Associate of General Studies

A smart, flexible path to a four-year degree—on your terms.

The Associate of General Studies (AGS) at Glen Oaks Community College is your most flexible transfer degree—perfect for students planning to continue their education at a four-year university. With broad course options and personalized support, the AGS helps you earn credits that transfer smoothly while saving thousands on tuition.

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Why Choose General Studies at GOCC?

  • Transfer-ready design with built-in flexibility to meet general education requirements at top Michigan and Indiana universities.

  • Cost-effective start—earn your first 60+ credits at GOCC, then transfer to finish your bachelor’s.

  • Ideal for undecided majors—explore interests before declaring a major at your transfer school.

  • Personalized advising—our team helps map out the best course combinations for your transfer goals.

  • Online and in-person options—take classes in a format that fits your schedule.

Transfer Pathways Built In

Glen Oaks partners with four-year institutions to help you transfer with confidence. AGS students commonly continue in areas such as business, education, psychology, social work, and more.

Popular Transfer Schools:

  • Western Michigan University
  • Ferris State University
  • Michigan State University
  • Grand Valley State University
  • Indiana University South Bend
  • Andrews University

Learn more about how your AGS credits transfer with our Transfer Agreements.

What You’ll Learn

You’ll build a solid foundation in general education while exploring electives aligned with your interests and future major.

Key areas include:

  • Written and oral communication
  • Social and behavioral sciences
  • Mathematics and natural sciences
  • Humanities and fine arts
  • Critical thinking and information literacy

Courses You’ll Take

Common courses in the AGS program include:

  • ENG 121 – English Composition I
  • PSY 101 – Introduction to Psychology
  • COM 121 – Speech Communication
  • MATH 151 – College Algebra

General Studies - Program Details

FAQs

Q: Is the AGS degree fully transferable?
A: Yes. It’s designed to meet general education and elective requirements for many Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA) schools and Indiana colleges.

Q: Can I transfer to a university outside of Michigan?
A: Yes. Many out-of-state schools accept AGS credits, especially with help from your GOCC advisor.

Q: What majors can I pursue after this degree?
A: Students have successfully transferred into majors like business, psychology, social work, education, and liberal arts.

Q: Can I complete this degree online?
A: Yes, many courses are available online. Students can complete the AGS fully online, depending on course availability.

Q: What if I’m still deciding my major?
A: That’s what AGS is built for. You’ll earn transferable credits while exploring your interests and developing a clear path.

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