Liberal Arts at WGU
Are You Looking to Enroll in a Liberal Arts Program?
Although WGU doesn't offer a liberal arts degree, students have access to other degree programs that can help pave the way for a successful career.
A liberal arts degree focuses on interdisciplinary studies that include a wide range of subjects such as communication, sciences, humanities, languages, drama, and music. Earning a bachelor's or master's degree in this field prepares students to pursue their desired career paths with critical thinking skills and knowledge across several disciplines.
What Is a Liberal Arts Degree?
A liberal arts degree means earning your Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, or Bachelor of Fine Arts in one of four primary disciplines: the humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, or fine arts. The type of degree you ultimately graduate with will depend on your major. The liberal arts aren’t limited to a specific career path, but instead, open opportunities for students to explore their interests through courses and develop critical thinking, written and verbal communication, in-depth research, and problem-solving skills. Liberal arts graduates are equipped with a broadened perspective on the world and the ability to adapt to change. Some potential career paths for those with a liberal arts degree include journalism, law, education, or even entrepreneurship. The beauty of a liberal arts education is that it prepares students for multiple career paths and a lifetime of learning.
A liberal arts education has at times been scrutinized for its perceived lack of practicality in a world focused on technical skills and specialization. However, studies have shown that employers increasingly desire employees with a broad-based education that includes critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills—all hallmarks of a liberal arts degree. A well-rounded education that teaches students to analyze problems and think deeply about complex issues can ultimately translate to increased adaptability, which is highly prized in today's workplace.
Bachelor of Science in Business Management
If you’re looking to advance your career in the world of business, earning an online Bachelor of Science—Business Management degree could be the perfect path for you. At WGU, we offer a flexible and convenient business management bachelor's program that’s designed to prepare you for a variety of leadership positions in the field, including:
- Operations Manager
- Human Resources Manager
- Marketing Manager
- Financial Analyst
- Business Analyst
- Project Manager
- Sales Manager
- Supply Chain Manager
- Entrepreneur or Small Business Owner
Whether you’re looking to climb the corporate ladder or start your own business, this management program will equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed. Learn more about what business management is, what careers graduates can work towards, and how this degree can benefit you in your current position.
Bachelor of Science in Marketing
This online marketing degree is designed to be high impact, giving you the skills you need to position yourself as a top marketer. You'll be prepared to stand out with your understanding in traditional marketing concepts, along with knowledge in digital and emerging methods, data literacy, and customer-focused strategies. WGU’s Bachelor of Science in Marketing online degree is an affordable program focused on preparing you for a variety of careers in sales, promotion, and management.
This online marketing degree focuses specifically on the critical skills you need to thrive, including digital marketing, consumer behavior, marketing analytics, sales management, branding, content creation, communication, and more. You'll study and analyze consumer behavior as you learn how to develop strategies for various products and services, preparing you to work on teams in a variety of industries. Getting this marketing degree online will enhance your skills and credentials, ensuring you are prepared for an exciting career path in marketing management, marketing strategy, brand management, event planning, sales, content marketing, digital marketing, and many more areas.
Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies
Do you enjoy finding creative ways to share information with others? Does the career you’re interested in require skills pertaining to education, but not necessarily a teaching license? If this describes you, a bachelor's in educational studies is exactly what you've been looking for.
Put your passion to work with an education studies degree where you can make a meaningful contribution in people's lives as an educator. This online, non-licensure bachelor's education degree program gives you the skills you need to educate and care for diverse learners in a variety of fields.
Based on your career goals and interests, you can choose an educational studies program in a content area that meets your needs while working toward employment in school settings, corporate training, and instructional design—just to name a few! However, these programs do not lead to a teaching license. If you are interested in a degree program that leads to a teaching license, please visit one of our initial licensure programs, or learn the differences between BAES and an initial licensure program.
Types of Liberal Arts
To help structure the vast array of subjects covered by liberal arts, courses are typically divided into three main categories: the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. By separating these courses into categories, liberal arts institutions can provide students with diverse subjects that allow them to explore different intellectual avenues and develop a deeper understanding of the world.
Humanities
In a liberal arts program, the humanities category is a broad field encompassing various subjects related to human culture and history. These subjects include philosophy, literature, language, music, religion, and art. The main goal of the humanities is to help students develop critical thinking skills, understand complex issues, and appreciate the diverse cultural heritage of humanity. The study of humanities is not just limited to classroom lectures and discussions but also involves fieldwork, research, and creative projects. As such, it provides students with a versatile education that prepares them for various career paths and life experiences. Overall, the humanities category of a liberal arts program is an essential component of a comprehensive education that helps students become informed and engaged citizens of the world.
The following disciplines can be found within the humanities:
- Art
- Creative writing
- Communications
- Comparative literature
- Dance
- English literature
- Film studies
- Foreign languages
Natural Sciences and Mathematics
The natural sciences and mathematics category of a liberal arts program covers a wide range of subjects that explore the workings of the natural world. These classes focus on scientific methods and critical thinking to give students a deeper understanding of the physical world around them. Courses in this category teach students the principles of abstraction, logic, and reasoning and how to apply these principles to a variety of fields. These lessons provide a foundational understanding of the natural world and essential skills that are fundamental to many other disciplines. By studying the natural sciences and mathematics, students can develop an analytical mind, a curiosity about the world, and the ability to think scientifically.
