Is General Studies a Hard Major? What Students Should Know in 2026

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

The academic demands of a general studies major are often misunderstood, with many assuming it is inherently easier than specialized fields. However, general studies students face a diverse curriculum requiring adaptability across multiple disciplines. In the U.S., nearly 15,000 students graduated with a general studies degree annually, reflecting its popularity despite varied perceptions of its rigor.

This article will explore the course complexity, typical workload, and essential skills like critical thinking and time management necessary for success. It will also examine factors influencing difficulty, such as individual learning styles and academic goals, helping students assess whether this major aligns with their strengths and expectations.

Key Benefits of General Studies as a Major

General studies supports career changers by offering flexible curricula that align with diverse professional goals, easing the transition without excessive specialization stress.
It benefits full-time workers returning to school by allowing balanced scheduling and practical learning, making demanding coursework manageable alongside work commitments.
Traditional undergraduates gain essential critical thinking and communication skills through varied coursework, boosting confidence to tackle complex academic challenges across disciplines.

Where Does General Studies Rank Among the Hardest College Majors?

General studies is generally ranked lower on national lists of college major difficulty. Majors like chemistry, engineering, mathematics, and physics top these rankings due to their demanding workloads, extensive lab or practicum hours, and the need for strong technical or analytical skills. In comparison, general studies often features a broader and more flexible curriculum with fewer required upper-division courses focused on a single subject.

Data suggests that students in majors deemed less challenging, such as general studies, typically spend around 13-16 hours per week on coursework and study, which is noticeably less than the 18-20 hours common in more rigorous, STEM-focused fields.

Perceptions of how hard general studies is can vary widely depending on the institution and individual student. Some programs incorporate interdisciplinary research or capstone projects, increasing their difficulty for certain learners. For many, general studies aligns more closely with liberal arts or social science majors in terms of challenge, and is generally easier than most STEM disciplines and professional tracks such as engineering or biochemistry.

Ultimately, how demanding the major feels depends heavily on the program's structure and the student's academic strengths, making its difficulty subjective rather than absolute.

What Factors Make General Studies a Hard Major?

General studies presents challenges for many students due to its broad academic requirements and diverse skill demands. The complexity arises from the need to manage coursework across multiple disciplines while meeting stringent academic standards.

The academic rigor of general studies programs is notable, as students must develop proficiency in writing, oral communication, quantitative reasoning, and critical inquiry. For example, some universities require extensive credit hours in core skills and disciplinary perspectives, demanding analytical thinking and complex writing assignments.

Broad Credit Requirements: Students often need to complete a significant number of credit hours in varied fields, such as literacy, social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences. Arizona State University requires at least 35 credit hours of approved general studies coursework, including upper-division credits, imposing a substantial time commitment.
Academic Rigor and Skill Development: The major demands excellence in multiple competencies, including sustained reading and research paper writing. For instance, the University of Louisville mandates 31 hours of core courses spread across skills areas and disciplinary perspectives, reflecting the major's demanding curriculum.
Technical and Analytical Complexity: Many programs include challenging mathematical and scientific courses that feature labs and quantitative problem solving, requiring strong analytical skills and consistent effort.
Field-Specific Demands: Certain curricula involve advanced professional speaking, ethics, intercultural communication, and capstone projects. These components push students to synthesize knowledge and showcase high-level integrated skills.

The general studies workload and student challenges stem from balancing multiple demanding subject areas rather than focusing on a single specialty. Prospective students interested in a more accelerated path can explore a fast track program to manage these demands efficiently.

Who Is a Good Fit for a General Studies Major?

Recognizing the best learners for general studies degree helps students align their strengths with the major's interdisciplinary nature, increasing their chances of success. Knowing who should choose a general studies major is vital as it requires intellectual flexibility and self-driven learning across multiple fields.

Intellectual flexibility: Students who thrive on integrating concepts from various disciplines find this major ideal, as it encourages broad thinking and adaptability to diverse academic challenges.
Strong communication skills: Clear expression in writing and speech supports synthesizing ideas and engaging effectively with faculty and peers, essential for managing a self-directed curriculum.
Self-direction: The best learners for general studies degree demonstrate initiative in shaping their academic journey, working with advisors to tailor courses that reflect their evolving goals.
Adaptability and problem-solving: Those eager to tackle unfamiliar problems excel because this major values critical thinking in varied contexts, preparing students for dynamic work environments.
Nontraditional students: Working adults or returning learners benefit from the flexibility of general studies, including course scheduling and credit transfer, which suits diverse life circumstances.

Students interested in exploring broad academic interests while maintaining manageable coursework should consider general studies. For more on flexible degree options, see top degrees for seniors online.

How Can You Make a General Studies Major Easier?

Many students struggle with the broad scope and lack of defined structure in a general studies major, which can make it seem overwhelming. Applying intentional methods early on can simplify the workload and create a clearer academic path.

