Online Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies
The Bachelor of Arts in liberal studies is Arizona State University's most flexible degree. With only two core courses, the majority of the liberal studies major is focused on electives of your choosing. You’ll be able to explore multiple interests while developing a multidisciplinary skill set relevant to a variety of careers.
Quick facts
Next start date: 01/13/2025
Total classes: 40
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 120
What is a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies?
A liberal studies degree prepares you to advance across multiple disciplines and emerge as a well-rounded leader. While you must complete your core courses, you’ll spend most of your time exploring your own intellectual and professional interests through the selection of humanities and social sciences courses as well as various electives. With an emphasis on the humanities and social sciences, this program empowers you to become a stronger creative thinker and problem-solver.
Additionally, this bachelor’s degree can be completed as part of an Accelerated Master’s program. When accepted, you can earn a master’s degree in as little as one year after completing your undergraduate degree. This opportunity saves you time and money while giving you advanced knowledge in your field. Applicable master’s degrees include:
- Master of Liberal Studies.
- Master of Project Management.
- Master of Science in organizational leadership.
Explore your own interests
As you pursue your liberal studies degree, you can tailor the courses to your unique interests and career goals. The multidisciplinary aspect of this degree develops historical, global and cultural awareness through a diverse and integrative approach to learning. You’ll also develop a broad and transferable skill set that can be applied to many different jobs. A few examples include:
- Critical thinking and inquiry.
- Creative thinking skills.
- Data and information analysis.
- Organizational skills.
- Training and teaching others.
- Writing and communication.
A liberal studies degree facilitates a breadth of experience
The liberal studies degree is ideal for students who want to explore multiple areas of study or have career goals that don’t fit into one single discipline. The flexibility of this degree is also valuable for transfer students because a wider variety of credits are eligible for transfer. Students from Arizona community colleges can transfer up to 75 credits.
Will my diploma say ‘online’?
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”
Featured courses for liberal studies majors
The liberal studies degree features a highly flexible curriculum. You’ll select four humanities classes and four social science classes with hundreds to choose from each semester. You’ll also complete two liberal studies core courses. The remaining 90 credits can be completed with electives, transfer credits, a second major, a couple of minors or certificates. Some examples of classes you might take include:
What can you do with a liberal studies degree?
A liberal studies degree can prepare you for careers in business or nonprofit management, writing, public relations, social services, urban planning, local government and more. The ability to work collaboratively and think critically is vital for professional development and sets you up for success in many different industries. Some roles you may consider include:
Communications Specialist
Corporate Trainer
Editor
Employee Training Manager
Fundraising Consultant
Loan Officer
Market Research Analyst
Police Sergeant/Detective
Leading faculty from a range of different disciplines
Faculty in the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts are committed to research and exploration in their fields of work. Many of our faculty and staff are recognized nationally and internationally for their achievements from psychology to writing.
- American Educational Research.
- Association Fellows.
- American Psychological Association Fellows.
- Fulbright scholars.
Leading faculty from a range of different disciplines
Faculty in the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts are committed to research and exploration in their fields of work. Many of our faculty and staff are recognized nationally and internationally for their achievements from psychology to writing.
- American Educational Research.
- Association Fellows.
- American Psychological Association Fellows.
- Fulbright scholars.
Admission requirements for the bachelor’s in liberal studies
first-year student
You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.
*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.
*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.
Study at a globally recognized university
ASU is a global university recognized for its commitment to innovation, research and high-quality academic programs. Our university is repeatedly awarded peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report and other respected organizations.
#1
in innovation for 10 consecutive years, ahead of Stanford and MIT.
Top 5
best online bachelor’s programs.
Top 10%
best global universities.
80%
of graduates reported that their experiences at ASU inspired them to explore new career opportunities.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
