A liberal arts degree relies on a well-rounded, integrative approach to learning. In this program, you'll study a variety of subjects spanning the humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and arts.
The best liberal arts degrees encourage you to think critically, communicate effectively, and creatively problem-solve. And an online liberal arts degree can give you additional flexibility and program options.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top 10 Online Liberal Arts and Liberal Studies Degrees
Read About Our Methodology Here
What Is a Liberal Arts Degree?
If you have many interests or want a broader course of academic study, a liberal arts degree — also called liberal studies — can be a great choice.
Liberal arts majors study art, the social sciences, the humanities, the natural sciences, and math. You can earn an associate, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in liberal studies, depending on the school.
Many four-year universities offer liberal arts degrees. You can also attend a liberal arts college. At this type of school, all students take classes in a broad array of liberal arts subjects. Typically, you must declare a liberal arts major as well, like English or sociology.
Many schools use the terms "liberal arts" and "liberal studies" interchangeably. At some schools, however, liberal studies focuses more on comparing and contrasting the different liberal arts subjects.
In 2023, liberal arts majors in the U.S. earned a median annual salary of $60,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Types of Liberal Arts Degrees You Can Get
Many colleges offer liberal arts majors, either in liberal arts itself or in one of the many liberal arts subjects, from art history to psychology.
Here are some of the most popular liberal arts degrees you can get:
Anthropology
Archaeology
Area and Ethnic Studies
Art History
Astronomy
Chemistry
Classical Studies
Communication
Comparative Literature
English
Environmental Science
Film Studies
Foreign Languages
Gender and Women's Studies
Geography
Journalism
Liberal Studies
Library Science
Linguistics
Literature
Marine Science
Mathematics
Museum Studies
Music
Performing Arts
Philosophy
Photography
Physics
Political Science
Public Administration
Public Relations
Religious Studies
Sociology
Visual Art and Design
Writing
Why Accreditation Matters for a Liberal Arts Degree
When a school is accredited, it means an independent accrediting agency has certified that it is academically rigorous and meets certain quality standards.
A college needs accreditation to be able to offer federal financial aid to students. Additionally, accreditation ensures your degree will be recognized by employers and other institutions should you transfer or attend graduate school.
Some academic programs may be programmatically accredited. Although there are no programmatic accreditors of liberal studies degrees, specific majors within the liberal arts may have programmatic accreditation.
For example, journalism majors should apply to programs accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications.
In a 2021 survey by the Association of American Colleges and Universities, over half of employers believed that liberal arts degree skills, like effective teamwork and critical thinking, are "very important."
What Can You Do With a Liberal Arts Degree?
Liberal arts degrees are versatile. You'll graduate with a broad wealth of knowledge and many of the soft skills employers seek in candidates.
Because liberal arts degrees emphasize critical thinking and creativity, students who complete a liberal arts program will be prepared to work in various roles and industries.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Job Growth Rate (2024-2034) |
|---|---|---|
| Marketing Managers | $161,030 | 7% |
| Technical Writers | $91,670 | 1% |
| Editors | $75,260 | 1% |
| Public Relations Specialists | $69,780 | 5% |
| High School Teachers | $64,580 | -2% |
| Graphic Designers | $61,300 | 2% |
| Interpreters and Translators | $59,440 | 2% |
Source: BLS
Frequently Asked Questions About Liberal Arts Degrees
What is the difference between a liberal arts college and a university?
Although both liberal arts colleges and universities can offer similar majors and programs, liberal arts colleges more strongly emphasize a liberal arts foundation through required liberal arts coursework. Liberal arts colleges also tend to have smaller enrollments and class sizes than universities.
Are liberal arts majors in demand?
The skills that liberal arts majors develop and hone in their education, like the ability to think critically and consider various perspectives, are in demand. In a 2014 study by the Association of American Colleges and Universities, 93% of employers agreed that critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills are more important than the applicant's college major.
What liberal arts degree is best?
The best liberal arts degree for you will depend on your interests, strengths, and career goals. If you're concerned about making money, for example, you may want to choose a liberal arts major that tends to lead to higher-paying jobs, like psychology, math, or biology.
What are the highest-paying jobs with a bachelor's in liberal arts?
Many of the highest-paying jobs for liberal arts majors are in management and technology. According to the BLS, some of the highest-paying jobs for those with a bachelor's in liberal arts include marketing manager, administrative services manager, and social and community services manager.
Is a bachelor's in liberal arts worth it?
A bachelor's in liberal arts can be a great investment if you want a well-rounded, interdisciplinary, and flexible education. Liberal arts majors get to study many subjects while developing in-demand soft skills like critical thinking and communication.
A liberal studies degree can also set you up for long-term success. According to a Strada Institute report, liberal arts majors earn $20,000 more than high school graduates on average and experience rapid salary growth in their 30s and 40s.
