Online Liberal Arts Degrees

If you’re passionate about world affairs, communications, or business, there has never been a better time to take the leap into pursuing online liberal arts degrees.

Gone are the days when a liberal arts degree may have left you wondering how you were going to land yourself a high-paying job.

A liberal arts degree allows you to feel confident after graduation to explore many career options.

Online Bachelors in Liberal Arts Degrees

A liberal arts degree includes the study of several subject areas that fall under the arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics. Liberal arts and sciences majors may include anthropology, history, literature, sociology, English, and more.

Select the program that most interests you to jump to that section of the guide:

• Online Anthropology Degrees
• Online Communication Degrees
• Online Creative Writing Degrees
• Online English Degrees
• Online History Degrees
• Online General Studies Degrees
• Online Sociology Degrees

You can explore these programs to see which ones best match your interests and goals.

Anthropology

Anthropology studies past and present civilizations, people, and cultures. The curriculum of an anthropology degree may include coursework in human evolution and behavior, paleontology, archaeology, and gender, culture, and health. This degree can be useful for careers found in education, science, entertainment and recreation, and more.

Some careers that students may pursue with an anthropology degree include museum technician, archaeology technician, or community development worker. It can also be useful if you wish to pursue a master’s in anthropology or similar program of study to become an anthropologist, archaeologist, museum curator, or archivist.

Communication

A communication bachelor’s program may teach you how to develop valuable verbal and written communication skills, strategic storytelling, marketing strategies, brand management techniques, and presentation skills.

This degree is very versatile because it can be applied to many types of careers across virtually any industry. It may be useful for a career as an advertising, promotions, or marketing manager, social media specialist, writer, or public relations specialist.

Courses that may be offered include social media strategy, communication law and ethics, visual communication and design, and public speaking. Some programs may offer concentrations in public relations, new media, business, or professional writing.

Creative Writing

A creative writing degree focuses on the development of writing and critical thinking skills by studying literary forms, genre, and writing style and structure. You may explore storytelling and writing techniques through various writing workshops and the study of literary theory.

Many creative writing programs have concentration options that focus on a specific type of writing, such as poetry, fiction, screenwriting, or nonfiction. You may develop a broad set of hard and soft skills, including communication, creative thinking, time management, editing, and research. Professionals with a creative writing degree may seek careers in marketing, publishing, authorship, or business.

English

English is a common online liberal studies degree that focuses on writing techniques, literary analysis and research, and linguistics. You may learn about prominent writers and their works and analyze the different writing forms.

The curriculum typically includes introductory coursework in communication fundamentals and English composition. Core courses typically offered include English grammar, American and British literature, literary history, and professional and creative writing.

English majors may be interested in jobs in the media and communications field, such as technical writer, editor, or public relations specialist. Some programs may offer concentrations in communication, film and media, linguistics, or teacher preparation.

History

A bachelor’s degree in history studies historical themes, events, and figures. You may develop research, critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills that can be applied to several different careers.

Many history majors choose a concentration to specialize in a specific type of history, such as American history, European history, or military history. Topics that may be covered in the program include world history, ancient civilizations, modern history, geography, and historical methods.

The degree may be useful if you want to pursue a master’s in history or become a writer, journalist, museum worker, or lobbyist.

General / Liberal Studies

A general studies degree is a multidisciplinary liberal arts degree that allows students to have more flexibility in the courses they take.

Rather than concentrating on one area of study, you may customize your curriculum to cover a more broad range of subjects in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. This degree may be ideal if you’re unsure of what major to choose.

The career possibilities for this degree option are more flexible, as it depends on what courses you take. You may combine different subject areas that complement each other to create a personalized and well-rounded degree.

Sociology

Sociology is a type of social science that studies human behavior and society. Several subdisciplines of humanities are explored, including sociology, psychology, and communication.

Courses that may be offered in the program include sociological research methods and theory, criminology, gender studies, marketing, and economics. Specializations in environmental, political, or economic sociology may be available. A sociology degree can be useful for a wide range of careers in community and social service, marketing and business, or research.

Some careers that may be attainable with this degree include human resources manager, public health educator, social worker, market analyst, and social and community service manager.

Liberal Arts Careers and Salaries

A liberal arts degree can cover a number of specializations, and the career opportunities associated with it are vast. In short, liberal arts is a wide field that includes composition and English, communication, the study of humanities, creative arts, natural sciences, and social studies to name a few. So, what can you do with this type of degree?

