Best Online Bachelor's in Liberal Arts for 2019

Oregon State University's Ecampus offers more than 20 bachelor degrees online, including one in liberal studies. After completing core courses, students design their own major around their interests and educational goals. Distance learners who focus on science and technology pursue a bachelor of science in liberal studies, while those studying the arts and humanities earn a bachelor of arts. OSU operates on a quarter-based calendar, offering four ten-week terms each year. Students must complete 180 quarter credits to graduate, with at least 60 in upper division courses. Students may transfer some credits from other accredited institutions but must complete at least 45 of the final 75 credits online or on campus to earn an online liberal studies degree. All online OSU students pay in-state tuition rates.

Located in historic Nampa, Idaho, Northwest Nazarene University is one of eight liberal arts colleges in the U.S. affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene. The bachelor of arts in liberal studies is NNU's first program available entirely online. The program offers emphasis areas in humanities or social sciences, and new classes begin every eight weeks. Coursework is synchronous, meaning online learners complete and submit assignments on specific due dates and must participate in online discussions at designated times. Distance learners can complete coursework anywhere they have an internet connection. NNU allows on-campus students to take one class online per semester. With many financial aid options and scholarships available, the school's online liberal studies program is affordable and convenient. NNU offers part-time enrollment at a reduced rate.

Located near Minneapolis-St. Paul, Crown College is a private, four-year institution affiliated with the Christian and Missionary Alliance. The curriculum for the school's online bachelor of science in general/liberal studies provides students with broad knowledge in the liberal arts. Focused learners complete most courses in only seven weeks. Crown allows distance learners to customize their online liberal studies degree program to match their interests. To earn their degree, students must complete at least 125 credits in Christian studies, general education, electives, and coursework in their major. The program requires a portfolio project as a capstone course, in which students illustrate how their Christian-focused education helps fulfill their career goals. Crown welcomes high school graduates and returning college students who may transfer prior college credits regardless of academic discipline.

The University of Iowa is one of the top public research institutions in the country and the oldest university in the state. Its online bachelor of liberal studies is ideal for working professionals who aspire to develop their leadership skills. Students can complete UI's liberal studies online degree either fully online or with a mix of online and on-campus courses. The program comprises 120 semester hours. After completing general education requirements, students choose at least one of six tracks: expression in writing and arts; family, community, and social support; global studies; health and human studies; justice and ethics; or organizational studies. Successful applicants have an associate degree or 24 semester hours of transferable college credit and graduated high school at least 3 years ago.

CSU is the first institution in Colorado to offer a liberal arts bachelor's degree online. The 120-credit program offers interdisciplinary courses that develop students' writing, problem solving, and analytical thinking skills. This online program allows distance learners to earn a bachelor of arts in interdisciplinary liberal arts at their own pace, enabling them to balance education with work and family responsibilities. It requires students to complete 120 credits of foundational coursework and a minor. The liberal arts capstone seminar is mandatory for graduating seniors, who research and present a special topic assigned by their instructor. Students interested in applying for CSU's online liberal arts program must have an associate degree or at least 40 transferable credit hours at the community college level to be eligible.

Students pursuing a bachelor of arts in liberal studies at UIS design their own degree to align with their interests and career goals. They study entirely online or in combination with on-campus classes. The liberal studies online degree is a writing-intensive program, and applicants must successfully complete at least two semesters of freshman-level composition to be eligible. The online liberal studies program is selective and UIS limits the number of distance learners admitted each semester. Applicants must have an associate degree or at least 30 hours of transferrable credit for admission. They must fulfill the Illinois general education requirements before applying, and submit a two-page written statement outlining their academic or career goals, and how an interdisciplinary program will help achieve them.

Founded in 1950 by the California Southern Baptist Convention, California Baptist University gears its online programs towards adults who need to balance work and family with education. The online bachelor of arts in liberal studies provides a multi-disciplinary education that develops critical thinking, leadership, and decision-making skills. Online learners customize their program with a concentration in English, human development, kinesiology, or social science. Classes start every eight weeks and are available in online, hybrid, or accelerated formats. On average, students earn their degree in 18 months. Six CBU Online Educational Service Centers are conveniently located throughout Southern California, with hybrid classrooms and study lounges for local distance learners. CBU Online requires 24 transferable college credits or a high school diploma, and a minimum 2.0 GPA.

