Associate of Arts in General Studies
December 1, 2025
January 12, 2026
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’s fully online Associate of Arts (AA) in General Studies degree. Designed for working adults and anyone seeking a flexible path to higher education, this program offers a broad general education (GE) curriculum that prepares you for both immediate employment and continued study toward a bachelor’s degree.
Whether you’re looking to advance in your current role, explore new career opportunities, or complete a degree you previously started, the AA program gives you the tools to succeed, all on your schedule. With 100% online asynchronous coursework, competitive tuition, and access to Ohio State’s world-class faculty and student support services, you’ll gain the critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills that employers value across high-growth industries.
Whether your goal is to enter the workforce with a respected credential or continue your education, the online Associate of Arts degree through The Ohio State University Lima offers flexibility, support and academic excellence to help you get there.
Why choose Ohio State for the online General Studies Associate of Arts program?
The online Associate of Arts program is offered through The Ohio State University at Lima, one of Ohio State’s regional campuses committed to expanding access to high-quality education. As part of The Ohio State University, this program allows you to earn the same respected degree, delivered in a flexible, fully online format designed to fit your life.
Whether you’re balancing work, family, or other responsibilities, you’ll benefit from asynchronous courses, personalized support, and a curriculum that prepares you for both immediate career opportunities and a pathway to continued education. 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.
With competitive tuition and a strong academic reputation, this program offers a high-value path to a college degree from a nationally ranked institution. 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.
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.
An Associate of Arts (AA) degree cannot be awarded to someone who has already earned another degree (associate, bachelor’s, graduate, or professional). If you’re interested in building an academic concentration in one of our focus areas, especially if it wasn’t part of your original bachelor’s degree, you can still take targeted courses aligned with that concentration. Instead of earning the full AA degree, you can enroll in select courses to strengthen your skills, qualifications, and marketability. To do this, you would apply as a non-degree student through Continuing Education.
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.
To better meet the needs of online students who are balancing work and family commitments, the Associate of Arts degree is currently structured as a part-time program with a 10 semester completion timeline.
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.
Yes, as an online student in the AA program, if you would like to attend campus for using resources you are able to do so. If you would like to take an in-person course, you can do this at the Lima campus only. This is all completely optional.
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Academic Calendar
The Online Associate of Arts program offers the flexibility of enrolling in three terms: Spring, Summer, and Autumn. This will allow you to progress through your studies at a pace that suits your personal and professional commitments.
Academic Calendar
The Online Associate of Arts program offers the flexibility of enrolling in three terms: Spring, Summer, and Autumn. This will allow you to progress through your studies at a pace that suits your personal and professional commitments.
Admission Criteria
Ohio State’s online Associate of Arts in General Studies features open enrollment for both Ohio residents and non-residents. This means you must meet the following academic requirements to be considered for admission:
- High school diploma or GED with a minimum GPA of 2.0
- A cumulative college GPA of 2.0 or higher (if applicable). Students who already have an associate or bachelor’s degree are not eligible for the online AA degree.
International applications are not accepted.
Is this program available in my state?
Select your state from the map below to view program availability.
The Ohio State University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA).
SARA is a national initiative that increases student access to distance education courses and programs while maintaining compliance with state regulations. Institutions participating in SARA can offer educational opportunities in all 49 SARA member states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico without seeking individual approval in each state.
California is not a SARA member state, however, OSU may offer online courses and programs to students located in California under the California Private Post-Secondary Act of 2009.
The Application Process
Once you understand your program’s admission criteria, please note the application deadline. You’ll need a quiet space and a variety of materials for your application. To learn more, please see our Admissions page for the full process. Ready to Apply? Find your application here.
Career Outlook
While an AA in General Studies is not tied to a specific career, it opens doors to a wide range of entry-level roles in business, education, and customer support. Many of these sectors are experiencing steady or growing demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, pursuing additional education or training after high school can prepare you for careers that are projected to be in high demand.
One of the greatest strengths of a General Studies AA is its transferability. It provides a solid academic foundation that can lead into a wide variety of bachelor’s degree programs. By continuing into a bachelor’s program, students can significantly increase their earning potential. On average, bachelor’s degree holders earn over $20,000 more annually than those with only an associate degree.
Top Occupations by Median Income
What They Do
Compile and keep personnel records. Record data for each employee, such as address, weekly earnings, absences, amount of sales or production, supervisory reports, and date of and reason for termination. May prepare reports for employment records, file employment records, or search employee files and furnish information to authorized persons.
