If you are interested in developing your professional skills and knowledge across a range of intellectual subjects, you might consider an online masters in liberal arts.
An online masters degree in liberal arts focuses on developing intellectual thought and critical thinking skills using interdisciplinary study in many areas.
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So, if you’re looking for graduate opportunities beyond a specific field of study focused on one area, a liberal arts program can help you develop valuable skills for career development.
Online Masters in Liberal Arts Programs
Earning an online liberal arts master’s degree can be strategic for individuals with a broad range of interests who are looking to gain skills and knowledge at the graduate level.
Students in this type of program include those who are looking to advance their careers, expand their job opportunities, increase their earning potential, expand their intellect, or rejoin the academic world. Many liberal arts students are working professionals or adults looking for graduate opportunities apart from traditional and subject-specific graduate programs.
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Most programs take an interdisciplinary approach to studied subjects, including history, literature, art, religion, and philosophy, among others.
While a liberal arts curriculum varies by program, course topics may include:
- Interdisciplinary research methods
- Classic mythology
- Contemporary moral issues
- Religion, health, and culture
Some masters programs offer concentrations—such as health and wellness or world history and politics—allowing you to take courses in areas that interest you and align with your career goals. An advantage of studying multiple subjects and disciplines is the opportunity to discover what may interest you.
Earning a masters degree in liberal arts online can also help you develop valuable skills that are applicable in nearly every industry, including leadership and communication skills.
You can develop and hone skills in multiple areas, including:
- Critical thinking
- Thought analysis
- Writing
- Communication
- Research
- Advanced reading
- Problem-solving
Employers need individuals who can solve problems, manage and communicate effectively with others, think critically, and adapt to change. Liberal arts graduates often pursue careers in education, public relations, human resources, writing, editing, and research.
Liberal Arts and Humanities Careers & Salaries
One of the many benefits of earning an online masters degree in liberal arts is the variety of career options that graduates can pursue.
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, below are some careers that are associated with studies in liberal arts and humanities.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Advertising and Promotions Managers | $127,150 |
| Human Resources Managers | $126,230 |
| Public Relations and Fundraising Managers | $119,860 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $74,000 |
| Writers and Authors | $69,510 |
| Market Research Analysts | $63,920 |
| Editors | $63,350 |
| Public Relations Specialists | $62,800 |
| Human Resources Specialists | $62,290 |
| Training and Development Specialists | $61,570 |
Graduates may find employment in public and private organizations, nonprofit agencies, and educational institutions.
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Many graduates pursue careers in writing, editing, advertising and marketing, project management, human resources, and education. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills are always in demand.
Master of Liberal Arts Online Curriculum & Courses
While the exact courses will vary from program to program, below are some common courses you may take as part of your online liberal arts master’s degree:
- Writing About Social Issues: Students in this course will discuss nonfiction writing on issues including culture, gender, and social issues.
- Interdisciplinary Research Methods: This course focuses on the fundamentals of interdisciplinary research, including the ethics of human subjects in research projects.
- Religion, Health, and Culture: In this course, you’ll study various materials to explore the intersections of religion, health, and culture.
- Seminar in the Humanities: This course focuses on the intersection of literature, history, and philosophy through readings from multiple historical eras.
- Classic Mythology: Students in this course will study Greek and Roman myths, from their origins to their use throughout history to the present day.
- Film and Media Studies: This course examines the relationship between power and identity in social and historical contexts through the lens of specific films.
- The Collapse of Complex Civilizations: Students in this course will study the rise and fall of past civilizations and apply historical lessons to current events.
- Media and American Culture: In this course, you’ll discuss the effect of various media on our collective narratives of class, gender, and race throughout history.
- Contemporary Moral Issues: This course focuses on modern ethical issues—such as capital punishment, euthanasia, and abortion—by studying a variety of respected thinkers.
- Philosophy of Social Identities: Students in this course will examine philosophical social problems, including the role of gender and race in social standing.
Some liberal arts programs offer a customizable curriculum that allows you to tailor your classes to a specific concentration or area of interest.
How to Choose an Online Masters in Liberal Arts Program
As you look into pursuing your masters in liberal studies, there are numerous factors you can take into account to find the program that’s best for you.
Here are some factors you may take into consideration:
- Curriculum. You can look through a program’s coursework to ensure it aligns with your interests or offers concentrations that allow you to customize your focus.
