Online Master of Liberal Studies
Transcend disciplines to solve complex societal problems and improve lives with a Master of Liberal Studies degree online from Arizona State University. While you explore interest areas in the humanities, arts and social sciences, you’ll build transferable critical thinking and communication skills. The cultural contexts and broad perspectives you’ll gain in this degree can accelerate your career across industries.
Quick facts
Next start date: 08/21/2025
Total classes: 10
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 30
A master’s degree for creative thinkers and flexible problem solvers
This program is built for creative thinkers who embrace the interconnectedness of contemporary society. You’ll have opportunities to integrate advanced liberal studies insights into studying human ideas and values. Courses encourage you to think critically about challenges in the human experience through the lenses of politics, religion, social interactions and science.
Through this interdisciplinary approach, you’ll refine skills needed for jobs across industries, including communication, research and an understanding of the changing world. Additional competencies include:
- Analyzing the historical and cultural contexts of forms of expression, documentation and media.
- Applying creative and critical thinking skills to our changing society.
- Building an informed socio-cultural analysis to evaluate contemporary issues.
- Communicating complex ideas through research and creative narrative writing.
Tailor your curriculum to your academic and career goals
As a student, you can explore various interest areas and customize your learning. Whether you focus on literature, film and media, religion or politics, you’ll refine your creative and analytical skills and then learn how to apply them.
With your academic advisor, you’ll design a course plan tailored to you. In your six elective courses, you’ll challenge your perspectives and examine problems through historical, global and cultural contexts. Achieving your personal and professional goals is the foundation of your journey from enrollment to graduation.
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.”
Liberal studies master’s courses
In this program, you’ll complete three core courses and a two-semester culminating project. Your project can include participating in your community, advocating for social impact, completing a creative or research project and more. You’ll also work closely with your academic advisor to fulfill your remaining credits with electives that support your interests, ambitions and goals.
The jobs a liberal studies master’s prepares you for
Earning this degree can propel your career in nearly all industries across the public, private and nonprofit sectors. While it doesn’t provide specific occupational training, you’ll graduate with an advanced, multidisciplinary skillset that employers look for in candidates. Possible career paths include, but aren’t limited to:
Learn from experienced faculty who empower interdisciplinary learning
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.
Learn from experienced faculty who empower interdisciplinary learning
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.
How to apply
Applicants to the Master of Liberal Studies program must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts.
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 10
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.
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