Associate of General Studies in General Studies
Department
Department of General Studies
College
College of General Studies
Overview of the program
The major goals of the Associate of General Studies degree program are:
- To give students the knowledge and skills to make occupational advancement possible.
- To provide a general foundation for those interested in continuing in a four-year degree program.
- To encourage students who do not have time for a four-year degree to enhance their education and enter the workforce.
The Associate of General Studies degree may also be earned through affiliation agreements with North Oaks Health System's School of Radiologic Technology in Hammond and with the Cardiovascular Technology Training at the Louisiana Heart Hospital in Lacombe.
Total semester hours required: 66-68
Concentrations
- Arts and Humanities
- Natural Sciences
- Behavioral Sciences
- Applied Sciences
Strengths of the program
The Associate of General Studies degree is designed for those students who want a flexible degree program. With faculty advisors, students design programs to suit their personal needs and educational aspirations. Students in this program will achieve competencies in general education courses such as English, math, and natural science. They will also study fine arts, history, and social science, and develop a depth of knowledge in an academic area by completing 15 credit hours in their choice of an academic concentration.
Departmental strengths include:
- A specialized curriculum designed for each individual student
- Ongoing faculty research and development
- Scholarly faculty involvement through presentations and publications
- Student access to licensed Career Counselors as advisors
- Positive feedback from general studies students
- Successful completion of programs for many transfer and non-traditional/returning students
- Student preparation to enter four-year degree programs at the completion of the AGS
Preparing for a job in the program
Students graduating with a degree in general studies should be prepared to:
- Market themselves and their specific skills
- Demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills
- Show experience gained in their specific interest area through work or internship opportunities
- Continue learning to succeed in an ever-changing global marketplace
- Embrace diversity, work as part of a team, and develop leadership skills through their occupations and through service opportunities in the community
Careers in the program
The Associate of General Studies degree has become more attractive with the growth of the number of paraprofessionals in business and industry. Students completing this degree will be qualified to pursue entry-level employment that requires a general education foundation. Our graduates are equipped with transferable skills highly desired by many employers.
Many career opportunities are available to graduates in general studies. Some of these occupations may be dependent on the concentration area selected. For information on specific qualifications, speak with an advisor, someone in the specific industry, or consult the Occupational Outlook Handbook or other career guidance resources. Also take advantage of career planning services offered by the University and career planning courses such as CPL 104 and/or CPL 304 offered by the Department.
Starting Salaries after completing the program (estimates only)
Human Services Assistant - $18,500-$29,000
Legal Assistant or Paralegal - $25,000-$30,000
Office Administrator - $24,000-$38,000
Sales Representative - $25,000-$35,000
Campus organizations and activities affiliated with the program
General studies majors participate in almost all available organizations on campus because of the diversity of their course work. For example, students join organizations such as Student Government, or the Creative Writing Club.
Related fields that might interest you
Because of the nature of this degree program, many opportunities exist. The following comments are pertinent to the General Studies major:
"In today's job market there is a premium on intangible qualities such as leadership, flexibility, and the capacity for abstract thought." (www.graduatejobs.com)
"The United States is entering a new golden age of generalists: integrators of information, motivators of people, communicators of ideas." (Mitchell Fromstein, CEO of Manpower, Inc.)
As a generalist, a general studies graduate is well suited for a variety of jobs.
How do I know this is the degree for me?
Common Strengths and interests of students in the program
Students pursue a degree in general studies for various reasons. Some students feel they do not have the time to devote to a four-year degree program and pursue the degree for personal satisfaction. Others want additional job opportunities or career advancement and choose this degree to get the necessary requirements and background knowledge. Still others have been out of school for quite some time and feel they want to consolidate previously earned credits into a degree program. Whatever the reason, General Studies' advisors will help students set goals and work toward achieving them.
Notable Alumni
Ms. Sandra Beavers, Accounting Specialist
Ms. Mary Imbraguglio, Administrative Coordinator
Contact Information
Division of General Studies
SLU 10672
Hammond, LA 70402
On Campus: North Campus Main Building, Room 289
Telephone: 985-549-3755
Fax: 985-549-3879