There are many career paths suited to people who have the well-rounded education that a liberal arts degree provides, and graduates often find themselves successful in the business, management, real estate, and teaching fields.

To give you an idea of the career opportunities out there for liberal arts majors, we have put together a list of common jobs and their annual media salaries based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

As you can see, there are many ways to utilize your online liberal arts degree.  Please keep in mind that some employers look for a minimum of a bachelor’s degree to be considered for a few of these positions.

From business to social services, there is something for everyone when it comes to the world of liberal arts. Due to the broad nature of a liberal arts degree (and related fields), the career outlook and average salaries are dependent upon the specific field you enter. For example, the BLS states the job market for social workers is growing at a rate of 9% over the next 10 years.

Still not sure about your career choices? Check out our list of the Top 40 Liberal Arts careers to compare jobs and salaries in this field.

Bachelor of Liberal Arts Curriculum & Courses

A bachelor’s degree in liberal studies online includes major and elective courses within the main disciplines of liberal arts. The type of coursework can vary depending on the major you choose.

These are some courses typically offered for liberal arts and sciences majors:

• Introduction to Humanities: This course introduces students to global humanities studies, with emphasis on concepts pertaining to the visual arts, history, literature, religion, and philosophy.
• Introduction to Psychology: Students learn about the study of the human mind and behaviors by exploring topics in learning, emotion, cognition, and social interaction.
• Introduction to Sociology: The fundamental concepts of the study of people and society are introduced by examining different cultures, civilizations, and globalization throughout history.
• Fundamentals of Communication: Students can develop key communication and presentation skills and learn how these skills can be applied.
• English Composition: This is typically a general education course that teaches students about effective communication, English grammar, academic writing, and literary analysis.
• Critical Writing and Research: This course is designed to teach students how to think and write critically by developing research and writing techniques used in various contexts.
• Public Speaking: Students learn how to develop public speaking and presentation skills by studying voice, diction, and articulation.
• American History: This introductory course teaches students about significant events, figures, and historical themes in American history.
• Introduction to Philosophy: Fundamental questions posed in philosophy and research in relation to human existence, freedom, and meaning are explored.
• Introduction to Literary Studies: Literary theory and history, critical analysis, and the genres of literature are explored in this course.

Curriculum requirements can vary depending on the college or university. Most programs allow students to choose a certain amount of credit hours in the different disciplines of liberal arts.

How to Choose an Online BA in Liberal Arts Program

If your future goals match up with the objectives of the liberal arts field, then your next step is to choose a college that will help you earn a respectable degree.

Online degrees are becoming increasingly common, and many top-tier universities offer excellent programs. Keep the following factors in mind as you begin your research into the college that best suits your needs:

• Accreditation: Accreditation is an essential aspect of a reputable online degree program. Check to see if your chosen school is accredited.
• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: The student-to-faculty ratio tells you more than just the class size of your course; it is also a good indicator of the level of individualized attention and support you can expect to receive.
• Academic Advising and Student Services: There is more to college than just the academic rigor of your classes. You also need to have the university’s support to help you reach your greatest potential.
• Cost: The cost of each program is also an important factor. Compare various programs to see which one fits your budget.
• Degrees Offered: Be sure to check with each school you are considering to ensure they offer your chosen degree program. Also, compare the various programs’ coursework to ensure the coursework fits with your desired career goals.

When earning your degree online in liberal arts, you will be exposed to a broad world perspective that will aid you in all of your future endeavors. Regardless of the career path you choose, you can rest assured that this degree will help prepare you for the ever-evolving global marketplace.

Admissions Requirements

There are several things that may be requested by college admissions offices to determine a student’s eligibility to be admitted. These are some common admissions requirements that many colleges and universities have for undergraduate programs:

• High school diploma or GED
• SAT or ACT scores (only some schools require them)
• Application form

Students may be asked to submit proof of high school or GED completion along with their application. Some schools require SAT or ACT scores to determine admissions, but they may be optional or not required.

Accreditation

Accreditation is the voluntary process that higher education facilities go through to evaluate their financial obligations and academic quality. The last thing that you want after putting forth the time and effort of earning your degree is to discover that the university you attended was not accredited.

There are various regional accreditation agencies endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education. If you are wondering if the accreditation of a university is reputable, check out the Department of Education’s website for a full list of accrediting agencies.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

State and federal aid and scholarships are a few ways to make paying for college easier. State aid is distributed by your state’s Department of Education based on a number of criteria that demonstrates financial need.

