A Liberal Studies Degree Online is an adaptable, cross-disciplinary course of study that combines courses in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Instead of pigeonholing you into one narrow discipline, this degree allows you to look at a variety of areas such as psychology and communication, or political science and ethics.

And the icing on the cake is that it is online. You may also work on your own schedule, viewing lectures and materials when it’s convenient for you, and juggling your education with work or family. And now top universities like Arizona State, Georgetown and Oregon State are offering fully accredited programs that offer both quality and convenience.”

Levels of concern: This degree is not merely about learning — it is about getting a career off the ground. Many go on to jobs in education, public relations, social services, marketing or business operations. Titles can range from project coordinator and communications manager to nonprofit director.

What employers are looking for now is simple: flexible thinkers — versus inflexible ones. These are the very skills that liberal education is supposed to impart—and that are so valued in any number of contexts and industries.

The quality of programs is not the same among them. Arizona State provides accelerated classes and robust student support. Georgetown has a focus on critical thinking with a Jesuit-influenced core. Pace University and Oregon State have an adult learner and interdisciplinary integration focus, respectively. Rowan University emphasizes budget friendly and friendly transfer policies.

All of these schools offer flexible course options, allowing you to customize your learning experience to fit your individual needs as a student.

The specific Liberal Studies Degree Online for you will also be influenced by your goals, finances, and time availability. Search for regionally accredited schools that have knowledgeable faculty, a generous credit transfer policy, and excellent support.

Some programs are made for first-time college students, others for working adults or those who are completing a degree. Remember to assess course structure, available student resources, and graduation results before you make your decision.

In most cases, no more than a high school diploma or GED is needed to enter the programs. If you’re transferring credits, you could possibly bring up to 90. Applications normally require transcripts and a brief personal statement. A lot of schools have rolling admissions and have no application fees, so it’s more accessible and less costly.

“My undergraduate degree is in fort-building, I’ve always been like that,” says Laurie Newell, who is working toward a B.A. in liberal studies through UNCG Online, which costs between $300 and $600 per credit hour. There are still ways to get help paying for college. Fill out the FAFSA to see if you can qualify for federal aid, and find out if your school offers institution-specific scholarships of employer tuition reimbursement.

Some schools also have payment plans or military discounts to make education more affordable.

With its focus on flexibility, intellectual rigor and breadth across fields of study, the Liberal Studies Online Degree prepares you for whatever the future brings. Whether you’re working toward a promotion, looking to break into a new industry or wanting to pursue one of the many advanced degree options, our degree program positions you for success.

You have the freedom to study on your own terms —without the cost, quality and canon of your education being determined by others.