Online Associate of Arts in General Studies at Ohio State
Becoming a Buckeye is within reach. Build a strong academic foundation to meet your career goals with an online Associate of Arts in General Studies
Take the first step toward your academic and career goals with Ohio State
Designed for working adults balancing jobs, family, or other responsibilities, this program offers the flexibility you need to continue your education. You’ll benefit from 100% online asynchronous courses, personalized support, and a curriculum that prepares you for immediate career opportunities or continued education. The program’s curriculum is structured to provide foundational gen ed (GE) courses that can be transferred to a four-year institution. With competitive tuition and a strong academic reputation, it’s a high-value path to a college degree from a nationally ranked institution.
Upon graduation your diploma will carry the full recognition of The Ohio State University, and you’ll join a global network of more than 600,000 proud Buckeye alumni. Whether you’re in Ohio or across the country, your future as a Buckeye starts here and this is just the beginning of where Ohio State can take you.
Choose your area of study
Earn an Associate of Arts in General Studies or specialize in Social & Behavioral Science. Both options prepare you for career advancement or a seamless transition into a bachelor’s degree.
Associate of Arts in General Studies
Whether you’re planning to transfer to a four-year university, explore your academic interests, or build skills for the workforce, the Associate of Arts in General Studies gives you a strong foundation to move forward with confidence. Designed with transferability in mind, many AA programs align with four-year university general education (GE) course requirements, allowing you to enter as a junior and complete your bachelor’s degree in just two more years.
Associate of Arts in Social and Behavioral Sciences
If you’re drawn to understanding people and communities, the Associate of Arts in Social and Behavioral Science could be a great option for you. This program focuses on understanding human behavior and social structures, with courses in sociology, social work, and psychology. Entry-level roles such as social service assistants and community service managers are accessible with an associate degree, and gives you the option to continue on to earn a bachelor’s degree for clinical or supervisory roles.
Why choose Ohio State?
Flexibility around your schedule
Earn your degree on your time. Designed to fit into the schedule of working professionals to immediately put your new skills into practice or apply credits towards a bachelor degree.
Personalized student support
As an online student you will have access to Ohio State’s world-class faculty and student support services who will guide you throughout your program to ensure you are on track for graduation.
Customize your curriculum
Personalize your education with elective courses that will help you achieve your professional goals.
Nationally and globally recognized education
Earning your degree at Ohio State offers a high-value path from a nationally ranked institution. Join a global network of more than 600,000 proud Buckeye alumni.
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"I could not have faced so many obstacles without the support, strength and guidance from the faculty and staff. Even when times were tough, they believed in me, so I believed in me."
Tomitha Zimmerman Ohio State Online Grad -
"While going into the program, I was concerned that by Ohio State being one of the largest institutions, I would feel like one in 1,000 students. Instead, I felt a sense of close-knit, connected support from both classmates and faculty."
Stephanie Moore Ohio State Online Grad -
"Being able to apply everything I was working on for school immediately to my work was my favorite part of the program."
Derek Danek Ohio State Online Grad -
"I attribute my recent two promotions to educating myself at Ohio State. I really think that getting the coursework done helped me excel at my current position, and it was recognized."
Demi MacLennan Ohio State Online Grad -
"Ohio State is a large institution with a lot of possibilities and opportunities. You will meet people who you can connect with and who will connect you with others."
Cara North Ohio State Online Grad -
"As an online student, there's so many connections you can make that will have a really meaningful impact on your education. The opportunities that exist at Ohio State feel limitless."
Audra Hanners Ohio State Online Grad
Frequently Asked Questions
Once you submit your contact information, a dedicated Enrollment Advisor will connect with you shortly to provide more details about this online program, provide one-on-one guidance, and answer any questions you may have as you navigate the application process.
No, all coursework is 100% online meaning you can complete your degree at your pace on your own schedule from anywhere you are located.
Yes, the online Associate of Arts degree provides a great foundation for transferring your credits into a bachelor’s degree program.
The AA degree can be taken part-time and you can complete the degree in 10 semesters.
An Associate of Arts (AA) degree and an Associate of Science (AS) degree are both two-year undergraduate programs, but they differ in focus and intended career or academic paths. Deciding which program to pursue depends on what areas of study are are the most interested and want to pursue as a career path. The AA degree is centered around the liberal arts and humanities, offering a broad education in subjects like literature, history, psychology, and the social sciences. It is ideal if you are planning to transfer to a four-year university to pursue a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree or are interested in careers that value communication, critical thinking, and cultural understanding.
In contrast, the AS degree emphasizes math, science, and technical disciplines. It includes more coursework in areas such as biology, chemistry, computer science, and mathematics, often with lab components. This degree is better suited for you if you are aiming to continue into a Bachelor of Science (BS) program or enter fields that require analytical and quantitative skills, such as health care, engineering, or information technology. While both degrees can lead to further education or entry-level employment, the AA leans more toward creative and human-centered fields, whereas the AS is more aligned with scientific and technical careers.
While the AA degree is often a stepping stone to a bachelor’s degree in social work, it can also prepare you for entry-level roles in areas like social services, community outreach, case management, administrative support in healthcare or education, and customer service in public-facing roles.
You should consider applying to this program if you’re curious about how people think, interact, and shape the world around them. This degree is a great fit if you:
- Enjoy subjects like psychology, sociology, political science, or anthropology
- Plan to transfer to a four-year university to earn a bachelor’s degree in a related field
- Want to strengthen your skills in communication, critical thinking, and cultural awareness
- Are interested in careers that involve helping others or working in community-focused roles
- Need a flexible program that fits your schedule to balance work, family and school
Whether you’re just starting college after high school, returning back to school, or looking to shift into a more people-centered career, this program gives you a strong foundation to build on in a flexible format to earn your degree on your own time.
Ready to take the next step?
Connect with an enrollment advisor by selecting your program of interest and filling in your contact information.