Between 2001 and 2010, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the fastest growing occupations will be those that require an associate of arts degree. Currently, over 400,000 associate in arts degrees are awarded to U.S. students every year. These students go on to either directly enter the work force or pursue further education towards a career of choice.
Why Choose an Associate’s Degree in General Studies?
One of the popular areas of study for students in pursuit of a general associate degree is general studies. A general study degree gives students a broad overview of a range of topics that encourage critical thinking skills. For example, the Associate of Arts in General Studies at the University of Phoenix Online offers courses in social sciences, life sciences, communications andhumanities. For students who are undecided on a career or a major of study, an associate of arts in general study program is a way to gain exposure to an array of subjects of interest. General study programs offer a basic educational foundation to better prepare students for the work force or to enter a more specialized bachelor’s degree program in the future.
Entering the Work Force with an Associate of Arts in General Studies
According to the Occupational Outlook Quarterly from the Department of Labor, many employers actually prefer to hire workers who have an associate of arts degree. This translates into significant advantages for students who opt to enter the work force with an associate of arts degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics found that in 2001, a worker with an associate of arts degree earned an extra $128 per week compared to a worker with only a high school education. It also discovered that the unemployment rate for associate of arts degree graduates was 30% lower in 2001 than for high school graduates.
Pursuing Further Education with an Associate of Arts in General Studies
Students who choose to go on to apply to a four-year university after the completion of an associate of arts degree are often given preference by college admissions over an applicant who has simply taken a few semesters of college courses. This is probably in large part due to the fact that the U.S. Department of Education found associate of arts degree graduates are more likely to finish a bachelor’s degree program. Classes in liberal arts, associate degree components, along with other general study courses, often transfer into bachelor’s degree programs to satisfy up to half of the 120 credits required for completion of a bachelor’s degree program.
Earning an Associate of Arts Degree in General Studies Through Distance Education
Of those students in pursuit of an associate of arts degree, more than 9% chose to enroll in distance education programs in 1998. This number continues to rise as associate of arts degree online programs become increasingly available for working professionals. Enrolling in a general study degree online program, such as the program at the University of Phoenix Online, can allow students to maintain a salary and benefits while working towards an associate of arts degree.
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Tags: associate degree, basic education, bureau of labor statistics, degree programs, department of education, employment, statistics
