Liberal Arts Curriculum: Courses and Structure
Liberal Arts curricula are built around core subject areas plus electives or concentrations. Course titles vary by school, but the topics below are common.
Quick Answers
What is included in a liberal arts curriculum?
Liberal Arts programs typically start with a shared core and add electives or concentration courses.
How does the curriculum change by degree level?
Associate programs emphasize fundamentals, bachelor’s programs broaden depth, and master’s programs focus on advanced topics.
Do online programs use the same curriculum?
Most online programs follow the same curriculum requirements as on-campus programs, with differences in delivery.
At a Glance
- Structure: Core subjects + electives or concentrations
- Delivery: Same curriculum online and on-campus
- Associate focus: Foundational coursework and general education
- Bachelor’s focus: Depth, methods, and applied projects
- Master’s focus: Advanced topics, specialization, and capstone work
Curriculum by degree level
| Component | Associate | Bachelor’s | Master’s |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Education | Heavy emphasis | Required foundation | Not applicable |
| Core Liberal Arts | Introductory | Intermediate to advanced | Advanced seminars |
| Electives | Limited | Broad selection | Focused specialization |
| Research Methods | Introductory | Required | Advanced |
| Capstone/Thesis | Rarely | Common | Usually required |
| Total Credits | ~60 | ~120 | ~30-36 |
Core subject areas
| Course Topic | What You Learn |
|---|---|
| Writing and Composition | Academic writing, argumentation, and research papers |
| Humanities | Literature, philosophy, art history, and cultural studies |
| Social Sciences | Sociology, political science, psychology, and economics |
| Natural Sciences | Scientific method, lab sciences, and quantitative reasoning |
| Critical Thinking | Logical reasoning, analysis, and problem evaluation |
| Research Methods | Qualitative and quantitative research design |
Skills you can compare across programs
Programs vary, but common skill areas include:
- Critical reading and analytical writing
- Research and synthesis across disciplines
- Communication and presentation skills
- Cultural and historical context analysis
How curriculum differs by degree level
- Associate programs focus on foundational coursework and general education
- Bachelor’s programs add depth, methods, and applied projects
- Master’s programs emphasize advanced topics, specialization, and capstone work
For degree-level options, see: Associate | Bachelor’s | Master’s
Example assignments and assessment types
| Assessment Type | Description | Common At |
|---|---|---|
| Reading and Analysis | Close reading with written response | All levels |
| Research Papers | Source-based argumentation | Bachelor’s and master’s |
| Applied Projects | Real-world problem analysis | Bachelor’s and master’s |
| Case Studies | Scenario-based decision-making | All levels |
| Presentations | Oral communication and visual aids | All levels |
| Thesis/Capstone | Original research or applied project | Master’s (sometimes bachelor’s) |
Liberal arts curricula emphasize transferable skills valued across industries. Employers consistently rank critical thinking, writing, and communication among the top skills they seek, all of which are central to a liberal arts education.