The federal government offers financial aid to eligible students based on income and other factors. Federal financial aid can be requested by submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) via the U.S. Department of Education.

Scholarships are monetary awards that you may apply for to receive financial assistance based on other things besides income.

What is a Liberal Arts Degree?

A liberal arts degree is a multidisciplinary program that includes the study of multiple subject areas in the arts, humanities, and natural and social sciences.

Coursework is offered across several subject areas, such as geography, biology, philosophy, history, language, literature, and sociology. Online liberal arts colleges usually offer a variety of majors, ranging from English and communication to film, history, and criminal justice.

The learning environment for liberal arts degrees online may include discussion groups, workshops, and lectures offered through synchronous and/or asynchronous classes.

What Can You Do With a Liberal Studies Degree?

A liberal studies degree is generally flexible in terms of career paths. The communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills you might acquire throughout the program can be useful in almost every industry.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top occupational groups for professionals with a liberal arts degree include educational instruction and library, management, office and administrative support, and business and financial operations.

Popular liberal arts careers include technical writer, public relations specialist, community health worker, teacher, and social worker.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Liberal Arts Bachelor Degree Online?

A bachelor’s in liberal arts degree online typically includes a minimum of 120 credit hours to complete. A traditional, 16-week semester bachelor’s program will take four years to complete with full-time enrollment. If you take additional credit hours each semester and during the summer, it can take less time.

Some online liberal arts colleges offer an 8-week semester schedule that can be completed in less than four years with full-time study, including during the summer. If you enroll as a part-time student, it can take longer to complete.

What Liberal Arts Degree Jobs Can I Get?

Career opportunities with a liberal arts degree may vary depending on your major. If you choose a general studies degree, your career options may be more flexible depending on the courses you choose.

These are some common liberal arts careers that may be attainable with a bachelor’s degree:

• Secondary School Teacher
• Technical Writer
• Public Relations Specialist
• Social Worker

Concentrations may be available to narrow the scope of your studies to prepare you for a specific career path.

What’s the Difference Between Humanities vs. Liberal Arts Majors?

Humanities is a discipline of liberal arts, so there are some differences between humanities and liberal arts majors.

A liberal arts major is more broad because it includes humanities and other disciplines, while a humanities major focuses more on subject areas within the discipline.

Is a Liberal Arts Online Degree Worth it?

Yes, a liberal arts online degree is worth it for many students. Liberal arts degrees are popular undergraduate programs because they include a well-rounded curriculum with some flexibility in major types and coursework options.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a number of liberal arts careers are expected to have positive job growth over the next several years. Some of these careers include secondary school teacher, technical writer, market research analyst, and community health worker.

Universities Offering Online Bachelor in Liberal Arts Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

A BA in Liberal Arts can be earned through Cairn University. The fully online program is taught through a Christian worldview. The curriculum consists of 120 credit hours of coursework, including liberal arts electives and a senior seminar. Courses are 7 weeks long and conducted in an asynchronous format. There are several start dates offered each year.

Cairn University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

California State University – Long Beach offers a degree completion program that leads to a BA in Liberal Arts. Most courses are online, but one evening class meeting a week and one Saturday class every other week are required. The program can be started during the fall semester and can typically be finished in 2 years.

CSU Long Beach is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Campbellsville University offers a BA in Liberal Arts and Sciences that can be earned entirely online. The program requires the completion of 120 credit hours and offers concentrations in a variety of fields of study, including Economics, Christian Studies, and Sociology. Courses are 8 weeks long, and there are several start dates throughout the year.

Campbellsville University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Colorado State University offers a BA in Interdisciplinary Liberal Arts. The program is fully online, and courses follow a semester schedule. There are start dates in the fall, spring, and summer. The program requires the completion of 120 credit hours, including the completion of a minor. Options include Human Resources, Teaching, and Art and Design.

Colorado State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

A BS in Liberal Arts can be earned entirely online through Excelsior University. The program requires the completion of 120 credit hours and accepts up to 113 qualifying transfer credits. A concentration in Logistics Operations Management may be pursued in the program. Courses are 8 weeks long, and there are start dates every other month.

Excelsior University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Harvard University offers a Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Extension Studies. All but four courses in the program can be completed online. Those four courses are taken at the Harvard Campus. Students can customize their degrees for their career goals and choose a concentration in Humanities, Science, or Social Sciences. Courses follow a regular semester schedule.