Focus electives around a clear goal: Align your course choices with specific interests or skills to reduce decision fatigue and give your schedule direction.
Build a comprehensive portfolio: Collect assignments, projects, and research papers regularly to track progress and avoid last-minute compilation.
Engage in practical experiences early: Seek internships or applied learning that connect theory with real-world practice, making abstract concepts easier to grasp.
Strengthen foundational skills: Prioritize developing writing, math, and critical thinking competencies, which support success across diverse subjects.
Join relevant student groups: Participate in clubs or academic communities for peer support and increased motivation within your broad field.

Are Admissions to General Studies Programs Competitive?

Admissions to general studies programs are generally less competitive than those for specialized majors like engineering or computer science. This is mainly because these programs face lower applicant numbers and have fewer restrictive prerequisites. Additionally, general studies programs tend to have more flexible capacity limits, allowing a wider range of students to enroll without the intense competition seen in more selective fields.

Selectivity in general studies varies by institution, influenced by factors such as the school's overall competitiveness, regional demand, and available resources. Most programs require only a high school diploma and a minimum GPA, with minimal prerequisite courses or prior experience. While some schools report acceptance rates near 10%, this usually reflects the institution's general admission standards rather than the major's difficulty.

Students with average academic records often find these programs more accessible compared to STEM or business tracks.

Is an Online General Studies Major Harder Than an On-Campus Program?

Online general studies programs are generally not harder or easier than their on-campus counterparts; the difficulty varies based on individual preferences and circumstances. Factors like academic expectations, workload, and learning style influence how challenging a student finds their program.

Here is a comparison of key aspects influencing online general studies degree difficulty versus on-campus programs:

Academic Expectations: Both online and traditional formats maintain similar course content and standards to ensure equivalent learning outcomes across delivery modes.
Workload and Pacing: Online programs offer flexibility for students to progress at their own pace, requiring strong time management and self-discipline, while on-campus schedules are more structured.
Interaction and Support: On-campus students benefit from immediate face-to-face engagement with instructors and peers; online students may find asking questions and receiving timely feedback more challenging.
Learning Environment: Online learners must navigate digital platforms and manage potential home distractions, whereas on-campus students experience a more controlled, technology-minimized setting.
Unique Challenges: Technical issues and feelings of isolation can impact online students, while in-person learners have less scheduling flexibility.

Students considering the question is online college harder than in-person should reflect on their ability to stay motivated in a less structured environment. Many find online study equally rigorous but appreciate its convenience.

For those seeking accelerated options, an associate's degree accelerated program may be a valuable consideration within the general studies field.

Are Accelerated General Studies Programs Harder Than Traditional Formats?

Accelerated general studies programs are generally harder than traditional formats because they compress the same amount of material into a much shorter timeframe, leading to condensed timelines, intensified course pacing, and a heavier workload. This accelerated general studies program workload demands strong organizational skills and self-discipline to manage frequent assignments, extended class sessions, and fewer breaks.

Below is a comparison of traditional vs accelerated general studies difficulty, highlighting key differences in academic experience and student demands:

Course Pacing and Content Density: Accelerated programs condense a standard 15-week course into 5-8 weeks, requiring students to quickly grasp and apply dense material, while traditional programs allow for more gradual learning.
Workload Management: Accelerated formats challenge motivated, independent learners who can handle frequent assignments under pressure, whereas traditional structures support students balancing work or family commitments with steadier pacing.
Academic Expectations and Skill Demands: Accelerated students must demonstrate rapid comprehension and time management, while traditional students benefit from extended time to develop skills and receive academic support.
Learning Retention and Stress Levels: Traditional programs often enable deeper reflection and lower stress, contrasting with accelerated courses that may increase stress and limit in-depth understanding.
Flexibility and Day-to-Day Structure: Accelerated programs may offer flexible scheduling, but overall intensity remains high; traditional formats offer more routine and structured environments.

For those considering faster degree options, it is worth exploring the fastest degree to get that pays well to understand how accelerated general studies might fit individual goals and learning styles.

Can You Manage a Part-Time Job While Majoring in General Studies?

Students can often balance a part-time job while pursuing a general studies major, but success varies depending on course load, weekly study commitments, and individual time management skills. The flexible nature of general studies, which usually involves fewer lab hours and technical tasks, makes it easier to coordinate work and academics. Schedule flexibility and personal study habits also play a significant role in maintaining this balance.

Many students find general studies manageable alongside part-time employment by selecting reasonable credit hours and opting for jobs with adaptable hours, such as campus roles or remote work. The concentration often emphasizes reading, writing, and project-based assignments, which allow for more flexible pacing compared to programs with intensive lab or technical components.

