2027 Is General Studies a Hard Major? What Students Should Know

Imed Bouchrika, PhD

by Imed Bouchrika, PhD

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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.

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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.

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

What factors contribute to a general studies major's level of difficulty in 2027?

In 2027, the difficulty of a general studies major typically depends on the student's ability to manage diverse course requirements. Balancing interdisciplinary coursework, critical thinking, and adapting to varied assessment styles are key challenges students face. Success often hinges on personal motivation and effective time management skills.

What are the core course requirements for a general studies major in 2027?

In 2027, a general studies major typically requires completing core courses in humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. These courses provide a well-rounded academic foundation and usually include classes like Introduction to Psychology, Basic Algebra, and World History.

How does the course structure of a general studies major impact its difficulty in 2027?

The course structure of a general studies major in 2027 is often multidisciplinary, allowing students to tailor their education. This flexibility can influence its difficulty, as students manage diverse subjects and learning styles, which might not heavily rely on exams but could involve various project-based assessments and research papers.