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First, some facts. Of the General Studies graduates from Ball State University we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 11 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Horrible! Overall, with an average relevance score of 34%, General Studies graduates from Ball State University have an exceptionally lower likelihood (-33%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, only 9% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most General Studies graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 100% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2019 from Ball State University with a Bachelor of Science - BS in General Studies. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONDaycare Teacher DESTINY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Jan 2019 - Mar 2019 Kindergarten Teacher BASIS Phoenix Jul 2021 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When looking at the job paths of graduates from Ball State University who studied General Studies, it seems most of them end up in roles that primarily focus on sales, customer service, and administrative tasks. For instance, many alumni have taken on positions like Sales Professionals at various companies, Retail Sales Consultants, or even roles in event management. These jobs, while they might benefit from some communication skills and organizational skills gleaned from their degree, don't directly relate to deeper academic knowledge or specific training that a General Studies degree typically offers. This makes some of these career choices feel a bit disconnected from their educational background.
On the other hand, a few graduates have pursued roles in education, such as teachers and tutors, where the skills and knowledge from a General Studies program can be more clearly seen in action. These positions require an understanding of educational practices, which align well with the interdisciplinary learning a General Studies degree provides. So, while some job trajectories seem to stray far from what they learned in college, others directly apply and benefit from that educational foundation. Ultimately, it appears that while there are relevant positions related to General Studies, many graduates take on roles that are only loosely connected, often leading to a mix of satisfaction and frustration in their career paths.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for General Studies graduates (this is across all General Studies graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Ball State University):
When you look at graduates from Ball State University who earned a degree in General Studies, there's a mix of career paths that really shows how versatile this degree can be. It seems like many students kick off their careers in sales or customer service roles right after graduation. For example, graduates from 2012 and 2014 dove straight into sales jobs at companies like AT&T and Primerica, while others started in the service industry. These initial jobs often have a connection to communication and people skills, which are crucial in many aspects of general studies.
Fast forward five to ten years, and it looks like a good number of these graduates have progressed to more specialized roles or management positions. For instance, some have shifted from frontline sales to positions like Senior Solutions Architect or District Manager, indicating a growth in responsibilities and skills. However, others seem to have stayed in similar roles, like bartending or managing a sports bar, which may not directly relate to their major. Overall, while some have found solid paths connected to their studies, others may be navigating careers that seem a bit removed from the broader applications of a General Studies degree. It's definitely a mixed bag, showcasing that career trajectories can vary widely even with the same educational background!
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in General Studies, like the one at Ball State University, tends to be on the easier side compared to more specialized degrees. It offers a lot of flexibility, letting you pick courses from different areas that interest you, which can make it feel less intense. While you still have to put in the effort and complete your coursework, you often have more leeway to choose classes that resonate with you, which can definitely lighten the load. Just keep in mind that it’s all about how you approach it—if you’re organized and motivated, it can be a pretty manageable experience!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in General Studies.
Looking at these job paths of Ball State University graduates, it seems like there’s a mix of decent earnings and some struggle. Some folks, like the one who became a Senior Solutions Architect or the District Manager at Primerica, likely found ways to make a solid income, especially in those managerial or tech roles. On the flip side, there are graduates who bounced around in retail or entry-level positions, which often don't pay that well, like the Daycare Teacher or the various jobs in customer service and assistant roles. Overall, it seems like if you landed in a more specialized or managerial position, you could be doing alright financially, but for many others, especially those just starting out, it might take some time to really hit that good paycheck.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in General Studies (this is across all General Studies graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Ball State University). This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in General Studies (ordered by the average relevance score of their General Studies graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 Southeastern Louisiana University
|
69 | 10 |
 University of Louisiana at Lafayette
|
62 | 16 |
 Western Illinois University
|
59 | 10 |
 Eastern Illinois University
|
59 | 12 |
 University of North Texas
|
58 | 14 |
 Eastern Kentucky University
|
57 | 13 |
 University of Central Oklahoma
|
55 | 15 |
 Texas Woman's University
|
53 | 10 |
 Southern New Hampshire University
|
52 | 17 |
 Columbia College
|
45 | 18 |
 Ball State University
|
34 | 11 |