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Associate of Arts (AA) in General Studies

Develop the key foundational skills needed in the workplace. This degree draws upon insights from workforce and industry leaders about the best practices and knowledge most essential to professional success.

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Earn more

Many employment settings consider an AA in General Studies as the first step to unlocking upward mobility.

Be in demand

17,000 new business management job openings in 2021

Source: BLS Occupational Employment Statistics

What you’ll learn

This degree prepares students to be effective contributors in most professional settings, teaching fundamental skills for the workplace.

career outlook

Thrive in a variety of careers

Sales representative
$72,000
Office clerk
$38,000
Customer service representative
$38,000

Source: Glassdoor City of Detroit

what you'll learn

Build the skills to lead and innovate

Convey Technical Information

Communicate complex ideas clearly using professional formats suited for different audiences.

Demonstrate Cultural Competence

Improve communication and relationships by understanding different cultural perspectives and social norms.

Lead a Team

Build leadership skills to motivate, organize, and guide teams toward achieving shared goals.

Market a Product or Service

Research target audiences, develop marketing plans, and create compelling promotional campaigns.

Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking

Tackle challenges with innovative solutions by applying logical reasoning and creative thinking.

Teamwork & Collaboration

Work effectively in diverse groups through study of different sociological and cultural perspectives.

Time Management

Set goals, prioritize tasks, and plan effectively to enhance productivity in both independent and team settings.

Specialize in one of the following concentrations

Specialize your studies with concentrations in Business, or Transforming the Customer Experience.

Support every step of the way

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Personal coach

From tutoring to time management. Your dedicated coach will help you achieve your goals.

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Financial aid

Expert support to help you access financial aid — plus financing options you’ll only find at Degree Forward.

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Community of peers

Join a community of learners at Degree Forward. Build relationships with other students in your neighborhood.

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Tools for school

Access our comfortable coworking spaces for you to get work done. Laptop, software, tech support...We’ve got you.

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Your pace

Our program works around your schedule, whether you want to take your time or finish as soon as possible.

Cost for all Degree Forward CT programs

Tuition +fees before aid

$3,400 per term

financial aid

Most Degree Forward students are eligible for financial aid, and the average Degree Forward student covers around half of tuition through government scholarship.
AA General Studies
“Degree Forward’s team have been helpful, kind and fantastic cheerleaders! They’re always there for you and quick to answer questions. At other colleges, I’ve had to figure things out on my own. This is not the case here! I’m excited this degree I’ve wanted for so long is finally within reach.”
Erin Andrews
AA Graduate, General Studies

Frequently asked questions

What makes Degree Forward different from other higher education opportunities?

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  • Model combines online college degrees from an accredited and non-profit University with in-person support aimed at helping students succeed. 
  • Each student is assigned a personal Coach
  • Coaches help you access resources and supports in your community: transportation, technology support, child care support, career development opportunities, etc.
  • Self-paced and low cost so you can earn a degree around your schedule with little to no student debt upon completion

Is Degree Forward a University? Are Degree Forward's programs accredited?

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  • Degree Forward is not a university. We partner with SNHU, an accredited university, to enable our students to earn associate and bachelor’s degrees. 
  • Southern New Hampshire University (or SNHU) is a private, nonprofit university established in 1932 and located in Manchester, New Hampshire.
  • Our university partner SNHU is regionally accredited. Regional accreditation is the highest form of accreditation, and credits earned through regionally accredited programs are the most likely to transfer.
  • Our students graduate from SNHU with an accredited associate or bachelor’s degree in their chosen field. 

What are the application requirements?

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To apply to one of SNHU’s degree programs, students must have a GED or high school diploma. 

I have college credits, can I transfer my credits?

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  • If you’ve earned 60 or more credits from an accredited institution — or if you’ve earned an accredited AA or AS — you will likely be eligible to begin your studies directly with SNHU’s BA program (skipping the AA and significantly reducing your time to degree). 
  • If you have under 60 transferable credits, you have the option to have a course-by-course evaluation, and may be eligible to transfer credits to the “associate’s degree track”.

How many projects (credits) do I need to graduate?

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  • 1 project is equivalent to 1 credit. Students must complete 60 projects to earn their AA and complete 60 more projects to earn their BA. 

How long does it take to earn my degree?

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  • On average, students can earn an associate degree in  9 to 12 months and a bachelor’s degree in 12 to 36 months.
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Take the First Step

Wondering how to choose the right program for you?

Getting started is simple. Begin by sharing a little about yourself, and we’ll guide you through the next steps to plan your education, meet your coach, and earn your degree. It all starts with this quick form.