Azusa Pacific University is a private, evangelical, Christian university northeast of Los Angeles. The school’s online bachelor of arts in liberal studies degree is an accelerated teaching degree that caters to prospective elementary school and special education teachers, and those seeking a career change. The 120-unit program prepares graduates to sit for the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET), and enter a teaching credential program if they are seeking certification in California. Its online format is convenient and affordable. Tuition for the online liberal studies program is less than its on-campus counterpart. APU's online program accepts students from 39 states. Applicants must be high school graduates or transfer students with at least a 2.0 GPA in transferable college coursework.

Rowan University is a public research university in southern New Jersey offering graduate and undergraduate degree completion programs on-campus, online, and in a blended format. Its bachelor of arts in liberal studies: humanities/social science degree is available fully online, and is ideal for returning college students who want to complete a bachelor's degree. The curriculum strengthens students' written and verbal communications and enhances their decision-making skills. Rowan's liberal studies online degree program is part-time and provides students with 39 of the 120 required semester hours. Courses run in eight week modules and it is possible to complete the program in seven consecutive semesters. The university accepts applicants with at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA and 24 transferable college credits.

The online bachelor of arts in liberal studies program at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro connects the humanities and social sciences to the realities of the working world. This 122-credit hour interdisciplinary program is highly customizable and is ideal for students with some college credit who want to earn a bachelor's degree. Classes are fully online and asynchronous – there are no set class meeting times, and coursework is self-paced. Students choose seven-week or full-semester courses, and select a concentration in humanities, social sciences, or professional studies. Tuition for UNCG's online liberal studies degree is less expensive than its on-campus counterpart. Applicants must have 60 or more transferable college credits from accredited institutions or an associate degree, and a minimum 2.5 GPA.

The American Women's College at Bay Path University offers more than 20 fully online bachelor's degrees for adult women learners, including the bachelor of arts in liberal studies. Students develop a multi-faceted perspective on the political, cultural, and social issues that define the world today. The liberal studies online degree program offers classes asynchronously in accelerated six-week sessions, with six start dates each year. Returning college students can finish their degree in one to three-and-a-half years, depending on the number of transfer credits accepted. American Women's College has rolling admissions, full-time or part-time enrollment options, and accepts online students from 41 states. It welcomes female applicants with a high school diploma or equivalent, and either 12 transferable college credits or an essay. Students may transfer up to 90 credits in the 120-credit program.

SUNY College at Brockport's online liberal studies program is perfect for distance learners who want to complete their bachelor's degree in a flexible format. They complete core courses and independent study online, and can choose to take electives online, on-campus, or in a blended format. Brockport's program focuses on the humanities and fine arts, natural and mathematical sciences, and social sciences. Students earn either a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science in liberal studies, depending on the number of liberal arts courses they choose. Students must complete at least 60 credits before enrolling in the 120-credit program. The program includes opportunities for students to participate in internships, research, and field work. Online students can take classes in spring, summer session, fall, and winter session terms.

OU's College of Professional and Continuing Studies primarily serves working adults and lifelong learners. Its online bachelor of arts in liberal studies is a fast-paced, accelerated program that helps students develop the critical thinking skills that are essential in today's job market. Courses in this 120-hour program are available fully online or in a hybrid format and are set up in five eight-week sessions. Digital learners pursuing an online liberal studies degree complete core courses, electives, and select a primary track in humanities, natural sciences, or social sciences. Applicants must transfer at least 60 hours from an accredited four-year institution or have an associate degree. It typically takes students between 18 months and three years to earn OU's online liberal studies degree.

