From the Dominican Republic to a New Beginning
When Flerida V. came to the United States from the Dominican Republic five years ago, she faced a challenge familiar to many adult learners—starting over in a new country, language, and education system. She began by taking English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, then earned an associate degree in fine arts from Atlantic Cape Community College (ACCC).
After graduating from ACCC in 2024, she wanted to keep going. “I wanted to do the bachelor’s, and Rowan gave me the opportunity to get my degree in something that I really liked,” she shared.
That “something” turned out to be a perfect fit: a combination of public relations and philosophy through Rowan’s online Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Liberal Studies, a program designed for transfer students looking to complete their degree 100% online.
What Inspired Flerida to Pursue Her Online Bachelor’s Degree
For Flerida, her decision to earn an online B.A. in Liberal Studies was shaped by both creativity and family.
“I’m very creative—I draw and paint in my free time,” she said. “Public relations mixes creativity and communication—it’s the perfect combination for me.”
She explained that the program’s flexibility and focus on communication allowed her to combine those strengths. Public relations, one of her chosen focus areas, gives her a way to connect with others and express ideas creatively.
Flerida also draws inspiration from her family—especially her mother, who immigrated to the U.S. with her. “My mom came here with nothing,” she shared. “She did everything for us five years ago.” Watching her mother’s determination motivated Flerida to keep pushing forward and take herself to the best version.
Her journey reflects what Rowan’s online liberal studies degree is all about: using diverse interests, personal resilience, and life experience to shape a meaningful future.
Why an Online Liberal Studies Degree Was the Right Fit for Flerida
As a full-time brand coordinator for a moving company in South Jersey, Flerida needed a program designed with flexibility in mind. Rowan’s 100% online liberal studies program gave her the chance to balance work, life, and education—all while continuing to support her family.
“When I compared liberal studies programs, Rowan stood out,” she explained. “Other schools didn’t offer the same flexible options. Rowan has online classes. It made it easier for a working professional like me to complete my degree.”
“I never have to come to campus. That’s the best thing,” she said.
The ability to study anywhere—and at any time—has allowed Flerida to pursue her goals without sacrificing stability.
A Simple Transfer Process to Rowan’s Online Liberal Studies Program
Rowan’s transfer-friendly liberal studies program also made it easy for Flerida to pick up where she left off. “Transferring my credits was really simple,” she said. “I sent my transcript, and within a week I was told all my credits had been accepted. It was that easy.”
Students transferring from community colleges, four-year universities, or even military training can use tools like the Transfer Equivalency Digital Portal (TREQ) or Transferology to see how their credits will count toward their degree.
This transfer-friendly design helps students save time, money, and effort while finishing their bachelor’s degree online.
Online Liberal Studies Professors Who Care and Go the Extra Mile
Throughout her journey, the support from her professors has meant everything to Flerida. “They’re very reachable,” she said. “If they need to take time to explain a topic, they will take the time.”
She also remembers a moment when she nearly had to drop a summer class because she couldn’t afford the textbook.
“I was allowed to drop out of the class because I didn’t have the money for the book,” she said. “But my professor assured me, ‘Don’t worry about it. You will get a book.’”
That professor ended up offering Flerida their own copy—an act of kindness she says she’ll never forget. “I was so grateful because I wanted to do the class,” she said.
That experience reflects what many students find in Rowan’s online community—a caring faculty and a culture of support that leaves a lasting impression long after courses end.
What It’s Like to Learn in Rowan’s Online B.A. in Liberal Studies
Even though she studies remotely, Flerida says the online learning experience feels interactive and personal.
“When you engage with your classmates, you get to see different ways of thinking,” she said. “You might not always agree, but you learn to collaborate and find common ground. Everyone is really supportive.”
She also praised Rowan’s digital learning platform for being organized and intuitive. “It’s very easy to navigate. It’s impossible to get lost,” she said.
Online Coursework That Connects Passions and Career Goals
Rowan’s Liberal Studies: Humanities/Social Science major allows students to combine two areas of study within the humanities and social sciences, creating a customized, multidisciplinary education.
For Flerida, pairing public relations and philosophy brings together creativity and communication—skills that strengthen her work as a brand coordinator and open new doors for her future.
The coursework in Rowan’s online Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies builds real-world skills in communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving—qualities employers value.
“I’ve always been passionate about creativity and working with people,” she said. “This program helps me use both every day.”
The Feeling of Accomplishment
A Journey of Perseverance and Purpose
Now nearing the completion of her bachelor’s degree, Flerida reflects proudly on how far she’s come—from learning a new language to earning her associate degree and building a career in English. “You’re talking to someone who didn’t stop,” she said. “Even in the summer, I didn’t take breaks, so I was able to complete everything in less time than I thought. For somebody like me, it’s a huge, huge achievement.”
Flerida’s story is one of perseverance and opportunity—showing that with flexibility, support, and determination, you can build your future one course at a time.
“My plan is to go ahead and follow every single one of my dreams.”
Why Choose Rowan University’s Online Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies
If you’re a transfer student with at least 24 college credits, Rowan’s online Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies offers a clear path to completing your degree and advancing your career—all with the flexibility and support that students like Flerida value most.
At Rowan, you’ll benefit from:
- 100% online coursework built for working adults
- Transfer-friendly pathways with tools like TREQ and Transferology
- Professors who care about your personal and academic success
- Customizable courses across multiple disciplines
- A nationally recognized university—one of the fastest-growing public research institutions in the U.S., according to The Chronicle of Higher Education
When asked to describe her Rowan experience in three words, Flerida didn’t hesitate: “Inspiring. Flexible. Fun.”
“Inspiring,” she said, because her professors motivate her to keep growing. “Flexible,” because she can earn her degree while working full time. And “fun,” because she feels connected to a university that values not just academics, but student well-being, support, and community.
For Flerida—and for many students like her—those three words capture what makes Rowan, and its online liberal studies program, so special.
Ready to Finish Your Degree Online?
If you’ve earned at least 24 college credits and want to complete your bachelor’s degree in a flexible, fully online format, Rowan University’s Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies program offers the perfect balance of academic quality, career relevance, and personal support.
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