10 Accelerated Liberal Arts Degrees Online 2025

If you're hoping to earn a liberal arts degree online, you may be hoping to graduate quickly so you can get started on the career path of your choice. With that in mind, you're wondering: are there any schools that offer accelerated degree programs online for liberal arts students?

Keep reading to learn more about some of the top programs available, including affordable online liberal arts degrees. We'll also answer some questions you may have about earning your bachelor's degree in liberal arts online.

Fast Accredited Online Liberal Arts Degree Programs

Colleges and universities throughout the country offer liberal arts degrees for online learners. Let's take a closer look at some of the best accelerated online bachelor's degrees to consider.

1. Colorado State University

Colorado State University is a public school in Fort Collins, CO. It offers various online degrees, including a Bachelor of Arts in interdisciplinary liberal arts.

This program features heavy full-time courseloads that include summer sessions, enabling students with no previous college credit to earn their bachelor's degree in three years. Students can choose from various minors to personalize their degree to their specific career goals. Minors include:

• agricultural business
• economics
• media studies
• sociology
• gerontology

2. California State University Fresno

California State University Fresno is a campus in the California State University System. Returning college students taking online classes at this school can earn an accelerated Bachelor of Arts in liberal arts.

This is designed as a degree completion program for students who attended any California State University school previously but did not graduate. The coursework is flexible and fully online, and all degree requirements can be met within one to two years.

3. Marian University

Marian University is a private school headquartered in Indianapolis, IN. Various online degrees are available, including a flexible Bachelor of Arts in liberal arts.

The program offers 12 start dates each year so you can enroll or continue your studies whenever it's convenient for you. Courses are offered in accelerated five- and eight-week sessions, enabling those who take heavy courseloads to graduate sooner.

4. University of New Mexico

The University of New Mexico is a public school in Albuquerque, NM. One of its many online degree programs is a Bachelor of Arts in liberal arts.

Students in this program design their own course of study under the guidance of an academic advisor, choosing courses from at least two colleges or departments within the university. This program functions well as a degree completion option for students with an associate degree or significant college credit. These students can earn their bachelor's degree in as little as one to two years.

5. Excelsior University

Excelsior University is a private school headquartered in Albany, NY. It offers online degrees exclusively, and one of the programs available is a Bachelor of Science in liberal arts.

This program is designed to build upon previous educational or life experience. It permits up to 113 transfer credits to apply toward the 120-credit-hour program. Those with qualifying work or life experience credits, or those with a combination of life and academic credits, can potentially earn this degree in less than one year. A logistics supply chain management concentration is available for those with specialized interests or experience.

6. Xavier University

Xavier University is a private school in Cincinnati, OH. It offers an online Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree through its Adult and Professional Education department.

Students who have completed 60 credit hours or adult learners who have been out of high school for at least four years are eligible for this program, which can be completed on a full-time, part-time, or accelerated basis. The program offers concentrations in organizational leadership and professional communication.

7. University of Arizona

The University of Arizona is a public school in Tucson, AZ. It provides flexible online degrees through its Global Campus, including a Bachelor of Arts in liberal arts.

The program provides a broad general education through accelerated five-week courses. Students can also transfer up to 90 credits into the program, potentially finishing their degree in one to two years or less.

8. Fresno Pacific University

Fresno Pacific University is a Christian school in California. Students can earn an online Bachelor of Arts in liberal arts.

This degree completion program can lead to a generalist degree or be used as a teacher preparation and credentialling program. It provides broad-based coursework that can help students improve critical thinking and communication skills. Most students finish the program within 18 to 24 months.

9. University of Massachusetts Lowell

The University of Massachusetts Lowell is a public school offering various online degrees. One program available is a Bachelor of Liberal Arts.

The program features just two required online courses, allowing students to develop their own program of study through various electives. The school accepts up to 90 transfer credits, and students commonly finish this degree within one to three years.

10. Newlane University

Newlane University is an online university based in Lehi, UT. It provides a highly affordable competency-based Bachelor of Arts in liberal arts.

As a degree completion program, students must transfer at least 60 credits into the program. The degree comprises five core courses, enabling students to design the rest of their degree through electives. Students typically graduate within two years or less.

Our Selection Criteria

We use a rigorous vetting process to choose only high-quality schools for our rank lists. The following criteria were used when selecting the programs above:

• Accreditation: All schools are accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting body.
• Accelerated option: Many of the programs above provide an accelerated study schedule to help students finish sooner.
• Flexibility: Some of the programs provide flexibility to study on your own schedule or transfer credits, both of which can help you graduate sooner.

What To Expect From an Accelerated Online Liberal Arts Program

Liberal arts degree programs provide the same high-quality education as in-person programs but in a more flexible format. Students often have the freedom to study anytime day or night, allowing them to set a schedule that works for them.

Online liberal arts programs vary from school to school, as they often allow students to choose many of their courses and design their own degree. Regardless of specific courses taken, assignments may include watching video lectures, participating in video or forum discussions, completing reading or writing assignments, and taking tests.

What Are the Prerequisites for Enrolling in an Online Liberal Arts Degree?

Some schools may require students to complete prerequisite courses before enrolling in the liberal arts program. However, these prerequisites can vary depending on the school and degree focus area.

All students enrolling in undergraduate liberal arts programs must meet school admission requirements, which may include submitting an application fee, official transcripts, and standardized test scores. Students are also expected to hold a high school diploma or GED.

Types of Liberal Arts Degrees

While many schools offer generalized bachelor's degrees in liberal arts, some offer more specialized degrees in specific liberal arts subjects. These subjects may also be available as concentrations in generalized liberal arts degrees.

Some common types of specific liberal arts degrees may include:

• arts (painting, creative writing, drama)
• social sciences (psychology, social work, political science)
• natural sciences (mathematics, biology, physics)
• humanities (history, literature, philosophy)

Benefits of Accelerated Degree Programs

Completing an accelerated degree as an online student can have various benefits. Some programs, especially those offering competency-based learning models, may provide lower costs for students who progress through their program quickly.

Additionally, students in accelerated programs can potentially enter their chosen career path sooner, which can lead to a longer career and higher earnings. Accelerated online liberal arts degrees give students a broad skill set and a solid foundation in many subjects, doing so in a shorter timeframe and potentially for less money.

What Can You Do With a Liberal Arts Degree?

Liberal arts majors can pursue a variety of career opportunities depending on the focus of their studies. They may work in virtually any industry, from business to healthcare to various social science fields. Some of the many jobs to consider pursuing include:

• teacher
• lawyer
• manager
• artist
• counselor

Discover Online Schools With Accreditation Today

If you're ready to pursue higher education online, consider the colleges and universities here on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the schools today to request info about their liberal arts programs and to find one that works for you.