Online liberal arts degrees and courses have often been labelled as useless or unprofitable. However, this is far from the truth. From Ronald Reagan to Martin Luther King Jr., there are plenty of notable figures who pursued degrees rooted in the liberal arts. A degree in liberal arts offers a plethora of benefits, from critical skills to better career prospects. If you’re interested in earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts, then this article is for you.
Liberal arts programs allow students to hone various soft skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills. While STEM graduates may possess eye-catching resumes, liberal arts graduates also have unique attributes that are useful in all kinds of careers. A liberal arts degree can enable you to pursue a variety of career paths, including in business, politics, criminal justice, and many others.
Eighty percent of employers state that all students should possess a deep knowledge of the liberal arts. This is because students learn to nurture their creative spirit most effectively in these types of programs. As such, the job outlook for liberal arts graduates is almost always very positive. Even STEM-related fields such as cybersecurity and nursing are open to liberal arts graduates.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about an online liberal arts education. From the best online college and university programs to the degree requirements and everything in between, CareerKarma has got you covered.
Online Liberal Arts Programs: What You Need to Know
Many of today’s students are choosing to earn their degrees online rather than in a classroom. In fact, according to a survey on LinkedIn, 58 percent of students prefer online learning because of its benefits over traditional learning. Web-based students follow the same rigorous curriculum as their brick-and-mortar counterparts, often leading to the same number of post-degree job opportunities.
Online programs offer several benefits over their offline counterparts as they are often less expensive and more convenient. However, online learning still features a very different learning environment that may be new territory for some students. Below are some factors you should consider to find the right program.
You should pursue a program that is affordable and doesn’t require arbitrary fees, such as graduation fees. An online program trumps a traditional program in terms of cost because you do not have to pay for other services such as commuter fares or boarding fees.
Furthermore, you should research whether your program is asynchronous or not. A self-paced course will be beneficial because you can complete it on your own time instead of worrying about deadlines. Most universities offering programs including asynchronous courses are considered more convenient than their traditional counterparts. If you have a part-time job, take care of a family member, or are located far away from any reputable institution, then online classes are your best bet.
It’s also important to make sure you’re well-equipped with the equipment needed to complete your courses. Are you familiar with the software you’ll be using and the hardware you require? Are you aware of how to access message boards and how to attend online meetings? Make sure you’re familiar with the resources and equipment you’ll be using to study online.
You should also research whether the school whose program you’ve enrolled in is reputable. You can visit school websites, check reviews of the programs and individual instructors, and contact schools directly for further information. It is also important to make sure your program is accredited and legitimate so that you don’t face issues down the road like when it comes to transferring credits or seeking employment.
Knowing the answer to these questions will aid you in the long run, so do your research. Now, let’s look at some of the courses you can expect to take when pursuing your bachelor’s in liberal arts.
Online Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts Coursework
A liberal arts degree offers a well-rounded education that develops robust foundations in a variety of different disciplines. From the sciences to the arts, and everything in between, critical thinking and writing are emphasized throughout each course. The multifaceted design of a liberal arts degree introduces students to a range of coursework.
The general education requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts include the completion of 120 credit hours of coursework. For a traditional, full-time student, this may take up to four years. Students may be able to complete their online degree in liberal arts programs in more or less time, depending on their chosen schedule.
Many colleges allow a customizable approach in their liberal arts degree program. Students can create their undergraduate coursework toward their specific interests and career goals. Here are some courses you can expect to take during an online bachelor’s degree program in liberal arts:
- Research in the Digital Age for Professionals
- Rhetoric in Business
- Business Ethics and Public Policy
- Social Science – Spatial, Temporal and Cultural Concepts
- Health Education
- English for Future Teachers
- Intercultural Communication
- Social and Political Philosophy
The interdisciplinary nature of a liberal arts bachelor’s degree prepares students for several careers in the workforce, both in STEM fields or many others. The career path you pursue will largely be influenced by the concentration you choose. If you’re not sure about which concentration you want to pursue, imagine yourself taking the required and elective courses. Are you enjoying building your knowledge of these specializations?
Concentrations in liberal arts include literature, women’s studies, political science, foreign language, and many others. Below are a few of the highest-paying occupations you’ll be qualified to pursue after graduating, along with their earning potentials:
Economist
$105,020 – $185,020
Sociologist
$83,420 – $141,770
Technical Writers
$72,850 – $117,250
Human Resources Specialist
$63,000 – $121,000
Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents
$58,780 – $178,720
Best Online Liberal Arts Bachelor’s Degree Programs
After an intensive program and school search, these are the best programs and schools for you to get your liberal arts bachelor’s degree online. Factors such as value-for-cost, accreditation, and convenience influenced our school rankings.
