticians typically work in manufacturing and distribution. They coordinate an organization’s supply chain by purchasing, storing and transporting goods. Basic business courses such as economics and management will be useful. You may also consider public administration courses such as organizational behavior and decision making.
Community service managers work for a variety of non-profit and human services organizations to identify needs and put programs and services in place to meet those needs. They plan and manage outreach, advocating for awareness and funding. They also oversee day-to-day operations. You’ll want to take basic business courses such as economics and management, as well as communication courses. Human services classes such as working with communities may also be helpful.
More and more, top executives are seeking assistants who have college degrees. They need professionals who can schedule events, make travel arrangements, prepare reports and maintain company databases. Consider taking business courses, as well as computer classes such as database administration.
At Columbia College, our Bachelor of General Studies can be tailored toward your interests and professional goals, with an emphasis on relevant career skills and real-world application.
Here, you'll have a team, from faculty to academic advisors and Student Success Coaches, dedicated to your success, committed to equipping you with resources to excel.
Apply TodayToo many people have been made to feel that higher education isn’t a place for them— that it is someone else’s dream. But we change all that. With individualized attention and ongoing support, we help you write a new story for the future where you play the starring role.