Liberal arts studies, also known as a liberal arts education, is a broad-based academic program that focuses on developing critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills through the study of a wide range of subjects. Unlike specialized programs that train you for a specific profession, liberal arts aims to cultivate well-rounded individuals with a diverse knowledge base and transferable skills applicable to various career paths and life situations.
Are you interested in obtaining a well-rounded education in subjects like history, philosophy, and literature, all while expanding your critical thinking and communication skills?
If so, a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts might be the perfect program for you. These versatile programs offer a broad spectrum of knowledge, equipping you with the foundation to excel in various fields or pursue further studies.
With the rise of online learning, earning your Liberal Arts degree has become more accessible and flexible than ever. You can attend lectures, engage in discussions, and complete assignments all from the comfort of your own home. Online programs offer the flexibility you need to balance your studies with work, family, or other commitments.
On average, online Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts programs cost between $10,000 and $30,000 per year depending on the institution and your residency status. Online programs often offer competitive tuition rates compared to traditional on-campus programs.
The duration of these programs ranges from three to four years depending on your chosen pace and whether you enroll full-time or part-time. This article will provide you with the ten best online bachelor’s in Liberal Arts programs for you to choose from. Read below are choose the college that best suits you and start your academic journey.
Best Online Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts Programs
1. California State University, Northridge
The Tseng College at CSUN offers an online bachelor’s degree in liberal arts designed for individuals returning to school for degree completion. This 60-credit program adopts a cohort structure, allowing students to progress through classes alongside the same group of peers.
The curriculum includes a course on cities of the third world, exploring the economic, cultural, and political influences shaping communities in Africa, the Caribbean, and other regions.
Applicants are required to have a minimum of 60 transferable credits and a GPA of at least 2.0. Transcripts should indicate passing grades in critical thinking, analytical writing, oral communication, and math courses. All online students pay the same tuition, irrespective of their state of residence; the cost of tuition at this college is $8549.
2. Arizona State University
Arizona State University Online offers a bachelor’s in liberal arts program covering over two dozen subject areas within the social sciences and humanities. Designed to meet the needs of students completing their bachelor’s degree and those wishing to explore diverse disciplines, the program entails 40 classes and 120 credits, with each class spanning 7.5 weeks. All courses are conducted online, employing an asynchronous schedule without set log-in times.
The program emphasizes flexibility in course selection, with a popular offering being “Cultural Diversity in the U.S.,” which explores the impact of various cultures on American communities and society at large. The cost of tuition at this college is $14166.
3. University of Illinois Springfield
UIS provides an online bachelor’s in liberal arts program tailored for individuals seeking to finish their undergraduate degree. Although the program delivers all its courses through online platforms, students have the option to participate in some in-person experiences at the Springfield campus.
This online liberal arts bachelor’s degree entails a minimum of 48 credits of upper-division courses, allowing students to choose from a variety of subjects to fulfill degree requirements. The majority of students typically complete the program within 2-3 years.
While in-state students benefit from lower tuition rates compared to out-of-state counterparts, UIS extends discounted tuition rates to distance learners. The university recognizes and awards credit for prior learning, including experiences such as internships, service learning, military service, and job experience. UIS alumni constitute nearly 30% of the college-educated workforce in the Springfield area. The cost of tuition at this college is $10733.
4. University of Iowa
UI’s online bachelor’s degree in liberal arts focuses on leadership and communication skills which enables students to finish their undergraduate studies remotely. The program offers concentrations in expression in writing and the arts; family, community, and social support; global studies; health and human studies; justice and ethics; and organizational studies.
Graduation requirements include completing a total of 120 credits, with the option to transfer up to 60 credits from a two-year postsecondary institution. Incoming transfer students need a minimum of 24 credits of college coursework with a GPA of at least 2.0. The program also admits individuals holding an associate degree. Students pursuing a Bachelor of Liberal Studies have the opportunity to combine their degree with a certificate in entrepreneurial management, nonprofit management, or public health. The cost of tuition at this college is $15817.
5. Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Camden Campus
Rutgers-Camden offers an online bachelor’s degree in liberal arts designed for individuals with an AAS degree from an accredited institution.
Students can customize their studies based on their interests and career objectives, with course options in music and the arts, English, history, literature, and the social sciences. While all classes are available online, students also have the option to participate in in-person experiences at various campuses across New Jersey.
Prospective students for this liberal arts bachelor’s program must submit transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities. Those enrolled in nearby community colleges have the opportunity to apply for a dual-degree program, allowing them to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s in liberal studies simultaneously. The cost of tuition at this college is $12279.
6. Northeastern University
Northeastern University offers an online bachelor’s in liberal arts degree completion program which adopts an experiential learning model to impart the knowledge and skills essential for success in various workplaces.
The 48-credit program encompasses courses in English, humanities, social sciences, mathematics, and science. As part of the program, students undertake a three-credit capstone, engaging in independent research aligned with their chosen curriculum path. All courses are conducted online and follow an asynchronous structure.
To apply, prospective students are required to submit their official college transcripts. New students can commence the program in the fall, spring, or summer. Northeastern’s primary campus is situated in Boston, and both resident and nonresident students are subject to the same tuition rates. The cost of tuition at this college is $28308.
7. Harvard University
Harvard’s Extension School delivers a bachelor’s in liberal arts program designed for professionals seeking to complete their degrees while maintaining full-time employment. Tailored primarily for adults aged 30 and above with 1-2 years of postsecondary coursework, the program combines on-campus and online components.
While the majority of instruction occurs online, students are required to fulfill at least 16 credits at the Harvard campus, with flexible options including three-week and weekend classes. Graduates are eligible to participate in the annual commencement ceremony.
Admission to the bachelor’s in liberal arts program requires successful completion of three initial courses with a grade of “B” or higher. The program accepts up to 64 transfer credits from regionally accredited colleges and universities.
Both in-state and out-of-state Harvard Extension School students are charged the same tuition rates. The cost of tuition at this college is $17590.
8. Clayton State University
Situated in Morrow, Georgia, CSU offers a bachelor’s in liberal arts degree program that provides students the flexibility to design their curriculum. Many graduates of this liberal arts program seamlessly transition into graduate programs.
As part of the program requirements, students must complete a minor to complement their studies. Currently, online options for criminal justice and English minors are available, with plans for further expansion in the future.
For first-time applicants, official high school transcripts or GED scores, along with ACT or SAT scores, are required. Prospective transfer students need to submit official transcripts from their previously attended institutions. Out-of-state residents studying online benefit from reduced tuition compared to on-campus classes. The cost of tuition at this college is $10326.
9. California State University, Chico
This program is designed mainly for individuals intending to teach at the elementary school level. Chico State’s online bachelor’s in liberal arts completion program offers a comprehensive foundation in various subject areas. Additionally, the program provides opportunities for students to gain practical experience working with children in K-8 settings.
The curriculum covers courses in liberal studies, sociology, social sciences, and religious studies. Students have the flexibility to choose classes that align with their interests as they progress through the program.
Classes for the program are available for enrollment in both the fall and spring. Transfer applicants are required to submit official transcripts from their prior colleges and universities. The cost of tuition at this college is $14156.
10. California State University, Long Beach
CSULB provides a hybrid bachelor’s in liberal arts degree completion program tailored for busy professionals reentering higher education.
This program features 66 credits and covers courses in communication, global citizenship, and diverse cultures. Students engage in classes both online and in person, working collaboratively in small cohorts. The class schedule typically involves one night a week and every other Saturday, allowing most students to complete their bachelor’s degree within two years.
Prospective students should have at least 72 credits of transferable postsecondary coursework and maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA. The application process includes submitting an application essay and official transcripts from all previously attended colleges. All students pursuing a bachelor’s in liberal arts degree pay the same tuition, regardless of their state of residency. The cost of tuition at this college is $9477.