General Studies Introduction
General studies develop students’ ability to gain knowledge of the social and natural worlds in which we live in, obtain the ability to think and write clearly, as well as cultivate awareness of one’s personal relationships and moral responsibility. A student can graduate with this degree or use it as a foundation in the subsequent pursuit of a bachelor degree.
Students may choose between 3-6 credits (for a total of 15 exploratory credits) in the following three areas: Natural Science, Arts, and Humanities, and Social Science. This gives students the opportunity to take more courses that complement their major and career interests. This can help students determine if their declared major is the right fit for them early in their educational experience.
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Graduate Career-Ready
BYU-Idaho Graduate Salaries
Graduates with an Associate of General Studies earn a median annual wage of approximately $38,000 while gaining entry level access to roles in administration and support services. This degree offers a significant return on investment by increasing your immediate earning potential compared to a high school diploma while serving as a low cost foundation for future salary growth.
Common Career Paths
You will be prepared for essential entry level roles such as an administrative assistant or customer service representative across diverse industries like healthcare and business. This program develops the critical communication and problem solving skills that allow you to adapt quickly to new workplace challenges or advance within your current organization.
Preparation for Grad School
This degree provides a versatile 60 credit foundation that is designed to transfer directly into various bachelor’s programs at BYU-Idaho or other four year institutions. You will graduate with the mathematical reasoning and scientific inquiry skills necessary to transition smoothly into specialized university study without losing academic momentum.
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