Liberal Studies, BA
Pursue your wide-ranging interests while engaging in the humanities and social sciences, which are relevant to a variety of careers, through this adaptable program. Flexible modalities and curriculum help you to build momentum toward your goals and tailor this degree to your passions and goals.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
OR any math course that meets the MATH designation
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
Liberal Studies degree description
The Bachelor of Arts program in liberal studies provides a humanities-based education, wide freedom to choose from multidisciplinary courses, and specialized seminars that build critical thinking and communication skills that employers value.
Liberal studies are the oldest form of higher education in the Western tradition, with roots in ancient Greece. A liberal education differs from political liberalism in the modern sense; people from all political perspectives have made significant contributions to and drawn on this knowledge and these skills.
The program offers you a course of study that emphasizes the humanities and social sciences and gives you great flexibility in constructing your own educational path. You are prepared to meet the challenges of a complex world.
Why study liberal studies at ASU?
Reach beyond the classroom with more than 300 global education opportunities, all within a program shaped to keep you steadily moving toward degree completion.
Accelerated program options allow you to obtain both a bachelor's degree and master's degree in as little as five years; this program can be paired with 20 master's degree options, including a Master of Global Management, a Master of Liberal Studies, a Master of Project Management, and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership.
Additional details
Consider starting with LST 194 Cultural Moments in History as a first-year elective.
The online option pairs curriculum with local support experiences, giving you versatile ways to progress through your studies.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| LST 370 Dimensions of Liberal Studies |
| LST 470 Liberal Studies Seminar |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.
If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Analyze a topic or theme from two or more perspectives drawing on humanities, social sciences and/or life perspectives
- Communicate ideas, narratives, and/or insights from humanities and social science perspectives in one or more modes of expression (written, oral, and/or visual)
- Evaluate their development as global citizens by producing a comprehensive self-analysis that integrates diverse modes of inquiry
Analyze a topic or theme from two or more perspectives drawing on humanities, social sciences and/or life perspectivesAdmission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
Transfer admission requirements:
The MyPath2ASU pathway allows Arizona transfer students to complete a prescribed sequence of courses that meet the requirements for the community college's AA degree along with the lower-division requirements for the ASU major. Students completing their ASU BA degree at Yuma: Once the MyPath2ASU pathway requirements are complete, students complete the remaining requirements for the ASU bachelor's degree at the community college. Students should visit Admission Services for more information about ASU degrees offered at local community colleges.
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, liberal studies students are able to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships around the world, increasing their professional network.
The College of Integrative Sciences and Arts recommends these programs for students majoring in liberal studies.
Paying for college
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.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Communications Specialist | -0.3% | $76,910 | Learn more |
| Corporate Trainer | 10.8% | $69,280 | Learn more |
| Employee Training Manager | 6.4% | $133,000 | Learn more |
| Fundraising Consultant | 5.5% | $72,550 | Learn more |
| Loan Officer | 1.1% | $76,690 | Learn more |
| Market Research Analyst | 7.0% | $78,760 | Learn more |
| Police Sergeant/Detective | 3.3% | $106,040 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
Careers this liberal studies degree prepares you for
Graduates are prepared to advance in their current careers, pursue new job opportunities, change fields or continue on to graduate or professional study. Possible careers and positions include:
- creative writer
- grant writer
- higher education professional
- public relations personnel
- research analyst
- training specialist
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Applied Sciences and Arts
|
SANCA 233
cisa@asu.edu
480-727-1526
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
