If you’ve ever felt like traditional degree paths didn’t quite fit, you’re not alone.
Maybe you’ve started college before but didn’t finish. Maybe your interests span across multiple fields. Or maybe you’re just ready for something more flexible, more relevant—and more you.
A liberal studies major could be exactly the degree you didn’t know you were looking for. And with online programs more common—and more respected—than ever, getting your degree online means you can keep working, manage your life, and move forward on your own terms.
What Is a Liberal Studies Degree?
At its core, a liberal studies degree is designed for flexibility. Unlike traditional majors that focus on a single subject, liberal studies lets you combine two academic areas—often from the humanities and social sciences—to create a degree that matches your personal and professional goals.
It’s especially popular with:
- Transfer students who want to use previously earned credits
- Working adults returning to school
- Career changers exploring a new direction
- Lifelong learners who value academic freedom
You won’t just take classes—you’ll build a degree that reflects your interests, experiences, and ambitions.
Liberal Arts or Liberal Studies—What’s the Difference?
The terms get used interchangeably, but they’re not quite the same.
A liberal arts bachelor’s degree typically includes a broad curriculum across subjects like literature, science, philosophy, and history. It’s well-rounded, foundational, and time-tested.
A liberal studies major, on the other hand, offers more interdisciplinary freedom. Instead of following a rigid set of courses, you choose two areas of concentration—say, Political Science and Sociology, or Philosophy and Communications—and build your degree around them. It’s ideal if you want flexibility, customization, and relevance to your current or future career.
Still unsure about the value of a liberal arts or liberal studies degree? There are plenty of outdated myths—like the idea that these degrees are “too broad” or don’t lead to real careers. The truth is, liberal studies grads bring adaptable, cross-disciplinary thinking to the table—something today’s employers actively seek out. It’s not about limiting your options. It’s about expanding them.
What Can You Do with a Liberal Studies Major?
This is one of the most common questions—and one of the most exciting to answer.
Because a liberal studies degree is so versatile, it opens doors in many directions. Employers consistently seek candidates who can:
- Communicate clearly
- Think critically
- Analyze problems from multiple angles
- Adapt across industries and teams
That’s exactly what a liberal studies major prepares you for.
Some of the world’s most successful innovators—like Leonardo da Vinci and Steve Jobs—weren’t just experts in one thing. They brought ideas together from art, science, and technology. That’s the power of interdisciplinary thinking—and it’s at the heart of a liberal studies degree.
Here are just a few of the fields where liberal studies grads thrive:
- Business and project management
- Marketing and communications
- Government and nonprofit leadership
- Social services and human resources
- Education, training, and program coordination
- Law enforcement and legal support roles
- Journalism, public relations, and media
It’s also a great foundation if you’re considering graduate school in fields like law, education, or public policy.
Is an Online Liberal Studies Degree Worth It?
If you’re looking for flexibility, convenience, and real-world results—the answer is yes.
A quality online liberal studies degree offers:
- 100% online coursework you can fit around your life
- Transfer-friendly admissions that honor the work you’ve already done
- A respected credential that opens doors
- A supportive learning environment designed for busy adults
In short: you don’t have to choose between education and everything else in your life. You can do both—and do them well.
Why Choose Rowan University?
Rowan University offers a fully online Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Liberal Studies, currently open to transfer students only—specifically those with 24 or more previously earned college credits.
It’s also available as a 3+1 program through Rowan College of Burlington County (RCBC), one of our Rowan College partner institutions.
What sets Rowan’s liberal studies program apart?
- Interdisciplinary curriculum that lets students combine two areas of study from the humanities and social sciences—creating a tailored, career-relevant degree
- 100% online delivery for maximum flexibility
- Expert faculty and dedicated support services for online learners
- A degree backed by a Top 100 public research university
- Committed to quality, flexibility, affordability, and career advancement
Rowan’s liberal studies major is thoughtfully structured for students who want to finish strong—with a degree that reflects who they are and where they’re going. You’ll also benefit from Rowan’s stellar online learning environment and comprehensive support for online students, so you’re never navigating this journey alone.
The Takeaway About a Liberal Studies Major
A liberal studies major isn’t a fallback—it’s a forward move. It’s for students who want options, value versatility, and are ready to shape their own future.
If you’re wondering what a degree can really do for you, maybe it’s time to stop wondering—and start exploring.
Ready to take the next step with a liberal studies degree?
Discover how Rowan’s online BA in Liberal Studies can help you finish your degree, expand your opportunities, and reach your goals—on your terms.
Want to Learn More First?
Check out this related blog to explore broader insights into liberal arts degrees:
👉 What Is a Liberal Arts Degree and Why Earn Yours Online? – Explore what a liberal arts degree is, key benefits, what you’ll study, and how an online liberal arts degree offers flexibility for various career paths.