- Accreditation status. Choosing a regionally accredited school for your graduate program can have lasting effects on your academic and professional opportunities.
- Program length and requirements. It can help to consider a program’s completion time and whether there’s a thesis or capstone project requirement. You can then see if a program’s schedule and requirements work for your long-term goals.
- Location. Location may factor into a program’s cost. Some online liberal arts degree programs also require an in-person component. This may be true whether it’s a masters degree program or even an on-campus or online associates in liberal arts degree program.
- Cost. Program tuition varies. You might consider factors like location, financial aid opportunities, and technology fees when choosing the program that works with your budget.
To help you narrow down your options as you look at various liberal arts programs, it could be helpful to rank how important these different factors are for you.
Admissions Requirements
While the requirements for admissions will vary by school, below are some common requirements for applying to a masters degree in liberal arts online:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
- Minimum undergraduate GPA
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of intent outlining your goals
- GRE or GMAT scores (not required by all schools)
In addition to the requirements listed above, most programs will require the completion of an application. Some programs also require an application fee.
Accreditation
As you explore your options for liberal arts programs, it’s strategic to consider a school’s accreditation status. Accrediting organizations independently verify whether a school’s educational offerings meet specific standards of quality.
Regional accreditation is the most widely accepted type of accreditation. Your school’s accreditation status can potentially affect the transferability of your credits, your eligibility for future doctoral studies, and even your qualifications for potential job opportunities.
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You can visit the Council for Higher Education Accreditation’s website to learn more about regional accreditation.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
As you explore pursuing your online masters degree in liberal arts, you can also look into various options for financial support.
One option to look into is scholarships. These may be offered through your school as well as various public and private institutions. If you are currently employed, you can explore potential tuition reimbursement or reduced tuition options that may be available through your employer.
You can also seek government funding in the form of government student loans. While student loans need to be repaid, they often have lower interest rates than other loans. To learn more about potential financial assistance opportunities, you can visit the Federal Student Aid website.
Liberal Arts Professional Organizations
Joining a liberal arts professional organization could provide numerous benefits, including networking and career opportunities.
Listed below are some popular liberal arts professional organizations:
- Association for General and Liberal Studies (AGLS): This is a community of peer support for teachers and scholars engaged in higher education liberal studies.
- Association of Graduate Liberal Studies Programs (AGLSP): This is a forum that provides the opportunity for idea exchange between graduate LS programs, students, and alumni.
- Global Liberal Arts Alliance (GLAA): This is a partnership of schools fostering a community of staff and students in liberal arts education.
In addition, many organizations also offer the opportunity for professional development and continuing education for lifelong learners.
What Is a Master of Liberal Arts?
A Master of Liberal Arts is a graduate program that teaches students how to think critically about a variety of concepts and knowledge. Liberal arts programs focus on diverse material, including literature, art, foreign languages, philosophy, history, and other social studies, among other disciplines.
Students in liberal arts programs can develop their critical thinking, communication, and complex problem-solving skills. Graduates can apply their learned skills and knowledge to a wide variety of industries and careers.
What Can You Do with an Online Master of Liberal Studies?
Graduates who have earned their masters degree in liberal arts online have numerous career paths to explore. The opportunities you explore may depend in part on your interests, prior education, and experience.
Some graduates find employment in areas like human resources and marketing, which allows for opportunities in nearly every industry, from healthcare to private businesses. Many liberal arts graduates also pursue opportunities in education, communications, research analysis, writing, fundraising, and public relations.
Some professionals explore opportunities as a consultant, focusing on using the skills and knowledge that are of specific interest to them.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Liberal Arts Masters Degree?
The time needed to complete your online masters degree in liberal arts will vary based on a few factors, including your program’s requirements and course schedule.
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Most masters programs can be completed in 1 to 2 years with full-time study. For instance, if your program is a 36-credit hour program with no thesis required, you may be able to finish in 1 year of full-time enrollment. If you are enrolled part-time, or if your program requires the completion of a thesis, it may take longer to complete your degree.
What Jobs Can I Get with a Masters in Liberal Arts?
While specific job availability will vary based on numerous factors, including your prior work experience, where you live, and additional skills, you may find numerous opportunities with a liberal arts masters.
