Benefits of Getting an Online Liberal Arts Degree

A liberal arts degree, unlike other more specialized degrees such as engineering or business, allows students significant freedom in the courses they take and interests they pursue. Liberal arts covers numerous subjects in humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. Subjects such as philosophy, psychology and geology are all considered liberal arts. In selecting these areas, students are often pursuing a passion rather than choosing to earn a “safe” degree such as business, and are therefore more likely to experience deep satisfaction with their studies and future careers. The online learning format will also make earning a liberal arts degree convenient and fun, as courses can be completed from the comfort of the student’s home and according to the student’s schedule. Students can enjoy interactive lectures, and take advantage of instant communication with their instructor and classmates.

BA in Psychology	AA in Psychology	BS in Liberal Studies

What Will I Learn in a Liberal Arts Program?

The courses taken by liberal arts students depend heavily on the specific field chosen. For example, an anthropology major would take classes in the history of mankind and cultures. A psychology major would take courses in statistics and social interaction. Some majors also require additional lab work, though these policies vary from school to school. The specialized degree programs created for liberal arts majors immerse them in the fundamentals of their chosen field of study, while also allowing plenty of elective credits so that students may explore other interests as well.

Popular Majors in the Liberal Arts Field

Majors in the liberal arts field vary widely and include such diverse topics as mathematics and music appreciation. The most popular majors are in the social science and history sectors, with more than 150,000 such degrees conferred in 2006 and 2007, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Psychology is also a popular major, with nearly 100,000 degrees awarded in that same time period.

Popular Jobs for Liberal Arts Students

The belief that a liberal arts degree is “impractical” is actually a myth, with many graduates of such programs finding employment in the same fields that business and science majors do. Some people earn a liberal arts degree and move into management, real estate or business and finance positions. Usually any nonspecialized position is compatible with a liberal arts degree, as such an education covers a wide array of topics, including math, science and literature.

Job Prospects for Liberal Arts Majors

With the troubled economy and more competition among job applicants for most positions, many employers are looking to hire workers who have more than just technical skills. Liberal arts graduates have learned about many subjects, giving them a boost over other applicants. Even in liberal arts specific fields, job prospects are generally good for graduates. Geology majors, who upon graduation can work as environmental scientists, can expect a 25 percent increase in employment opportunities by 2016, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The psychology field is expected to grow by 15 percent in the next seven years.

AS in Liberal Arts	BA in English/Language Arts