Work Activities
Process, verify, and maintain personnel related documentation, including staffing, recruitment, training, grievances, performance evaluations, classifications, and employee leaves of absence. Record data for each employee, including such information as addresses, weekly earnings, absences, amount of sales or production, supervisory reports on performance, and dates of and reasons for terminations. Explain company personnel policies, benefits, and procedures to employees or job applicants.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $36,090
- Mid Level: $49,440
- Senior Level: $67,140
Related Careers
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs
- Human Resources Managers
- Human Resources Specialists
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
Job Sectors
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Administrative
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administration and Management
- English Language
What They Do
Perform routine administrative functions such as drafting correspondence, scheduling appointments, organizing and maintaining paper and electronic files, or providing information to callers.
Work Activities
Answer telephones and give information to callers, take messages, or transfer calls to appropriate individuals. Greet visitors or callers and handle their inquiries or direct them to the appropriate persons according to their needs. Create, maintain, and enter information into databases.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $31,600
- Mid Level: $46,290
- Senior Level: $64,150
Related Careers
- Administrative Services Managers
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants
- Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
- Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
- Office Clerks, General
Job Sectors
- Administrative
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administration and Management
What They Do
Assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.
Work Activities
Prepare affidavits or other documents, such as legal correspondence, and organize and maintain documents in paper or electronic filing system. Prepare, edit, or review legal documents, including legislation, briefs, pleadings, appeals, wills, contracts, and real estate closing statements. Investigate facts and law of cases and search pertinent sources, such as public records and internet sources, to determine causes of action and to prepare cases.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $39,710
- Mid Level: $61,010
- Senior Level: $98,990
Related Careers
- Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners
- Court, Municipal, and License Clerks
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants
- Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
- Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers
Job Sectors
- Law and Government
- English Language
- Administrative
- Computers and Electronics
- Customer and Personal Service
What They Do
Assist faculty or other instructional staff in postsecondary institutions by performing instructional support activities, such as developing teaching materials, leading discussion groups, preparing and giving examinations, and grading examinations or papers.
Work Activities
Teach undergraduate-level courses. Evaluate and grade examinations, assignments, or papers, and record grades. Lead discussion sections, tutorials, or laboratory sections.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $28,020
- Mid Level: $44,930
- Senior Level: $73,560
Related Careers
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
- Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education
- Tutors
Job Sectors
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Computers and Electronics
- Mathematics
What They Do
Compile records, and sort, shelve, issue, and receive library materials such as books, electronic media, pictures, cards, slides and microfilm. Locate library materials for loan and replace material in shelving area, stacks, or files according to identification number and title. Register patrons to permit them to borrow books, periodicals, and other library materials.
Work Activities
Sort books, publications, and other items according to established procedure and return them to shelves, files, or other designated storage areas. Open and close library during specified hours and secure library equipment, such as computers and audio-visual equipment. Locate library materials for patrons, including books, periodicals, tape cassettes, Braille volumes, and pictures.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $25,090
- Mid Level: $36,010
- Senior Level: $52,790
Related Careers
- Document Management Specialists
- File Clerks
- Library Technicians
- Office Clerks, General
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive
Job Sectors
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administrative
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Psychology
What They Do
Interact with customers to provide basic or scripted information in response to routine inquiries about products and services. May handle and resolve general complaints. Excludes individuals whose duties are primarily installation, sales, repair, and technical support.
Work Activities
Confer with customers by telephone or in person to provide information about products or services, take or enter orders, cancel accounts, or obtain details of complaints. Keep records of customer interactions or transactions, recording details of inquiries, complaints, or comments, as well as actions taken. Check to ensure that appropriate changes were made to resolve customers’ problems.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $30,690
- Mid Level: $42,830
- Senior Level: $62,730
Related Careers
- Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks
- Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks
- New Accounts Clerks
- Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel
- Telemarketers
Job Sectors
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Sales and Marketing
- Mathematics
National occupational information in Ohio State Online’s Career Outlook tool is sourced from O*NET Online and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median annual wage displayed to the right of each occupational title above is based on the BLS Employment Projections program. Outlook and percent change indicate projected growth or decline over the next 10 years.
Curriculum
The AA in General Studies curriculum includes core courses in History, Statistics, Arts, Communications, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences. You will also complete additional elective coursework to fulfill the credit requirements. This comprehensive curriculum ensures that you receive a well-rounded education while gaining knowledge in areas that interest you. Each course is 7-weeks long and asynchronous. The curriculum listed below is for students without prior college credit.