Many graduates find human resources jobs, either as specialists or managers, depending on their level of experience. Other graduates find jobs in the literary field as editors, writers, or journalists. Graduates also find careers in other communications positions, such as public relations specialists or managers.
Given the wide variety of skills and knowledge gained in a liberal arts program, you will likely find the opportunity to pursue a career in an area of interest to you.
What’s the Difference Between a Master Degree in Liberal Arts vs. STEM Program?
Here are some key distinctions between earning a masters in liberal arts and a masters in STEM.
| Masters in Liberal Arts | Masters in STEM |
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While many programs look for ways to incorporate these two areas of study, each program’s coursework and overall focus is very different.
Is an Online Master of Liberal Arts Degree Useless?
No, an online Master of Liberal Arts degree is not useless. Earning a graduate degree in liberal arts online can help you expand your career opportunities and increase your earning potential.
A masters in liberal arts degree could open up careers in a variety of fields, such as education, human resources, marketing, public service, communications, and business. Along with experience, a graduate degree may also help you qualify for more senior or leadership positions.
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, management occupations overall are expected to see 8% job growth over the next ten years, which is faster than average.
Universities Offering Online Masters in Liberal Arts Degree Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Albertus Magnus College offers a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies. This program aims to provide learners with a well-rounded understanding of social, scientific, and humanistic disciplines. Classes can be attended online, in person, or in a blended format. The degree can typically be completed in 1.5 years when taking two classes at a time.
Albertus Magnus College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Arizona State University offers a Master of Liberal Studies. Potential classes include Exploring and Expressing Ideas, Engage for Impact, Communicating in Complex Cultural Environments, and Advanced Liberal Studies. The curriculum consists of 10 courses for a total of 30 total credit hours. Classes meet fully online, and each one is typically 7.5 weeks long.
ASU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
East Tennessee State University offers a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies. Specializations are available in Gender and Diversity Studies, Regional and Community Studies, Archival Studies, and General Liberal Studies. The program utilizes a blend of asynchronous and synchronous online learning formats. It can typically be finished in 2 years when attending full-time.
East Tennessee State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Fort Hays State University offers a Master of Liberal Studies. Students may tailor their studies to their personal interests by selecting one of several diverse concentrations. The curriculum consists of 31 credit hours and is housed 100% online. Courses cover topics like literacy, technology, communication, management, research, and analytics.
FHSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Indiana University offers a fully online program for a Master of Liberal Studies. The curriculum culminates with a traditional thesis, creative project, peer-reviewed publication, applied project, or capstone course. Students must complete at least 36 credit hours and maintain a 3.0 GPA minimum to graduate. Up to 20 approved credits may be transferred in from outside institutions.
Indiana University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Johns Hopkins University offers a Master of Liberal Arts. Graduates often pursue careers as administrators, career counselors, chief executives, marketing specialists, or journalists. The curriculum consists of 10 required courses that can typically be completed in 18 to 24 months. The program admits incoming students three times a year in the fall, spring, and summer terms.
Johns Hopkins University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Kent State University offers a Master of Liberal Studies. Graduates often pursue a wide variety of roles in education, health services, business, and technology. The program requires the completion of 30 credit hours and utilizes a fully online learning format. The degree requirements can potentially be finished in 3 semesters when classes are attended full-time.
Kent State University s accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Louisiana State University offers a Master of Arts in Liberal Arts. This program features expert faculty, a convenient online learning format, and coaches dedicated to student success. The program requires the completion of at least 36 credit hours. Common elective focuses include Sport Management, Interdisciplinary Studies, and Leadership.
Louisiana State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
McDaniel College offers a Master of Liberal Arts. This program may be an excellent fit for secondary teachers needing to continue their professional education or those who want to focus broadly on their continued post-graduate studies. The entire 30 credit curriculum can be completed conveniently online. New students are admitted three times a year.
McDaniel College is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
North Central College offers a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies. This program is built on intimate, discussion-based seminars that meet conveniently online. The curriculum is designed to help students develop critical reading, writing, speaking, and research skills needed in diverse fields. The completion of at least 30 credits is required to graduate.
North Central College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Rutgers University offers a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies. The interdisciplinary curriculum blends concepts from literature, history, philosophy, religion, social sciences, and the arts. The program requires the completion of 31 credit hours. The required coursework can be completed online, on-campus, or in a combination of both.
