Best Online Liberal Arts Degree Programs

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Students pursuing a bachelor’s in liberal arts enjoy considerable educational and professional flexibility. These programs provide a well-rounded education that prepares learners for careers in many fields, such as communications and media and community and social service. Choosing a broad discipline like liberal arts provides students with opportunities to engage with multiple fields before focusing on a specialization.

This guide covers the best online bachelor’s in liberal arts programs available and highlights potential career pathways for graduates of these programs. You can also continue your research with our bachelor’s in liberal arts program guide.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

The typical bachelor’s in liberal arts program features 90-120 credits and takes approximately 3-4 years to complete. Students usually complete a broad selection of humanities-based and social sciences coursework during their first couple of years. In their senior year, learners often choose a major or specialization and take advanced courses in that area to bring their total credits up to 120.

All students in a bachelor’s in liberal arts program work toward a BA degree, but the program can vary considerably depending on students’ majors. Learners may pick from many specializations including English, history, psychology, and business. Degree-seekers can also build up their practical experience through internships or practica, which can help them find a job after graduation.

In general, liberal arts degrees focus on critical thinking, communication, and interdisciplinary study. These programs encourage students to diversify their education and draw from multiple fields when tackling problems. This approach can pay off professionally as well, as graduates enter the workforce with diverse skill sets and knowledge in various fields.

Though most programs offer a BA degree, some schools may feature a BS in liberal arts or a combination degree. These interdisciplinary programs recognize the usefulness of liberal arts training in science-based fields.

The broad nature of a bachelor’s in liberal arts means that students may encounter an array of courses throughout their studies. While the list below highlights some of the most common courses in these programs, students should note that the course descriptions and titles may differ from what they may see in a particular program.

In this course, students study many facets of contemporary culture and society. Learners explore the major institutions and movements of our time, examine leading social perspectives, and discuss globalization and diversity.

Academic writing courses teach students how to research and craft academic papers. Learners examine methods for crafting an argument and critiquing research and texts. Additional topics may include other forms of creative and professional writing.

In this course, students explore the development of science and art throughout time. Learners look at ways that culture and society viewed these fields and how those perspectives have shifted over time. The course also covers the institutions, forces, and figures that helped shape scientific and artistic movements.

In this course, students learn about the major revolutions in history. Learners study revolutionary motivators, actors, timelines, and consequences. Additional topics include the social, economic, and cultural impacts of these revolutions.

Students in mathematical and quantitative reasoning courses learn the leading principles and problem-solving methods in these fields. Degree-seekers learn to use mathematics and quantitative reasoning, including diagrams and models, for critical thinking.

Professionals with a bachelor’s in liberal arts can work in many industries. Depending on their interests and specializations, learners can pursue several promising professions, including careers in social and behavioral sciences, arts and design, and business and finance.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects strong job growth and median annual salaries for many of these occupational groups.

See where a bachelor’s in liberal arts can take you. Learn more about careers for liberal arts majors.

Human resources specialists oversee administrative duties related to employee relations, including hiring, training, and compensation. These specialists may run orientation programs, field employee complaints, and help mediate discussions between management and staff. According to BLS data, 15% of these professionals work in employment services, 13% work in professional services, and 11% work for the government.

Editors review the work of writers and content creators looking for mistakes and areas for improvement. They ensure that submitted work fits the organization’s or publication’s voice and style guide, make corrections to content, and provide creators with feedback. According to BLS data, 35% of editors work in newspaper publishing and 14% are self-employed.

Management analysts evaluate an organization’s processes and operations and suggest ways that the business can improve or save money. These professionals may review financial data, observe current operations, and assess employee performances. According to the BLS, 32% of these analysts work in professional services, 17% work for the government, and 15% are self-employed.

Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors provide support for individuals with addiction or mental illness. They may offer clients treatment plans or point them in the direction of other resources. According to the BLS, 19% of these counselors work in outpatient mental health centers and 16% work in individual and family services.

Property appraisers determine valuations for houses, commercial buildings, and land for property buyers and real estate agents. They may research public data, measure the property against other local comparables, and review listing information to determine value. According to BLS data, 32% of these professionals work for the local government and 23% are self-employed.

A bachelor’s in liberal arts gives students the chance to grow and diversify their training before making a decision on their specialization and career path. Students with a specific liberal arts pathway in mind or students with broad interests may enjoy these programs.

A bachelor’s liberal arts can lead to a variety of careers. Graduates acquire skills and knowledge that they can apply in many fields, including communications, business, and political science. Even learners interested in a STEM career can make use of a liberal arts degree.

While the number of students taking liberal arts majors in college and universities has decreased, employers still highly value the soft skills gained in these disciplines. Students can apply the training received in liberal arts degrees to many careers and industries.

Since a bachelor’s in liberal arts can lead to so many careers, salary potential for graduates can vary significantly. According to the BLS, media and communications occupations paid a median annual salary of $59,230 in 2019 and community and social service professionals earned a median annual salary of $46,090 that same year.

Some liberal arts graduates find work as business consultants or management analysts. According to the BLS, management analysts earned a median annual salary of $85,260 in 2019, more than double the median annual salary for all occupations.