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.
Quick facts
Next start date: 05/19/2025
Total classes: 40
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 120
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.

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
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
How to apply
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 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.