Explore bachelor's in liberal arts degrees
Many people get a college degree to become qualified for a specific career. But those who want to gain applicable skills for a variety of jobs may find that earning a bachelor's in liberal arts is the best route. Many liberal arts bachelor's graduates get jobs as economists, technical writers, or high school teachers. Read this guide to discover the benefits of getting a liberal arts education.
Explore liberal arts degrees
Why pursue a bachelor's in liberal arts?
Gain applicable skills
A bachelor's in liberal arts program can help students gain useful workplace skills like critical thinking and problem-solving.
Experience new learning opportunities
Liberal arts bachelor's programs allow students to explore various schools of philosophical and practical thought.
Create flexible qualifications
Students in a liberal arts bachelor's program gain skills that qualify them for jobs across industries, rather than for a single vocation.
Find the right bachelor's in liberal arts degrees for you
What can you do with a bachelor's in liberal arts?
Bachelor's in liberal arts programs aim to promote free thinking among students. While many focus on one specific industry, liberal arts programs teach useful skills that transfer across fields like education, public relations and advertising, and finance.
Below are some potential career paths you can pursue after earning this degree, with 2023 salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
Human resources specialist
Human resources specialists are company representatives responsible for recruiting and hiring new employees. They may also coordinate employee training, compensation, and benefits.
2023 Median pay: $67,650
News reporter
News reporters are journalists who collect, analyze, and communicate information to a public audience. They may work for television stations, print newspapers, or online publications.
2023 Median pay: $57,500
Social worker
Social workers are often government employees who work to ensure people have access to social services. They may work in child protective services, healthcare, or welfare agencies.
2023 Median pay: $58,380
What can you learn in a bachelor's in liberal arts degree program?
In a bachelor's in liberal arts program, students get a general education that teaches them to think critically. With majors like communications, history, and design, you can learn:
- Problem-solving
- Critical thinking
- Conflict resolution
- Oral and written communication
- Time management
- Teamwork
- Creativity
- Foreign language
Students typically earn around 120 credit hours to graduate with a bachelor's in liberal arts. For most people, this takes between three and five years.
Online format
Getting an online bachelor's in liberal arts can prepare you for the workplace through a nontraditional classroom setting. Many online liberal arts programs require some previous college or work experience, while others allow you to earn your bachelor's degree entirely online. Students need a computer and reliable internet to complete an online bachelor's in liberal arts program.
Admissions requirements for a bachelor's in liberal arts
For admission into a bachelor's in liberal arts program, students must submit an application package. Many schools offer an online application or use the Common Application, which allows students to apply to many schools at once.
Students generally must submit the following materials in their application package:
- ACT or SAT scores
- Résumé
- Personal essay or statement of purpose
- High school and college transcripts
- Application fees
- Letters of recommendation
Further education in liberal arts
- Master's in liberal arts: This degree can broaden students' worldviews and create interdisciplinary skills. Students explore new subjects while deepening their research and critical thinking.
- Doctorate in liberal arts: Students can enroll in an advanced degree program that provides further intellectual exploration. Learners become experts in their subjects while developing valuable real-world professional skills.