Additionally, online classes and campus resources provide vital academic support, helping students organize their time and meet deadlines. These factors collectively create an environment where balancing work and study is feasible, though it depends heavily on each student's approach and program demands.

What Jobs Do General Studies Majors Get, and Are They as Hard as the Degree Itself?

Career paths for general studies graduates vary widely in difficulty, responsibility, and skill requirements. While some jobs align closely with the academic rigor of the general studies degree, others may feel less demanding or challenge different skill sets.

Human Resources Specialist: Handles recruitment, onboarding, and employee relations within organizations. This role often matches the general studies degree in demand, requiring strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills to navigate complex workplace dynamics.
Technical Writer: Creates manuals, guides, and documentation for businesses and technology firms. Although sometimes less demanding than the major in breadth, this job requires specialized attention to detail, clear communication, and technical understanding.
Market Research Analyst: Analyzes consumer behavior data and market trends to support business decisions. The analytical and research demands can be as challenging as general studies coursework, involving critical thinking and complex data interpretation.
Public Relations Specialist: Manages a company's public image, writes press releases, and coordinates with the media. The pressure of deadlines and public scrutiny makes this role demanding in ways that differ from academic rigor, focusing heavily on interpersonal and writing skills.
Administrative Assistant: Organizes schedules, communications, and office functions for executives or teams. While sometimes regarded as less academically rigorous, this position requires high efficiency, attention to detail, and multitasking, resulting in its own distinct challenges.

When considering general studies jobs and salaries, the difficulty of each career depends heavily on specific responsibilities and workplace context. Those wondering is general studies degree hard will find that the challenge varies significantly by professional path.

For introverted graduates seeking an optimal fit, consulting resources like the best job for an introvert can provide valuable guidance tailored to personality and skill set.

Do General Studies Graduates Earn Higher Salaries Because the Major Is Harder?

There is no clear evidence that general studies graduates earn more because the major is harder. Salary differences are more influenced by factors like skill acquisition, flexibility, and how in demand broad competencies are in the job market. While majors with specialized skills and heavy academic workloads sometimes lead to higher pay, general studies focuses on interdisciplinary learning and adaptability rather than academic intensity. Data shows general studies programs do not consistently have lower GPAs or greater difficulty compared to other fields.

Several elements impact general studies graduates' earnings, including industry demand, specific job roles, location, and experience. For instance, advertising managers with this background may earn median salaries around $127,830 annually, whereas public safety administration roles average about $46,900. Geographic areas such as Barrow, Alaska, and Berkeley, California, offer salaries 22-25% above national averages for general studies-related fields.

Gaining relevant experience and building professional networks also play key roles in maximizing the value of the degree in a competitive labor market.

What Graduates Say About General Studies as Their Major

Kellen: "Pursuing general studies was a unique challenge for me-it wasn't about mastering one specific subject but balancing multiple disciplines, which tested my adaptability and time management skills. The cost was reasonable compared to other majors, averaging around $25,000 per year including tuition and fees, which made it a practical investment. This major broadened my career options tremendously, allowing me to pivot easily between industries."

Crew: "From my perspective, general studies might seem less rigorous academically, but the real difficulty lies in designing your own educational path and staying motivated without a strict curriculum. Considering the national average cost of attendance, I found the flexibility worth the cost, as it saved me from extra expenses tied to changing majors. Personally, it enhanced my critical thinking and communication skills, which opened doors in my professional life. "

Evren: "General studies presented its own set of challenges since it required self-discipline and a broad knowledge base rather than in-depth specialization. Financially, it was an efficient choice, with the average cost falling below many specialized programs, making higher education more accessible. The major ultimately equipped me with versatile skills applicable across multiple career fields, proving the value beyond just academics."

Other Things You Should Know About General Studies Degrees

Is general studies a difficult major to graduate from?

Graduating with a general studies degree is typically less difficult than more specialized majors because it offers flexibility in course choices. Students can tailor their studies to their strengths and interests, often balancing easier general education courses with electives. However, success still requires consistent effort and time management to meet graduation requirements.

Does general studies require a lot of writing?

Yes, general studies programs often require a moderate amount of writing across different subjects. Assignments may include essays, research papers, and reflective writing, but the volume and difficulty vary based on the courses selected. Writing demands are usually manageable compared to majors focused intensively on communication or literature.

Are there many exams in a general studies major?

The number and type of exams in general studies depend on the electives chosen by the student. Since general studies spans multiple disciplines, some courses may have frequent tests while others rely on projects or papers. Overall, students can expect a balanced assessment format rather than heavy exam pressure.

Does general studies prepare students well for graduate school?

General studies can provide a broad academic foundation but may not prepare students as thoroughly for specialized graduate programs. Students planning to attend graduate school often need to select electives aligned with their future field to gain relevant knowledge and skills. Advising is crucial to tailor the curriculum toward graduate school readiness.