As you explore your college education options, you may find yourself asking, “Is a general studies degree worth it?” or “What is a general studies degree good for?” The answers largely depend on your educational and career aspirations.
For many students, earning a general studies degree — such as the Associate of Science (AS) in General Studies from Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) — provides a versatile foundation for future success. NOVA's program offers a broad-based educational experience, equipping you with essential skills and knowledge to either enter the workforce or smoothly transfer to a four-year university.
Ready to earn your degree in just two years? Learn how a NOVA general studies degree can help you achieve your educational and career goals.
What Is a General Studies Degree Good For?
A general studies degree is an interdisciplinary program that allows you to explore various academic fields rather than specializing in one area. This approach gives you the freedom to customize your education based on your interests and strengths, offering you a well-rounded academic experience.
NOVA’s associate degree in general studies is designed to parallel the first two years of a bachelor's degree program. However, if transferring isn't your goal, you also can structure the program to suit your academic and career ambitions. A general studies associate degree can be ideal for you if you value:
If you're unsure of your career path or have multiple interests, NOVA’s program allows you to explore different academic fields while staying on track to graduate. You’ll take a wide range of courses that help you develop the skills employers value in any industry, including skills such as communication, critical thinking and problem-solving.
If your long-term plan includes earning a bachelor’s degree, NOVA's general studies program sets you up for success. You'll fulfill general education requirements and be ready to transfer with confidence. NOVA offers:
Guaranteed admission agreements with top four-year institutions in Virginia.
Support from professional transfer advisors.
Tools like our Transfer Hub and Credits2Careers portal.
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), which allows you to earn credit for things like experience or exam scores.
What is a general studies degree good for in the workforce? It’s ideal for launching a career in a variety of industries. Employers value adaptable employees with a range of abilities — and a general studies degree gives you exactly that. You’ll gain skills such as:
Written and verbal communication
Analytical thinking
Teamwork and collaboration
Time and project management
What Will You Study in a General Studies Program?
One of the greatest benefits of a general studies curriculum is the opportunity to explore a wide range of academic disciplines. At NOVA, a general studies degree emphasizes core competencies such as critical thinking, effective written communication and scientific reasoning — skills highly valued in nearly every industry.
So, is a general studies degree worth it? Yes, especially if you aim to develop skills and knowledge in areas such as:
Develop essential writing and public speaking skills that will serve you in any career or academic field. At NOVA, you can take courses such as:
Principles of Public Speaking
Introduction to Human Communication
College Composition
Learn to analyze data, solve problems logically and think critically, using numbers and statistics. Your options include courses such as:
Pre-Calculus
Quantitative Reasoning
Statistical Reasoning
Choose from biology, chemistry or environmental science courses that fulfill your natural science requirements while increasing your scientific literacy. Course titles at NOVA include:
Orientation to Biology
General Chemistry
Introduction to Physical Geography
Study human behavior, culture, economics and society through subjects like psychology, sociology and political science. Some of the courses you can choose at NOVA include:
Economic Essentials: Theory and Application
People and the Land: An Introduction to Cultural Geography
Introduction to Comparative Politics
Study cultural awareness and gain creative thinking skills through courses in philosophy, literature, music and more. At NOVA, you can take courses such as:
History of Film and Animation
Introduction to Non-Western Cultures
Literature of Scientific Fiction
Develop your critical research skills, navigate digital tools and learn strategies to help you succeed in college and in your future career. NOVA offers courses such as:
Research Methodology for Behavioral Sciences
Introduction to Digital and Information Literacy and Computer Applications
Principles of Computer Science
What Jobs Can You Pursue with a NOVA General Studies Degree?
By selecting courses and subjects aligned with your interests, your associate degree in general studies from NOVA positions you for entry-level roles across numerous careers. Labor market data from Lightcast indicates approximately 2,656 relevant entry-level jobs available in the NOVA region for general studies graduates, with typical starting salaries between $44,000 and $54,000 per year.
Examples of potential jobs include:
Administrative assistant: Manage schedules, handle correspondence and organize important documents in professional settings.
Customer service representative: Assist customers, address concerns and cultivate positive relationships in retail or service environments.
Sales associate or account representative: Help drive sales, maintain client relationships and support customer engagement efforts.
Community outreach coordinator: Organize community events and promote activities for nonprofit and local groups.
Human resources assistant: Support hiring processes, employee onboarding and manage personnel documentation.
Operations support specialist: Oversee inventory, logistics management and coordinate scheduling to enhance operational efficiency.
Teacher’s aide or educational assistant: Provide classroom support, help with educational activities and assist students directly.
Office manager or supervisor: Direct office activities, manage teams and ensure effective workplace operations.
Interested in quickly building essential skills while advancing toward a degree? NOVA’s Uniform Certificate of General Studies (UCGS) allows you to finish core courses that transfer to other colleges in approximately one year. You'll gain a solid academic base and demonstrate to employers your commitment to professional growth.
Why Choose NOVA for Your Associate Degree in General Studies?
Earning your associate degree from NOVA provides you with a flexible, affordable and supportive education designed to help you reach your personal and professional goals. Here are some top reasons to choose NOVA:
NOVA offers one of the most affordable paths to a degree, allowing you to complete your first two years of a bachelor’s program at less cost than most four-year universities. You also may be eligible for NOVA scholarships.
NOVA offers classes online or in person at our campuses in Alexandria, Annandale, Loudoun, Manassas or Woodbridge. Choose from part-time or full-time study, day or evening courses or weekday or weekend classes.
Learn from faculty who offer you real-world knowledge and a genuine passion for teaching. NOVA’s general studies instructors are committed to your success and ready to mentor you both academically and professionally.
Get the personal attention you deserve at NOVA. With small class sizes, you’ll have more one-on-one time with instructors and easy access to resources like tutoring, writing centers, career services and wellness support.
NOVA is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which means your associate degree in general studies will be respected by colleges and employers.
Take the Next Step Toward NOVA’s Associate Degree in General Studies
Is a general studies degree worth it? What career paths does it open for you? Now that we've explored answers to these and other common questions about NOVA’s general studies degree, you're ready to take the next step.