Key takeaways
- The best online bachelor programs offer flexibility, affordability, and access to a wide range of liberal arts majors.
- A liberal arts degree provides a broad-based education in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
- Online liberal arts degrees are ideal for students seeking cost-effective and location-independent study options.
- Top programs support accelerated learning, letting motivated students graduate faster.
- Transfer-friendly online programs allow students to use existing credits to complete their degree.
- Accreditation, customizable curriculum, and financial aid are essential when choosing an online liberal arts program.
- Universities like SNHU, Rutgers-Camden, ASU, and the University of Iowa offer some of the best accredited online liberal arts programs.
Online or long-distance learning is nothing new, but it has taken center stage ever since the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only does it guarantee convenience, but it also provides flexibility, full control of learning schedule and timeline, as well as affordability, provided you find the best online universities for bachelors. The online education landscape is laced with many untrustworthy online institutes camouflaging themselves as trustworthy educational institutes.
This guide explores how to find the best online bachelor programs for a flexible liberal arts degree. Here, you will find exactly what to look for, as well as suggestions for the best online undergraduate liberal arts programs that you can explore.
What is a liberal arts degree?
A liberal arts degree is a four-year undergraduate program with a broad-based curriculum, focusing on arts and humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, mathematics, and so on. Through the program, students obtain an in-depth general education covering a wide range of subjects, including English, philosophy, ethics, anthropology, psychology, music, and so much more. The core focus of the program is to develop professional competencies that will enable graduates to access a wide range of careers.
A liberal arts degree is either offered as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS). BS is only reserved for some STEM majors, such as psychology or mathematics. All other majors are offered through a BA. However, both programs feature a versatile curriculum focused on providing education in the arts and humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
Some popular liberal arts majors are:
- Sociology
- History
- Psychology
- Communication
- Political Science
- Economics
- Graphic Design
- English
- Anthropology
- Fine Arts
- Music
Why consider pursuing an online bachelor’s in liberal arts?
While some thrive in a formal education setting and love visiting the college campus, making new friends, participating in extra-curricular activities, or the daily life that comes with attending a traditional college program. However, that life isn’t for everyone, as not everyone can afford it, nor does everyone enjoy it. That’s where the best online bachelor programs in liberal arts offer substantial advantages over a traditional bachelor’s in liberal arts.
Related: What career paths can emerge by getting a liberal arts degree from the best liberal arts colleges?
Affordability
Traveling to and from college costs a significant amount of money, especially to those who live further away. One could argue that why not just move to on-campus accommodation, but that too significantly increases the student’s overall cost-of-attendance. If you want to cut your overall cost of attendance to the lowest amount possible, an online bachelor’s in liberal arts is the ideal option.
Flexibility
As long as you have an internet connection, you can learn from anywhere in the world. Removing geographical boundaries and limitations from the learning environment adds unprecedented flexibility. Students no longer have to set time aside to travel to the campus and back. Not only are commute hours lengthy for some, but also costly and draining. However, in an online bachelor’s program, you can study from anywhere.
Accelerated learning option
Many of the best online universities for bachelor’s degrees allow competent students to pursue their degree at an accelerated pace. Those who are able and willing can take multiple classes in one day and complete their semester and even degree faster than the traditional pace. Students struggling to stay motivated throughout the semester or the education year because of the slow learning pace can specifically benefit from this option.
Related: What is the difference between a liberal arts college and university?
Transfer-friendly
Online programs are also credit transfer-friendly. If a student has some existing credits, they can transfer those to an online program and choose to complete their degree off-campus. Such flexibility and convenience are a major plus, especially for final-year students who want to pursue internships or part-time jobs to gain work experience before graduation.
How to find the best online bachelor program for liberal arts?
If the convenience, affordability, and flexibility offered by online colleges and universities attract you, then this section is for you. The United States’ educational landscape is filled with educational institutions offering guaranteed academic excellence to its students. However, sorting through the many available options to find the best online bachelor’s programs can prove challenging. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the best online undergraduate program for liberal arts.
Accreditation
Choosing an accredited online college is a must. An accreditation serves as a seal of quality, indicating that the educational institution meets the quality requirements for educational institutions. Relevant higher education accrediting boards include the US Department of Higher Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Not only do these serve as quality assurance, but accreditations are also important for credit transfer.
Related: How do you get a degree in liberal arts that boosts your career options?
