Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts

See the big picture with your Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts from Ashford University. Embark on a broad-based course of study that allows you to explore a variety of academic areas.

Degree Focus
The Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts emphasizes literature, philosophy, social science, and analytical and critical thinking skills, all of which prepare you for lifelong learning and social, cultural, and technological change. This degree program is designed to provide you with a broad-based liberal arts experience, enriching your understanding of the physical and social world. The diversity of courses will enable you to examine major national and global issues, especially those issues related to cultures and their diversity. Foster an independent view of the world while developing critical, creative thinking, and communication skills.

Career Opportunities
The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that the average American will change jobs 10 times before the age of 40, and will pursue at least three different career paths, which requires a broad, generalized education. When you complete your Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts, you will have what you need to begin a rewarding career in which a breadth of knowledge is a must. Liberal arts programs prepare graduates for a wide variety of jobs in business, communications, the arts, education, health care, and legal professions, and in social and public service occupations. A degree in Liberal Arts could be your key to any of these occupations:

• Banking
• Hotel management
• Writer, reporter, or editor
• Occupational therapist
• Recreation worker
• Public relations specialist
• Top executive
• Marketing and survey researcher

Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts

Program Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts degree program will be able to:

• Demonstrate appropriate comparative and analytical communication skills across disciplines;
• Develop skills to conduct effective independent research;
• Develop and apply culturally diverse communication skills between and among different groups and individuals in a global environment;
• Apply critical thinking skills in analyzing, environmental, social, and political issues;
• Develop the ability to integrate viewpoints from different disciplines; and
• Analyze the values that influence interactions among people, groups, and nations.

Program Requirements

• Total number of credits required: 120 credits
• General Education Requirements: 52 credits*
• Major Course Requirements: 33 credits*
• Electives: 50 credits
  

You must complete 30 upper-division credits, of which 18 credits must be from the major program. A total of 30 credits must be completed at Ashford University to meet the residency requirement.

* In this program, 15 credits from the major may also satisfy General Education requirements.

Admission Requirements

• Have a regular high-school diploma earned through college preparatory or regular high school courses or GED equivalency recognized by the Department of Education of the state in which it was earned, completed secondary school through home schooling as defined by state law, or earned an equivalent to a US high school diploma at an international high school. An earned IEP or Special Education Diploma or Certificate of Completion based upon IEP goals does not meet the regular high school diploma requirement for admission to Ashford University. If no high school degree was earned, applicants may be admitted with a minimum of 60 transferable credits from an appropriately accredited postsecondary institution as defined by Ashford University transfer credit policies.
• Be 22 years of age or older, or a graduate of Ashford University's Associate of Arts in Business degree program, or receive documented approval from the Registrar's Office via the "Under 22 Appeal" process.
• English Language Requirement.
• Successful completion of Student Success Orientation for students who indicate that they have fewer than twenty-four (24) traditional college-level transferable credits at the time of application.

 Technology Requirements


Competencies

Students must possess the following online competencies:

• Ability to access course and program material on the Internet;
• Ability to correspond with University staff, students, and faculty using email and the Internet; and
• Ability to use appropriate antivirus utilities so that files transmitted and received are virus free.

System requirements
The following minimum system configuration and software are required:

• Platforms: Mac OS X 10.2 or higher or Windows XP or higher;
• Hardware: 256 Mb RAM, CD-ROM, and 1 Gb free disk space;
• Productivity Software: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel 2003 or higher; Adobe Reader 8.0 or higher; Adobe Flash 10 or higher (Constellation users);
• Web Browser: Firefox 3.0 or higher, Internet Explorer 8.0 or higher, Safari 4.0 or higher, or Chrome;
• Networking: 56k dialup modem, DSL, or Cable modem;
• Email: Outlook, Outlook Express, Mac Mail, Eudora, Entourage, or Yahoo/Hotmail/Gmail.

Recommended for optimal performance

• Productivity Software: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel 2007 or higher;
• Networking: Broadband Internet connection (DSL, cable, or other);
• Constellation users: Windows Media Player 7 or higher, sound card and speakers.

