The online Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies equips professionals with a strong, foundational knowledge base and the soft skills necessary to succeed in almost any industry. Through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous coursework, students can earn a hands-on education that encompasses their individual interests and aligns with several main disciplines. They can choose to complete the liberal studies degree as a part-time or full-time student.
When an employer, or anyone looking at your CV or resume, sees that you earned a liberal studies degree, they will ask you what it means. Our program allows someone to confidently say: ‘I concentrated in multiple areas of study, and out of this fusion of knowledge, I developed this whole new area of expertise that is unique and individual.’The advantage of this degree is that it empowers students to shape their own identity. When someone asks them ‘Who are you?’, their degree supports the answer rather than dictating it.
Stephanie Hsu, Associate Professor
Program Requirements
The liberal studies curriculum consists of 120 credits in two to three arts and/or sciences disciplines.
Students work closely with advisors from the Dyson College of Arts and Sciences in order to construct a meaningful and coherent educational experience. From selecting a concentrated pathway of study to deciding on electives, we want to help students create an educational program that pushes them toward their career goals.
Earn Transfer Credits for Professional Experience
Pace understands that many of our students have acquired college-level learning outside of the traditional academic classroom. With that in mind, online BA in Liberal Studies students may apply up to 36 experiential learning credits toward the degree. Students interested in applying such credits must take INT 196B Prior Learning Assessment (2 credits) as one of their open electives.
For more information regarding PLA credit, email degreecompletion@pace.edu or call (866) 815-5166 (toll-free).
Coursework and Format
The online BA in Liberal Studies coursework includes a mix of synchronous and asynchronous learning:
- Recorded lectures
- Discussion boards
- Weekly assignments
- Group and individual projects
| REQUIREMENTS | CREDITS |
|---|---|
| University Core Requirements | 44 |
| Major Requirements | 32-33 |
| Open Electives | 43-44 |
| Total Credits | 120 |
University Core Requirements (44 Credits)
Foundation Requirements
| COURSE | CREDITS |
|---|---|
| ENG 110 Composition (can test out) | 0-3 |
| ENG 120 Critical Writing | 4 |
| ENG 201 Writing in the Disciplines | 3 |
| COM 200 Public Speaking | 3 |
| One Math Course (MAT 102/104/109/111/131/134/137/142) |
3-4 |
| One Lab Science Course (CIS 101, CIS 103, CIT 110, CS 121, TS 105) |
3-4 |
| Second Language Proficiency: Two Language or Culture courses selected from ARA/ASL/CHI/FRE/ITA/JPN/POR/RUS/SPA. (Can test out, see language proficiency policy.) | 0-3 |
Liberal Arts Electives
| COURSE | CREDITS |
|---|---|
| Major Concentration Elective Courses | 13-25 |
| Required Learning Experiences: One Civic Engagement/Public Values Course (this can be satisfied through core, major, or open electives) | 3-4 |
Major Requirements (32-33 Credits)
Students can choose two or three tracks in arts and/or sciences to complete as part of their education. Courses should be at the 200-level or above, although three courses may be taken at a lower level.
- Option 1: Complete a main track, which will make up a minimum of 20 credit hours, and a second track with a minimum of 12 credit hours.
- Option 2: Complete a main track, which will make up a minimum of 20 credit hours, and a second track and third track, both with a minimum of 6 credit hours
Optional Tracks
Main Concentration
- Criminal Justice
- Economics
- English
- History
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Spanish (*only if not taking Spanish courses as your language/culture courses)
Second Concentration
- Communication & Media Studies
- Media & Communication Arts
- Philosophy
- Religious Studies
- Biology
- American Studies (limited synchronous courses available)
Open Electives (44 Credit Hours)
Electives are open to the student’s choice and can range across a wide variety of subject areas. Explore an expansive array of electives, tailored to ignite your passions and broaden your horizons, and embrace the opportunity to design your education and cultivate a deep understanding of the subjects that interest you. INT 196B Prior Learning Assessment (2 credit hours), which is needed to determine the acceptability of experiential learning credits, will be counted as an open elective. Students should meet with their advisor to discuss electives.
Reach out to an admission advisor to learn more about our suggested tracks, elective options, and course listings.
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To learn more about the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, fill out the fields in this form to download a free brochure. If you have any questions at any time, please contact an admission advisor at (866) 815-5166.
