Online Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies

The online Bachelor of Arts in liberal studies is one of Arizona State University's most flexible degrees. With only two core courses, the majority of your coursework 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.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 05/19/2025


Total classes:

Total classes: 40

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 120

Degree questions, answered

Have questions about the Liberal Studies (BA)? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

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A flexible, transfer-friendly degree tailored to your interests

With an emphasis on the humanities and social sciences, this program cultivates a love of learning and empowers you to become a creative thinker and problem solver. The multidisciplinary aspect of this program develops your historical, global and cultural awareness through a diverse and integrative approach to learning. No matter the path you take to graduation, you’ll develop a broad and transferable skill set you apply to many different jobs.

This program is exceptional for students who want to explore multiple areas of study or have career goals that don’t fit into one discipline. The flexibility this degree offers is also valuable for transfer students because a wider variety of credits are eligible for transfer.

  • You may transfer up to 75 credit hours from an Arizona community college or tribal institution.
  • A maximum of 64 semester hours of credit will be accepted as lower-division credit when transferred from a regionally-accredited community, junior or two-year college, with the exception of some special programs.
  • An unlimited number of credit hours will be accepted from four-year institutions.

How the program works

As a liberal studies major, you’ll spend most of your time exploring your intellectual and professional interests through your choice of humanities and social sciences courses as well as various electives.

As with most bachelor’s programs, you must complete 120 credit hours to earn your degree.

  • You’ll select four humanities classes and four social science classes, choosing from hundreds of options within each.
  • Additionally, you’ll complete two core liberal studies courses.
  • You’re free to complete the remaining 90 credits with general studies courses of your choosing, transfer credits, a second major or a couple of minors and undergraduate certificates.
    • For example, you could complete minors in global studies and sustainability, with each minor counting as 18 credits.

Upskill with a master’s degree

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:

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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.”

Online liberal studies degree courses

This program features a highly flexible curriculum. Whatever courses you choose, you’ll develop essential skills in critical thinking, writing and communication, data analysis and much more.


The jobs liberal studies majors are prepared for

The ability to work collaboratively and think critically is vital for professional development and sets you up for success in many industries. Thanks to the flexibility of this program, you could pursue careers in business or nonprofit management, public relations, social services, urban planning, local government and more. Some roles you may consider include, but aren’t limited to:

Communications Specialist


Growth: 3.7 %
Salary: $73,150

Corporate Trainer


Growth: 6.3 %
Salary: $63,080

Editor


Growth: -4.0 %
Salary: $73,080

Employee Training Manager


Growth: 6.5 %
Salary: $120,000

Fundraising Consultant


Growth: 5.2 %
Salary: $61,190

Loan Officer


Growth: 2.9 %
Salary: $65,740

Market Research Analyst


Growth: 13.4 %
Salary: $68,230

Police Sergeant/Detective


Growth: 3.1 %
Salary: $96,290

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

How to apply

I am a future

You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.

Learn how to apply.

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 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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