The University of Northern Iowa's bachelor of liberal studies offers convenience and flexibility for students who want to finish their bachelor's degree. Courses are available fully online or in a blended format. Distance learners can take semester-based courses or guided independent study, which allows them to enroll in a course at any time and take up to nine months to complete it. Students in UNI's online liberal studies program choose courses in three of five distribution areas, including humanities, communications and arts, natural sciences and math, social sciences, and professional fields. UNI offers rolling admissions and welcomes applicants for its online programs from all states except California and Massachusetts. Students must have 60 hours of transferable college credit or an associate degree, and a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA.

Founded in 1889, Saint Leo University is the oldest Catholic higher education institution in Florida and has been serving online learners since the 1990s. Its online bachelor of arts in liberal studies offers a broad, multidisciplinary curriculum, which emphasizes leadership skills. Students pursuing the liberal studies online degree receive a well-rounded education in social and natural sciences, humanities and fine arts, quantitative reasoning, and business. The program is 100% online and courses are available in six eight-week terms. Saint Leo admissions are rolling, enabling students to begin the 120-credit program whenever they are ready. It welcomes high school graduates and transfer students who may transfer up to 64 credits from accredited institutions. Saint Leo is also military-friendly and accepts up to 39 credits for military courses and training.

The online bachelor of arts in liberal studies at Westfield State University is tailor made for students who want to complete their bachelor's degree. It is ideal for Massachusetts community college graduates in the MassTransfer compact – the program that streamlines college credit transfer within the state's public higher education system. However, students who did not attend a state community college (or participate in MassTransfer) are welcome to apply. Westfield State's online liberal studies degree offers a comprehensive arts and sciences major that serves students in virtually any profession. It's especially valuable for those seeking teacher licensure in early childhood, elementary, middle school, or special education. Coursework is fully online and available during both semesters and the accelerated winter and summer sessions.

Learners entering the New School's bachelor's program for adults and transfer students design their own program to align with their interests, career goals, and availability. The liberal arts program online enables students to go to school part-time, full-time, fully online, or on-campus. Distance learners earn a bachelor of arts if they take 90 credits or more in liberal arts courses; those who take fewer than 90 liberal arts credits earn a bachelor of science degree. The 120-credit program caters to distance learners with some prior college education, though that is not a prerequisite. All applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent, and transfer students may transfer up to 84 credits with a cumulative 2.0 GPA or better from accredited institutions.

Northern Arizona University offers a different approach to online learning through its competency-based personalized learning approach. Students complete each lesson at their own pace, then take a test to assess their understanding of the competencies presented. Once they successfully demonstrate all competencies in the program, they earn a bachelor's in liberal arts online. Distance learners majoring in NAU's 120-unit online liberal arts program study literature, the arts, history, and philosophy. Those pursuing a bachelor of arts must satisfy a foreign language requirement, while those pursuing a bachelor of science complete required science courses. Personalized learning students pay tuition by subscription, not by semester. They pay a flat rate for unlimited online lessons and resources for six months, then renew their subscription until they complete their degree.

Students interested in a broad-based education or a career as an elementary school or special education teacher may want to consider California State University, Chico's online liberal studies degree. Its fully online curriculum is for individuals with at least two years of college, but no bachelor's degree. The 120-credit program culminates in a bachelor of arts in liberal studies and prepares graduates to enter a teaching credential program. Students who are not interested in teaching may take an online minor in sociology or career and life planning instead of upper division education courses. Applicants must have 60 transferable semester units or 90 quarter units, with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher. Typically, distance learners can earn a liberal studies online degree in two to three years.

Oral Roberts University is an interdenominational, Christian, liberal arts university in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Its online bachelor of science in liberal studies is a degree completion program for students with prior college credits, or for those who want to study multiple subject areas without pursuing a double major. ORU distance learners must complete 63 credit hours in two to three areas of study. Each semester has two seven-week sessions, and students in the online liberal studies program may take up to eight credit hours in each session. Applicants must demonstrate a strong Christian commitment, academic ability, and interest in a liberal arts education. ORU welcomes graduates with a high school diploma or equivalent, and transfer students with at least 15 college credit hours from an accredited institution.