An online bachelor’s in liberal arts is a flexible way to build broad undergraduate knowledge across core subject areas. Most programs cover foundational topics and then let you tailor electives or a concentration based on your goals.
BA stands for Bachelor of Arts and BS stands for Bachelor of Science. Some schools award a BA, while others award a BS with a liberal arts major, so compare curriculum and requirements.
An online bachelor’s in liberal arts is an undergraduate degree that covers core subject areas through online coursework.
BA stands for Bachelor of Arts and BS stands for Bachelor of Science. Some schools award a BA, while others award a BS with a liberal arts major, so compare curriculum and requirements.
Most programs include general education, a major core, electives or a concentration, and a capstone or integrative course.
Common coursework includes core liberal arts topics plus electives for specialization.
Requirements vary by school and student type, but commonly include a high school diploma or equivalent and official transcripts.
Transfer credits can reduce how many courses you need, but policies vary by institution.
For a full map of this program area, start here: Liberal Arts Program Guide
How we rank schools: Rankings are based on available IPEDS and College Scorecard data including graduation rate, admission rate, program availability, completions, and published tuition. Data is informational only—always confirm details directly with each school.
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Most online bachelor’s programs follow a similar structure:
Online formats may be asynchronous, but many still include weekly deadlines and participation. To compare how online formats differ, see: Online Course Formats
If you are trying to move faster, compare this degree level to accelerated pacing: Accelerated Liberal Arts Programs
| Course Topic | What You Learn |
|---|---|
| Advanced Writing and Analysis | Analytical writing, argumentation, and source-based research |
| Humanities Seminars | Literature, philosophy, history, and cultural studies |
| Social Science Foundations | Sociology, political science, psychology, and economics |
| Research Methods | Qualitative and quantitative research design and interpretation |
| Interdisciplinary Electives | Cross-disciplinary topics connecting humanities, sciences, and arts |
Program outcomes vary, but many curricula emphasize:
For a deeper breakdown of coursework and how it maps across degree levels, see: Liberal Arts Curriculum
Concentrations can help you specialize within liberal arts without changing the degree level. Availability varies by school, and some programs use elective tracks instead of formal concentrations.
Browse concentration pages here: Liberal Arts Concentrations
If you already know your direction, jump into a concentration:
Admissions requirements vary by school and student type. Some programs admit first-time college students. Others focus on transfer students.
Common requirements include:
For a full checklist and degree level differences, see: Liberal Arts Admissions Requirements
Transfer credits can reduce how many courses you need, but rules vary by institution.
Before you enroll, confirm:
These pages can help you evaluate policies and plan realistically:
Accreditation is a baseline quality indicator. Verify that the institution holds recognized accreditation, then compare how the program is structured, supported, and delivered online.
Learn what to verify and how to compare schools: Liberal Arts Accreditation
| Level | Typical Credits | 1yr Median Earnings | 5yr Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | $27,348 | $43,480 | $11,206 |
| Associate | 60 | $27,317 | $40,752 | $11,437 |
| Bachelor’s | 120 | $37,266 | $50,446 | $23,558 |
| Master’s | 30-36 | $56,095 | $68,580 | $40,684 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, latest academic year.
Compare degree options:
For a value and fit discussion, see: Is a Liberal Arts Degree Worth It