Transferability
Put your college credits to work at Ashford! You can transfer up to 90 semester credits (135 quarter credits) to help fulfill your degree requirements.* That means all your past hard work will not be wasted.

If you enter the program with fewer than twenty-four (24) transferable traditional semester credits, you will be required to successfully complete an online orientation prior to enrolling in credit-bearing coursework. Following successful completion of orientation, you will be required to successfully complete EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education as your first course. EXP 105 is required if you have little or no previous college experience and is not recommended if you have high transfer credit. EXP 105 applies toward elective credit requirements so enrollment in EXP 105 may result in the reduction of three (3) potential transfer credits in the Elective category. If you take EXP 105, you are required to take PSY 202 as your second course.

If you enter the program with twenty-four (24) or more transferable traditional semester credits, you will be required to successfully complete PSY 202 Adult Development and Life Assessment as your first course. PSY 202 is designed to help you acclimate to the online college environment, though you already have some college experience. If you have been out of school for a long time or feel that you need additional support to enter the online environment, you may appeal to enroll in EXP 105 as your first course, followed by PSY 202 as your second course. Unsuccessful completion of either EXP 105 or PSY 202 will result in the rescheduling of the course and revision of the future course sequence. See the Courses tab for descriptions of each course.

* The transferability of credits is subject to Ashford University’s transfer credit policies, and requires the submission of official transcripts. The official transcripts will be evaluated to determine the credits that will officially apply toward an Ashford University degree program.

Online Format
You will take your courses one at a time for 5 weeks each, accelerating your path to graduation. Your course content is delivered in a high-tech format, and you can complete your weekly assignments when and where it's convenient for you thanks to the asynchronous online environment.

Cost*
Your tuition rates are among the lowest available online at $402 per credit. You will also be responsible for fees to enroll. View complete cost of attendance. Call today to learn more at 866.711.1700.

* Tuition costs subject to change without notice.

Payment Options

• Cash Plan – 100% of tuition and fees paid on or before each course start date.
• Tuition Reimbursement – If your employer offers a tuition reimbursement plan, we'll work with you to apply this great benefit toward your education.
• Financial Aid – You may be eligible for financial aid. Talk to an Admissions Counselor to find out if you meet the requirements to qualify.
• Direct (Employer) Billing – If you work for a company approved for direct billing, you may qualify for this payment option.
• Military Tuition Assistance – Includes active-duty service and Veterans Affairs Benefits, such as GI Bill and Vocational Rehab, if you qualify. Learn more about military benefits.

If this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.

Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts

Embark on a broad-based course of study that allows you to explore a variety of academic areas and to develop an understanding of the physical and social world. This degree's curriculum also includes a capstone course to allow you to demonstrate the full results of your efforts in a comprehensive portfolio.

Introductory Courses

Depending on the number of credits transferred in, you may be required to take one or both of Ashford University's introductory courses: EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education and PSY 202 Adult Development and Life Assessment. If you enter the program with fewer than twenty-four (24) transferable traditional semester credits, you will be required to successfully complete EXP 105 as your first course, followed by PSY 202 as your second course. If you enter the program with twenty-four (24) or more transferable traditional semester credits, you will be required to successfully complete PSY 202 as your first course.

EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education
This course is designed to help adult learners beginning their university studies to achieve academic success. Students will explore learning theories, communication strategies, and personal management skills. Adult learners will develop strategies for achieving success in school and work. Students will also be introduced to the University's institutional outcomes and learning resources.

PSY 202 Adult Development & Life Assessment
This course presents adult development theory and links theoretical concepts of life and learning through a process of psychometric assessment and reflection. Both classical and contemporary adult development theories are examined. These theories then provide the paradigm for self-analysis and life learning, including a plan for personal, professional and academic learning.

Major Course Requirements

(33 credits, all courses are 3 credits. Courses are listed in the recommended sequence.)