The following disciplines can be found within the natural sciences and mathematics:
- Archeology
- Chemistry
- Astronomy
- Geography
- Biology
- Physics
- Botany
- Zoology
Social Sciences
The social sciences category in a liberal arts program encompasses various disciplines and fields of study that focus on human behavior, society, and culture. These areas of study include anthropology, economics, political science, psychology, sociology, and many others. Each of these fields aims to understand and explain human interaction and societal change over time. Through the social sciences, students will explore topics such as the nature of power and authority, the complexities of human decision-making, and the various social and political forces that shape our lives. By studying the social sciences, students will gain an in-depth understanding of the world around them, leading to valuable insights into the complexities of contemporary society.
The following disciplines can be found in the social sciences:
- Anthropology
- Criminal justice
- Economics
- Gender studies
- International relations
- Law
- Political science
- Public policy
- Psychology
- Sociology
Liberal Arts Skills
A liberal arts degree equips graduates with a range of skills that are applicable across many different career paths, most notably:
- Communication: The ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and persuasively is essential in professional and personal settings. Liberal arts students learn to write well, make complex arguments, and think critically about the information they are presented with. They also learn how to listen effectively and to respond thoughtfully to others.
- Analytical and critical thinking: By studying a variety of subjects, students learn to analyze problems from different perspectives. They also learn how to research information effectively and evaluate sources critically. These skills are essential in any field, enabling graduates to think analytically about the world around them and make sound decisions.
- Teamwork: Liberal arts graduates learn how to collaborate with others, compromise, and resolve conflicts. These skills are valuable in any workplace, helping employees to function effectively as a team.
- Leadership: The liberal arts teach individuals how to motivate others, set goals, and create and implement plans. These skills are beneficial in any organization, empowering leaders to guide their teams toward success.
- Problem-solving: Students learn how to identify problems, analyze data, and develop solutions. These skills are worthwhile in any field, as they enable graduates to find creative solutions to challenges they may face in their careers.
Why Choose WGU?
There are several reasons why you should choose to attend WGU on your path to a successful career in sports management:
- Affordability: WGU offers affordable tuition and flexible payment options, making it a more accessible option for many students compared to traditional universities.
- Relevant curriculum: WGU's curriculum is designed with input from industry experts and is updated regularly to ensure that students receive a relevant, practical education that prepares them for today's job market.
- Supportive community: WGU offers a supportive community of students, faculty, and alumni who are all working together to achieve their academic and career goals.
- Competency-based education model: WGU uses a unique competency-based education model that allows students to move through their courses as quickly as they can demonstrate mastery of the material. This means that students can complete their degree more quickly and at a lower cost than at traditional universities.
Prepared for Success on the Job
*From a 2023 Harris Poll of 300 employers of WGU graduates.
100% of employers said that WGU graduates were prepared for their jobs.*
97% of employers said that they would hire another WGU grad.*
98% of employers said WGU graduates met or exceeded expectations.*
Which Degree Should You Choose?
Business management, marketing, and educational studies are great options for individuals seeking an alternative to a liberal arts degree. These courses offer career-focused training that allows graduates to enter the workforce confident in their credentials. With WGU's competency-based approach to education, students can move through their coursework at their own pace, ensuring they fully understand the material before moving on to the next topic. Additionally, WGU boasts a strong alumni network who are making waves in their respective industries, providing valuable connections and resources for current students. While a liberal arts degree may not be available, WGU's commitment to providing quality education and career-focused programs sets students up for success in various fields.
Business
Business Management – B.S. Business Administration
Hone your business acumen and garner added respect:...
Hone your business acumen and garner added respect:
- Time: 61% of graduates finish within 19 months
- Tuition: $3,755 per 6-month term
- Courses: 40 total courses in this program
Skills for your résumé this program will teach you include:
- Business communication
- Product development
- Decision making models
- Project management strategies
- Budgeting for business
This online degree program is an excellent choice for kick-starting your organizational management career.
Business
Marketing – B.S.
For those who want to lead brands and steer consumer markets:...
For those who want to lead brands and steer consumer markets:
- Time: 60% of graduates finish within 19 months.
- Tuition: $3,755 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 37 total courses in this program.
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program include:
- Communication
- Marketing
- Sales
- Management
- Project Management
- Product Management
Marketing is a creative and exciting field—and one where an undergraduate degree will open better opportunities.
Education
Educational Studies – B.A.
These online, non-licensure educational studies degrees prepare you to...
These online, non-licensure educational studies degrees prepare you to make a difference in a field that interests you.
Based on your career goals and interests, you can choose an educational studies program in one of 10 content areas that meets your needs while working toward employment in school settings, corporate training, or instructional design. These programs do not lead to a teaching license.
- Time: Completion time varies depending on the specialty track you choose.
- Tuition: $3,825 per 6-month term.
- This bachelor's degree allows students to learn about education but does not include student teaching and it does not lead to a teaching license.
Focus areas of this educational studies degree program include:
- Elementary Education
- Elementary and Special Education
- Mild to Moderate Special Education
- Secondary Biology Science Education
- Secondary Chemistry Science Education
- Secondary Earth Science Education
- Secondary Physics Education
- Middle Grades Science Education
- Secondary Mathematics Education
- Middle Grade Mathematics Education