Curriculum
Not all programs will offer a curriculum that aligns with your career goals and aspirations. Try to find one that offers the major you are interested in and make sure the learning aligns with the skill set required for the career you aspire to pursue. Moreover, choose programs that allow for customization and provide the ability to choose from multiple majors, and even pursue double majors for added flexibility.
Flexibility
The most important aspect of an online program is the flexibility it offers. There are two main types of programs you can pursue: synchronous, where real-time participation is a must, and asynchronous, where students do not have to follow a schedule. If high flexibility is what you seek, search for asynchronous programs only.
Financial aid
Online programs are generally more affordable than on-campus programs as they have an overall lower cost of attendance. However, some of the best online bachelor programs also offer discounts and financial aid for outstanding students, or for those seeking financial aid and assistance. Make sure you either discuss with your admissions co-ordinator to find available options beforehand, or do your research to see available funding options before choosing a program.
Related: Do cheap art schools offer a comprehensive liberal arts education experience alongside art training?
Support services
Distance learning requires a strong internet connection and a reliable computer system or a personal computer. The best online undergraduate programs offer technical support services to their students to ensure a smooth learning experience. These support services do come at an additional cost, but are vital for ensuring that a student has access to educational resources at all times so they can take full advantage of the online learning system.
List of the best online bachelor programs for a flexible liberal arts degree
If you are on the hunt for the best online undergraduate program for liberal arts, this is the section for you. Here are some accredited online universities offering the best online liberal arts programs.
Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University offers multiple liberal arts degrees. Available degrees with major options are as follows:
- BA in Communication – Business Communication, New Media, Professional Writing, and Public Relations
- BA Creative Writing & English – Fiction Writing, Non-fiction writing, Poetry, Screenwriting
- BA in English – Literature, Professional Writing
- BA in General Studies
- BA in History – American History, European History, Middle Eastern Studies, Military History
The university also offers several master’s degrees in liberal arts, providing students the option to either continue their education or go into professional lives.
| Location | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| Hooksett, New Hampshire | 87% | 34.4% | $16,450 |
Rutgers University – Camden
Rutgers University, Camden, offers a liberal arts program providing a comprehensive education in liberal arts and sciences. The program provides professional competencies to students who seek a professional degree but do not have a particular career path in mind. Through the program, they gain a range of soft skills and a world of applicable knowledge, which helps them advance in their professional lives.
Related: What arts and humanities jobs can you get with a liberal arts degree?
The program features extraordinary flexibility in majors, course selection, and even mode of learning. Here, students learn from qualified professionals at an accredited university, making it one of the best online bachelor’s programs available to students.
| Location | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| Camden, New Jersey | 77.8% | 81.7% | $17,079 in-state
$35,841 out-of-state |
Arizona State University
Arizona State University offers an online liberal studies degree. It is among the most flexible online programs offered not just by ASU, but across the US. The program has only two core courses, allowing students the option to completely tailor their learning experience to suit their requirements. Students are free to explore multiple disciplines and develop a skill set needed to fulfill their career aspirations.
ASU’s online liberal studies program also offers credit transferability. Through the program, you will explore intellectual and professional interests to develop a wide range of competencies. Moreover, your diploma will not state that it is earned online, ensuring graduates are not discriminated against.
| Location | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| Tempe, Arizona | 90.2% | 65.9% | $12,051 in-state
$32,193 out-of-state |
University of Iowa
The University of Iowa’s online Bachelor of Liberal Studies (BLS) Program offers a flexible path to earning a bachelor’s degree. It is specifically ideal for working adults and aspiring students with at least 24 credit hours from an accredited institution. They can easily secure admission into the online Bachelor of Liberal Studies.
The program focuses on workplace and leadership skills and includes specialized tracks such as:
- Expression in Writing and Arts
- Family, Community, and Social Support
- Global Studies
- Health and Human Studies
- Justice and Ethics
- Organizational Studies
Students can also integrate online certificate programs into their degree to further support their personal and career goals.
| Location | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| Iowa City, Iowa | 84.7% | 73.6% | $11,622 in-state $33,710 out-of-state |
Enroll in one of the best online bachelor programs for flexibility and academic excellence!
Online programs offer more than just the ability to study at home. They offer flexibility, affordability, the ability to pursue a career alongside education, and so much more. However, make sure to only choose accredited online programs as those are the ones that offer guaranteed academic excellence, technical assistance, and a comprehensive educational curriculum that prepares graduates for multiple career options.
Additionally, your chosen program should align with your career choices. Make sure you determine the skills you will develop in the program are going to enable you into becoming the professional you aspire to be. We wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors!
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