SOC 315 Cross-Cultural Perspectives
Culture and politics in Europe, Latin America, the Arab world, India, East Asia, and other areas are examined. Emphasis is on viewing the world from the diverse perspectives of other cultures and political systems. Topics and regions vary.

LIB 316 Historical Contexts & Literature
In Historical Contexts in Literature, students will explore the ways in which literary works represent particular people, places, situations, and ideas through fiction. Further, by using a range of literary, political, and historical texts, the course will examine both the ways in which political and historical contexts shape literary production, and the ways in which fictional texts affect political, social, and moral discourse.

PHI 445 Personal & Organizational Ethics
This course studies the theories and paradigms underlying personal and organizational values and ethical principles, how personal values and ethical principles relate to the organizations in which people function, and the effects of the organization's ethics on its reputation, functioning, and performance.

COM 321 Communication Theory
This course examines theoretical perspectives and research findings concerning human communication. Students will examine classic approaches and new theories and research in interpersonal, group, organizational, and public communication. They will analyze and critique these theories and research findings and assess the impact of technology on communication patterns. Relationship stages, theories, and contemporary views of "family" are examined, as well as the impact of family, culture, and gender on communication patterns. Types of groups and organizations are identified, as well as concepts of power and interaction in group, organizational, and public settings. In this class, students will also have an opportunity to examine the practical implications of these concepts in building their own communication skills.

COM 360 Advanced Communications in Society
This course integrates the use of advanced communication techniques into a variety of contexts shaped by socially and culturally-constructed distinctions between and among individuals and groups. Topics include intercultural, multicultural, international, and inter-gender communications.

ENG 325 Intermediate Composition
Intermediate Composition is designed for students who have some experience with college-level writing but want to develop their ability to write. The goal of this course is to help students learn techniques for writing effective narrative, reflective, analytical, and research essays. These techniques include the effective use of specific details to engage and persuade readers, methods of organization that enable readers to follow a line of thinking, and strategies for editing sentences for clarity and conciseness.

HIS 306 Twentieth-Century Europe
The history of Europe since 1900. Emphasis is placed on the changing nature of European society, the confrontation between totalitarianism and democracy, the origins and consequences of the two world wars, and Europe's evolving role in world affairs.

LIB 315 The Environment & the Human Spirit
An interdisciplinary examination of humanity's spiritual relationship with the natural world. The course will explore contemporary environmental issues in the context of theology, philosophy, literature, film, music, visual art, and other representations of the human imagination. Prerequisite: ENG 122.

LIB 332 Science & Culture
This course explores Western science as a cultural artifact and its impact on other aspects of culture: art, literature, film, music, philosophy, and theology. In addition, the affects of these "other aspects of culture" on the development of science will also be investigated with emphasis on the need to make connections. The course will examine the ways in which scientific developments are articulated in other cultural artifacts.

LIB 356 Research Methods for the Humanities
Students in this course will develop a working knowledge of the major methodologies and perspectives of disciplines in the humanities. Topics include the role of theory, identification of appropriate sources, the influence of values, and the role of the humanities in interdisciplinary inquiry.

LIB 495 Capstone - Advanced Research Project
This course will culminate with a comprehensive and summative final project that demonstrates the student's ability to conduct research into an approved topic and to develop an original research paper using an interdisciplinary approach.

If this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.

Chat With a Counselor

With your full schedule, you may not have a lot of time to spare. Whether you are a busy parent, a working adult, or just short on time, you can still get the information you need to explore your options for higher education. Now you can take advantage of Ashford University's LiveChat function to speak with an Admissions Counselor in real time from the comfort of your desktop. In just a few minutes, you can: discover Ashford's affordable tuition rates; find out how to earn your Associate's, Bachelor's or Master's degree in less time than you think; see how conveniently online courses can fit with your schedule; choose the degree program that's right for you; and have all your questions answered quickly Make an informed decision regarding your education. Click the link above to speak live with an Admissions Counselor right away, or have an Admissions Counselor call you at the time that works best for you. * Admissions Counselors are available Monday-Friday 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, PST and Saturday, 7:00 am to 4:00 pm, PST.