General Studies
The General Studies degree at Manchester University is designed for students who want a customizable, interdisciplinary academic experience grounded in a strong core of coursework. This program is ideal for students who have a wide range of interests, are returning to complete a degree, or want a flexible plan that prepares them for professional advancement or graduate study.
Build Your Future with a General Studies Associate of Arts Degree
A General Studies Associate of Arts allows students to explore multiple academic disciplines while fulfilling Manchester’s essential core requirements. Instead of focusing on one traditional major, students complete courses in areas such as:
- Communication Studies
- History and Political Science
- Business and Economics
- Natural Sciences
- Psychology or Sociology
This structure encourages critical thinking, strong communication skills, ethical reasoning, and broad intellectual development; skills employers consistently value. If you’re looking for a well-rounded, adaptable degree that builds a solid academic core while giving you room to pursue electives aligned with your passions and goals, General Studies is an excellent option.
Program Information:
Associate of Arts
- 30 Credit Hours
Location
- North Manchester
Why Choose MU for General Studies?
Personalized Academic Advising
Flexible Course Options
Values-Based Learning Environment
Who is a Good Fit for a General Studies AA?
Transfer Students
Students with transfer credits who want to apply them toward a meaningful degree
Adult Students
Working adults returning to school to finish their education
Exploratory Student
Students exploring multiple areas of interest or who want flexibility in course selection
Career Shift Students
Those preparing for graduate study or career shifts
How the General Studies Program Supports Your Growth
Because General Studies spans several departments, your academic experience will include:
- Core communication and writing courses (e.g., COMM 110: Foundations of Human Communication)
- Analytical and critical thinking coursework (e.g., PHIL 201: Introduction to Philosophy, ECON 221: Principles of Microeconomics)
- Scientific and quantitative literacy (e.g., BIOL 101: Essentials of Biology, MATH 115: Introductory Statistics)
- Social and cultural awareness (e.g., SOC 101: Introduction to Sociology, HIST 104: World Civilizations)
You’ll work with an academic advisor to personalize your course path based on your previous credits, career goals, and academic strengths.
Earning a General Studies degree shows employers that you are adaptable, self-motivated, and skilled in communication, research, and analysis. It demonstrates your ability to complete a degree, balance multiple disciplines, and apply a wide skill set to real-world problems.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Professionals with a bachelor’s degree earn an average of $27,000 more per year than those without one.
- Bachelor’s degree holders enjoy higher employment rates compared to those without a four-year degree.
This degree can help you qualify for jobs in business, nonprofit leadership, customer relations, marketing, public service, or even graduate school.
Non-Discrimination in the Admission Process
Manchester University is committed to non-discrimination in campus life. The University does not discriminate on the basis of national origin, ancestry, race, color, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, familial status, religion, disability or veteran status in admissions or any area of campus life, including its educational programs, scholarships and loan awards, residence life programs, athletic programs, extracurricular programs, promotion and tenure policies and practice, and alumni affairs.
Manchester University is committed to carry out the provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans With Disabilities Act, which provide for accessibility of University programs to the physically disabled.