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California State University (Northridge, CA)
Program Name: Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies
Credit Requirements: 60 units
Tuition: $675/unit
CSUN’s Tseng College delivers an online Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts for individuals returning to school to complete their education. The 60-credit program features a cohort structure, allowing students to take classes with the same group of peers.
The program boasts a graduation rate of more than 85 percent. All online students pay the same tuition, even if they live out of state. The curriculum includes a course on cities of the third world, which explores economic, cultural, and political influences that shape communities in Africa, the Caribbean, and other parts of the globe.
Admission Requirements: Applicants must possess at least 60 transferable credits and a minimum 2.0 GPA. Their transcripts also must reflect passing grades in critical thinking, analytical writing, oral communication, and math courses.
Clayton State University (Morrow, GA)
Program Name: Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies
Credit Requirements: 120 credit hours
Tuition: $351/credit
CSU delivers a flexible Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts that allows students to create their own curriculum. The program also integrates on-campus with community-based, hands-on methods of learning. Many students who earn this liberal arts degree move seamlessly into graduate programs. Out-of-state residents who study online pay less than they would for on-campus classes.
The program requires students to complete a minor to supplement their studies. It is ideal for both traditional and nontraditional students, whether they want to advance in their careers or begin working professionally. Criminal justice and English minors are currently available entirely online, although the school plans to expand these options in the future.
Admission Requirements: First-time applicants must provide their official high school transcripts or GED scores, along with their ACT or SAT scores. Prospective transfer students should submit official college transcripts from previously attended institutions.
Arizona State University (Scottsdale, AZ)
Program Name: Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies
Credit Requirements: 120 credit hours
In-State Tuition: $451/credit
Out-of-State Tuition: $546/credit
ASU is a global university recognized for its commitment to innovation, research, and high-quality academic programs. It is not only considered the leading university in innovation according to the USNW report, but also features some of the best online bachelor’s programs. ASU Online delivers a bachelor’s degree program in liberal arts that encompasses more than two dozen subject areas across the social sciences and humanities.
Flexibility is the name of the game for ASU Online. The program features 40 total classes and 120 credits, with each class lasting 7.5 weeks. Students take all courses online and learn using an asynchronous schedule, with no set log-in times. Graduates will possess an extensive network, deep knowledge of their respective fields, and a plethora of vital career skills.
Admission Requirements: Applicants must possess a GPA of over 3.0, and submit their ACT/SAT scores. They must also send in their official transcripts. Applicants must meet certain competency requirements; more info can be found here.
University of North Carolina (Greensboro, NC)
Program Name: Bachelor of Arts in Special Programs in Liberal Studies
Credit Requirements: 122 credit hours
Tuition: $186/credit (In-State); 698/credit (Out-of-State)
UNCG offers a flexible online liberal arts degree that primarily caters to adult students with some previous college experience. The program was also ranked as the best online college for value by the SR Education Group. The interdisciplinary resources offered give students the ability to design schedules that align with their educational and professional goals.
UNCG’s convenient bachelor of arts in liberal studies is delivered online asynchronously. The program requires candidates to earn 122 total credits to graduate. This degree typically takes four years of full-time study to complete. Degree candidates choose from three concentrations: arts, social sciences, and professional studies.
Admission Requirements: This undergraduate liberal studies program typically accepts students who hold 60 credits from other higher education institutions with a GPA of 2.5 or better. Candidates apply with high school and previous college transcripts.
Colorado State University (Fort Collins, CO)
Program Name: Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Liberal Arts
Credit Requirements: 122 credit hours
Tuition: $476/credit
CSU’s online liberal arts degree gives you a broad foundation to explore a variety of conceptual frameworks with interdisciplinary coursework. This degree’s well-rounded curriculum teaches students the writing, verbal communication, and critical thinking abilities sought by employers. Featuring a wide array of student resources, CSU is considered one of the best online bachelor’s institutions by the USNW report.
This customizable degree typically requires 122 credit hours or four years of full-time study. However, the degree time frame varies from student to student. The curriculum concludes with a capstone seminar, in which students demonstrate core competencies in researching, writing, and speaking while exploring theme-based topics related to liberal arts.
Admission Requirements: Prospective students must submit high school or previous college transcripts. Applicants must possess a GPA of at least 2.0, though admission officers prefer GPAs of 2.5 or better. Applicants without bachelor’s degrees must have higher educational course experience in mathematics, such as AP classes. Alternatively, they can take the Colorado State University Math Placement Exam.
Should I Pursue a Liberal Arts Degree Program?
A degree in liberal arts is considered extremely profitable and offers a variety of benefits. With an online Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish professionally. The best time to start is now. We here at CareerKarma hope you found this guide helpful, and wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.
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