Rutgers is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
St. John’s College offers a Master of Arts in Liberal Arts. The curriculum is designed to cater to a broad range of interests. The program utilizes a low-residency model that consists primarily of online coursework complemented by periodic in-person requirements. It can potentially be completed in 1 year when attended full-time.
St. John’s College is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Stony Brook University offers a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies. Graduates often pursue careers as teachers, consultants, non-profit coordinators, educational administrators, writers, and entrepreneurs. Studies may be completed online, on-campus, or in-person at one of the institutions’ several partner organizations. Full-time and part-time attendance models are available.
Stony Brook University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
SUNY Empire State College offers a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies. The curriculum is designed to cater to the goals of writers, scholars, educators, artists, activists, and advocates. The program requires the completion of 30 credit hours and meets fully online. Concentrations are available in a wide array of disciplines.
SUNY Empire State College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Thomas Edison State University offers a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies. Core courses include Sense of Community I and II, Change, Conflict, and Resolution, and Technology and the Human Community. Up to 12 qualifying credits may be transferred in toward the program’s 36 required credit hours. All classes meet 100% online.
Thomas Edison State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Tulane University offers a Master of Liberal Arts. Many graduates pursue careers in advertising, human resources, journalism, or post-secondary education. The curriculum consists of 10 courses. Coursework can be completed fully in-person or in a blend of online and on-campus classes.
Tulane University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Chicago offers a Master of Liberal Arts. Students may pursue a concentration in Ethics and Leadership or Literary Studies. Potential classes include Models of the Universe, Digital Ethics, and the Neurobiology of Everyday Life. The program can potentially be completed in 1 year when attended full-time.
The University of Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Memphis offers a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies. This program is designed to help students tailor their graduate studies to their specific interests and goals. It requires the completion of at least 33 credit hours. The curriculum combines primarily online coursework with unique, hands-on learning experiences in the field.
The University of Memphis is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Michigan—Flint offers a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies. Students seeking intellectual, professional, and personal development may find an ideal fit in this program. The program requires the completion of 30 credit hours. Classes can be attended online or in-person with a part-time or full-time attendance schedule.
The University of Michigan – Flint is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of North Carolina—Wilmington offers a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies. Concentrations are available in English, History, Liberal Arts, Mathematics, and Philosophy. The program requires the completion of 36 credits of coursework and a thesis, an internship, or a non-thesis project. All classes meet 100% online.
The University of North Carolina Wilmington is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Pennsylvania offers a Master of Liberal Arts. Classes cover subjects such as environmental studies, folklore, gender and sexuality, urban studies, and global studies. The program utilizes an entirely online learning format and can potentially be completed in 3.5 years when attended part-time.
The University of Pennsylvania is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The University of Southern Indiana offers a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies with concentrations in Historical Inquiry, Professional Studies, and Individualized Study. The program requires the completion of 30 credit hours and is housed fully online. It offers 6 start dates each year.
The University of Southern Indiana is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of St. Thomas—Houston offers a Master of Liberal Arts. This program may be a good fit for professionals seeking career advancement or educators looking to deepen their subject matter expertise. Classes can be completed in-person or online. Concentrations and dual degrees are available in diverse disciplines and professions.
The University of St. Thomas – Houston is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Toledo offers a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies. This interdisciplinary program combines subject matter from the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and visual and performance arts. The curriculum consists of 33 credit hours of core and elective coursework. All classes are housed conveniently online.
The University of Toledo is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of West Florida offers a variety of liberal arts master’s degrees. Degrees offered include an MA in English, an MA in International Affairs, an MS in Mathematical Sciences, and an MA in Political Science. The programs can typically be completed in 12 to 24 months depending on course load and approval of transfer credits. Classes may be attended 100% online.
The University of West Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Getting Your Masters in Liberal Arts Online
If you are looking to advance your career opportunities, soft skills, and intellectual knowledge by studying numerous subjects, a masters in liberal studies has much to offer.
Earning a masters degree in liberal arts online can help prepare you to take on complex problems and challenges that arise in the workforce today. Critical thinking, communication, and writing skills are in demand in nearly every industry. Plus, many fields that graduates pursue—including education, business, and communications—are anticipated to have continued growth.
You can look into liberal arts masters programs from accredited universities to discover which ones best match your schedule and interests.
