College of Arts and Sciences - Bachelor of Arts

Bachelor's in Liberal Studies

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Program Overview

Focusing on Your Interests

Explore a broad range of academic disciplines and create a personalized educational experience through Maryville University’s Liberal Studies program. Students study areas including philosophy, history, literature, religion, the sciences and social sciences while developing an individualized plan of study aligned with their interests.

What sets the program apart

    • Create an individualized program of study with guidance from an academic advisor.
    • Explore concentrations in areas such as art history, music, political science or physical sciences.
    • Develop thematic concentrations in areas such as international studies or women’s studies.
    • Build a portfolio documenting coursework and activities completed as part of the Liberal Studies plan.
    • Participate in undergraduate research opportunities with faculty and fellow students.

Liberal Studies Program

 
(modern music) Liberal studies is a major that students can design for themselves and there are four different ways that you can design it. We do it for students who can't land on a particular major because oftentimes they can land on two concentrations that really interest them. One of them oftentimes is professional and the other one is not. It's a, kind of a traditional discipline, and then we combine them, in order to sort of, make a program that they're comfortable with and that will also make them marketable at the same time and in fact, many companies actually are hiring more of these kinds of majors because of what they call soft skills, critical thinking about communicating, about doing qualitative research. They're actually doing very well in the job market. If you're interested in talking to someone about liberal studies and about majoring in liberal studies, please, you can contact me, I'd love to talk to you. (positive music)
Why Maryville

Why choose Maryville Liberal Studies

Class Size14

Average Class Size

SupportLife Coaching Team

A dedicated team of life coaches helps you personalize your education

Career Outcomes98%

Career outcomes rate for Maryville graduates

Financial Aid$59M+

Awarded in scholarships and aid last year

Get Started

Ready to apply or want to visit campus?

We've made it easy: free transcript evaluation, quick admission decisions, and no application fee.

  • Upcoming term starts:
  • Fall 2026 Start Date: August 24
  • Spring 2027 Start Date: January 11
Apply nowSchedule a campus visit
Career Outlook

What can I do with this degree?

A Liberal Studies degree provides a broad educational foundation that can support careers across multiple industries. Graduates develop skills in research, communication, critical thinking and analysis that can be applied in professional settings including government, public service, management and communication.

Because Liberal Studies students can customize their coursework around their interests, graduates may pursue a variety of career directions based on their chosen areas of study and professional goals.

Career Paths

Plan, coordinate and lead organizational activities while applying leadership, communication and problem-solving skills across a variety of industries.
Develop communication strategies, manage public messaging and help organizations build strong relationships with their audiences.
Coordinate programs and services that strengthen communities and address social needs through nonprofit and public organizations.
Support public programs, policy initiatives and administrative functions at the local, state or federal level.
Create written content for publications, organizations, businesses and digital platforms using strong research and communication skills.
Design educational programs that help employees and organizations build new skills, improve performance and support professional growth.
11%Projected Job Growth (2024–2034)

Training and development specialists plan and administer programs that improve employees’ skills and knowledge.*

$65,850Median Salary

Median annual wage for training and development specialists.*

43,900Annual Job Openings

Estimated average annual openings for training and development specialists, including replacement needs.*

*Source: Career statistics are based on current U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook data. Employment outcomes vary based on experience, industry, location and other factors.

Admission Requirements, Curriculum & Courses

Undergraduate Admissions Requirements Discover requirements for a freshman, transfer, or international student.Course Descriptions Explore our catalog for details about the course requirements and electives.Degree Planning Sheet A sample plan of study

Earn Your Liberal Studies Degree Online

Maryville also offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, giving you the flexibility to build a personalized degree while strengthening your writing, research and critical thinking skills from anywhere.

View the online degree information

Want to learn more about our course offerings?

Detailed course descriptions and prerequisites are listed in our catalog.

Read full course descriptionsExplore the full catalog
Tuition, Cost & Savings

How you can afford an education.

An investment in your future shouldn't be out of reach. Maryville offers multiple paths to reduce your out-of-pocket cost — and our team will help you find every one you qualify for.

Ways to Save

Scholarship OpportunitiesMerit and need-based awards for qualifying students.
Transfer CreditApply previously earned credits toward your degree.
Benefits for MilitaryTuition assistance and GI Bill benefits for those who served.

Estimated tuition cost breakdown

Full-Time Tuition$25,766
Fees*$2,600
Estimated total cost**$28,366

*Fees can include digital course materials and textbooks/lab materials.

**Estimated cost does not include room and board or meal plans.

Explore additional tuition and costs

Need help financing your education? Get in touch!

Our financial aid advisors are here to walk you through scholarships, grants, and aid options for the Liberal Studies program.

Financial Aid InformationContact the Financial Aid Office
Accreditation

Maryville is accredited.

Maryville University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Honors & Rankings

  • Kiplinger Best College Values 2019Ranked among the best values in private colleges by Kiplinger's Personal Finance.
  • Forbes America's Top Colleges 2018Ranked among “America's Top Colleges” by Forbes.
  • Ranked No. 1 in social mobility among private universities in St. Louis.
  • Best for Vets Colleges 2022 Military Times. We made the list!Named Best for Vets among colleges by Military Times.
Review Maryville's full list of honors and rankings
Take the Next Step

Ready to take the next step?

Apply today, request more information, or schedule a visit to see if Maryville is the right fit for you.

Apply nowRequest more informationSchedule a campus visit

Frequently Asked Questions

Graduates may pursue careers in areas such as management, government, public service, communication and other fields aligned with their individualized studies.
Students explore disciplines including philosophy, history, literature, religion, sciences and social sciences.
Yes. Students create individualized programs of study with the help of an advisor.
Students may develop concentrations in areas such as art history, music, political science, physical sciences, international studies or women’s studies.
Maryville provides opportunities for undergraduate research, including faculty-supported projects and independent research.
Maryville University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).