Harvard University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Louisiana State University offers several Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Humanities programs that can be completed entirely online. Programs offered include Interdisciplinary Studies and General Studies. The completion of 120 credit hours is required to graduate. Courses are designed to be flexible for working students. All students pay the same tuition, regardless of residency.

Louisiana State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Lynn University offers a Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts that can be completed entirely online and features coursework designed for use on an iPad. Courses follow a regular semester schedule. There are start dates in the fall, spring, and summer. The program can typically be finished in 4 years.

Lynn University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Missouri Baptist University offers a Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts that can be completed fully online. The program requires the completion of 120 credit hours and accepts up to 96 qualifying transfer credits. Courses are conducted in an 8 week, accelerated format, and there are several start dates offered each year. Electives may be chosen to customize the degree to career needs.

MBU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Regis University offers a BA in Liberal Arts that can be completed entirely online, though evening classes may be taken on campus. Courses are 5 to 8 weeks long. The program requires the completion of 120 credit hours and accepts up to 90 qualifying credits. Students may begin work on a master’s degree while still in the program.

Regis University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Southern New Hampshire University offers a BA in General Studies. This liberal arts degree is available online or on campus. The program requires the completion of 120 credit hours and accepts up to 90 qualifying credits. Courses are 8 weeks long, and there are six start dates offered each year. A variety of concentrations are offered, including Psychology and Entrepreneurship.

SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, Inc.

The University of Arizona offers a BA in Liberal Arts that can be earned fully online. The program requires the completion of 120 credit hours and accepts up to 90 qualifying transfer credits. Courses are 5 to 6 weeks long, and one course is taken at a time. There are several start dates offered each year. Potential courses that may be taken include Historical Contexts and Literature, International Voices, and The Art of Being Human.

The University of Arizona is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Newsweek and Statista ranked the University of Central Oklahoma as one of the country’s top online colleges. The school offers a Bachelor’s in Applied Liberal Arts. The program is fully online and offers many concentrations that may be pursued to customize the degree. Courses are conducted in an asynchronous learning format. Admission into the program requires meeting general education requirements first.

The University of Central Oklahoma is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The University of Cincinnati offers a BA in Liberal Arts that can be earned fully online. The program is designed for degree completion, and prospective students need at least 61 credit hours before applying. The program requires the completion of 120 credits total. Courses follow a semester schedule and are offered in the fall and spring.

UC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

A Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Sciences can be earned entirely online through the University of Kansas. Courses are 4 to 16 weeks long and conducted in an asynchronous learning format. This is a degree completion program and requires applicants to have completed a minimum of 24 credit hours already.

The University of Kansas is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth offers a BA in Liberal Arts that can be earned fully online. The program features mostly asynchronous courses with set due dates. Several concentrations are offered, including Political Science, Women’s and Gender Studies, and Economics. Classes may be 7 or 14 weeks long, and there are several start dates offered throughout the year.

The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

The University of Massachusetts – Lowell offers a Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts that can be earned entirely online or in a hybrid format. The program requires the completion of 120 to 122 credit hours and accepts up to 90 qualifying credits. Several concentrations are offered, including Art History, Psychology, and Disability Studies.

The University of Massachusetts Lowell is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

The University of New Mexico offers a BA in Liberal Arts. The program is fully online and is designed for students who already hold an associate degree. General education requirements may be earned through UNM as well. Courses may be chosen from two or more programs to complete the BA and are offered in half and full terms.

The University of New Mexico is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The University of Phoenix offers two liberal arts bachelor’s degrees: a BA in English and a BS in Environmental Science. Both programs are entirely online and require the completion of 120 credits to graduate. On average, either bachelor’s degree can be earned in 4 years. Courses are 5 to 6 weeks long, and twelve start dates are offered throughout the year.

The University of Phoenix is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Utah State University offers a BA in Liberal Arts that can be earned fully online. The program combines courses in arts, humanities, and social science. Courses follow a semester schedule and are offered in the fall, spring, and summer. There are two start dates each year. The program requires the completion of 90 credit hours.

USU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Getting Your Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts Degree Online

An online liberal arts bachelor’s degree can be applied to many careers across almost any industry, such as education, business, marketing, and media and communications.

If you want to study fine arts, humanities, and social and natural sciences subjects, you might be interested in a liberal arts degree. Several types of majors and concentrations are offered in liberal arts programs, which can help you build a skill set that employers value.

You can take the first steps toward finding the right liberal arts program for you by researching accredited colleges and universities that offer programs and courses that support your goals.