Examines the history of social oppression directed at certain minority populations in the United States and its impact on their current opportunities and lived experiences. The primary purpose is to analyze how racism, sexism, heterosexism and institutionalized discrimination based on ethnicity affect the social welfare and well-being of those living in the United States.
Fundamental concepts of sociology and introduction to the analysis of social problems and interactions (e.g. wealth, gender, race, inequality, family, crime) using sociological theories.
A scientific examination of humans as a biological and cultural organism based on primate evolution from living and fossil evidence; evolutionary theory and population adaptability. This course includes laboratory activities.
An introduction to the core values, fundamental goals, unique functions and methods of the social work profession.
Consideration of theories and research on psychological development across the lifespan; includes consideration of social policies that influence developmental outcomes.
The study of the African American experience in the United States from the era of Reconstruction through the present, with an emphasis on the intersection of race, gender, ethnicity, religion, and social class.
A study of the art and profession of theatre, with an emphasis on evaluating and appreciating live performance, theatre’s cultural importance, and its relationship to issues of social diversity. Students study performance conventions, texts, & spaces from ancient times to present day. While not an acting class, students get firsthand experience in the collaborative process of theatre creation.
Geologic processes, materials, and history revealed in geologic settings of the National Parks.
A prerequisite to advanced courses; a broad survey of psychological science. Application of the scientific method to the empirical study of behavior with emphasis on individual and cultural differences.
Examination of major problems, such as the nature of reality, knowledge, truth, morality, and the relation of philosophy to science and religion.
You will learn fundamental digital camera techniques and explore contemporary and historical issues in photography including the relationships between technique, concept, and aesthetics as well as the relationship between images, identity formation, and larger social structures.
Introduction to probability and statistics, experiments, and sampling, data analysis and interpretation.
Designed to help students reflect critically, both orally and in writing, on the social, political, and cultural contexts that influence education in today’s society.
Comparative, interdisciplinary approach to studying religion and law. Drawing on concrete cases, historical studies, and theoretical literature, the course explores how the relationship between religion and law has been configured differently in different liberal democracies, such as the U.S., France, and Israel, and what this might mean for contemporary debates.
The study of social inequality with a focus on inequalities by race/ethnicity, gender, and class.
Examination of current theories and empirical findings regarding the major forms of psychopathology and treatment.
This course examines the causes, consequences, and solutions to human aggression and violence. It discusses how aggression and violence are defined and measured, aggression theories, individual risk factors, contextual risk factors, protective factors, and aggression targets. It examines in detail violent media research. It also discusses how to reduce anger, aggression, and violent media effects.
Survey of the history of American medicine from the Colonial period through the twentieth century.
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Program Faculty
As a student in the Online Associate of Arts in General Studies program, you will benefit from the same high-quality instruction that defines the Ohio State experience. Courses are taught by experienced faculty who are not only experts in their fields but also deeply committed to your success.
David Easter
Senior Lecturer
As an online student in David Easter’s communication courses at Ohio State, you’ll gain both academic depth and practical experience. His classes are designed to help you understand how communication shapes society and influences behavior. With a research background in media studies and cultural theory, and prior experience as a journalist, Dr. Easter equips you with the tools to think critically and communicate effectively in today’s media landscape.
Dawn Starr, Ph.D
Professor, Psychology, LimaIan Breidenbach
Associated Faculty, Lima
Testimonials
See what other Ohio State students and alumni have to say about their online learning experience.
“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.”
“Being able to apply everything I was working on for school immediately to my work was my favorite part of the program.”
“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.”
Tuition Fee Overview
Investing in your future with a higher education degree is one of the best investments you can make for your future success. At Ohio State, we know understanding your program’s cost is an important part of your decision-making process. Below are the tuition fees you can expect with your program. Estimates are based on the expenses typical of an Ohio State Online student, who would take 6 credit hours each semester as a part-time student or 12 credit hours each semester as a full-time student. Actual costs may vary.
| Tuition Fees | Part-Time – Per Credit Hour (unless otherwise noted) | Full-Time – Total Cost Per Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Instructional Fee | $395.04 | $4,740.50 |
| General Fee (Autumn, Spring and Summer) | $12.13 | $145.5 |
| Distance Learning Fee | $100.00 (per semester) | $100.00 |
| Non-Resident Surcharge (if applicable) | $200.00 (per semester) | $200.00 |
| International Surcharge (if applicable) | $200.00 (per semester) | $200.00 |
| Textbook and Course Material | $175.00 (per semester) | $175.00 |
Tuition fees are subject to change. The table above serves as a guide and not an official bursar’s bill. Full-Time costs are total tuition costs per semester.
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