General Studies
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General Studies

Take your career to new and exciting heights with the Associate in General Studies degree from Oakland Community College. This flexible degree lets you explore multiple areas of interest.

Think of the possibilities—you could learn Japanese, create beautiful things in art-centered classes, or even specialize in complex subjects like algebra or biology. With hundreds of classes available, your potential is limitless.

Meet Your Goals

The best part about the Associate of General Studies degree? Versatility!

If you’re not sure what you want to do in the long run, this degree can help you narrow down your options. Find out what you like—then transfer your credits to a four-year institution on the way to a bachelor’s degree.

If a university isn’t in your future, this degree can help you find a job, get a raise, or secure a promotion. Many employers look for candidates with some sort of college credential—and this one demonstrates your critical thinking, organizational, and “people” skills. It also showcases your ability to complete a long-term goal.

Hundreds of Classes

To earn this degree, you pick classes from these subject areas:

  • Communication and English (3 credits)
  • Fine Arts and Humanities (6 credits)
  • Mathematics and Natural Science (6 credits)
  • American Government (3 credits)
  • Social Science (3 credits)
  • Physical Education (1 credit)
  • Written Communication (3 credits)

In addition to these 25 credits, you take 35 additional credits of electives—anything you like—to get the 60 credits you need to graduate.

Explore our catalog to see the many, many classes we offer.

In-Person or Online

You can take classes in person or completely online. It’s up to you. Either way, you have the support you need—whether it be financial aid opportunities or counseling. We’re here to help you graduate and be a success story.

Serious Skills

The research is in: Employers want college graduates. They admire the hard work—and dedication—required to earn a college degree, and they love the skills that graduates bring to the table.

Throughout your Associate in General Studies program, you build priceless abilities, learning to communicate, listen, reason, and lead others. These skills demonstrate your emotional intelligence—a valuable commodity for any employer.

Of course, earning this degree lets you boast about your numerous other skills, including your ability to manage your time, research, make informed decisions, and so on. Through this program, you build essential new competencies—and you reinforce the best parts of yourself.

The Facts

An associate degree is incredibly valuable. Don’t believe us? Well, consider these facts about associate degree holders:

  • $1.7 million: That’s the amount they earn during their careers. That’s $400,000 more than individuals with just a high school diploma.
  • Up to 50%: They earn a lot more than someone with just a high school diploma.

Change Your Life in Four Semesters

Full-time students can earn the Associate in General Studies in just four semesters (two years):


Associate degree holders have access to more jobs. Their unemployment rate is 3.8% (compared to a rate of 5.4% for those with just a high school diploma).
Did you know

 

Get Started Begin your studies with these steps:

  • Apply to OCC. If you’re not already an OCC student, create a profile and complete our online application.
  • On the application, select “Associate in General Studies” or “Associate in General Studies (100% Online).”
  • Existing OCC students can update their academic program using the Student Update Information Request form