Are Online Liberal Studies Degrees Legitimate?

What To Look For in an Online Liberal Studies Degree Program

If you want to confirm if an online liberal studies degree program is legitimate, make sure to verify the following concerning the institution:

• Accreditation
• Reputation
• Graduation rates

Accreditation

Earn your online liberal studies degree from an institution with regional accreditation from an organization that has recognition through the Department of Education or Council of Higher Education Accreditation.

You can expect employers to respect your online liberal studies degree if you earn it from an accredited institution. Regionally accredited institutions offer the following features:

• Transfer credit options
• Corporate tuition reimbursement
• Financial aid options

Six organizations accredit regional institutions. Examples include the Higher Learning Commission, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Reputation

You can verify a college or university's reputation through its:

• Accreditation
• Ranking status
• Student reviews

If you want a legitimate online liberal studies degree that is well respected by employers and other accredited institutions, check its reputation on specific college websites.

You can check the reputation of the accredited institution that offers your liberal studies degree program on other websites. Examples of other websites to check college reputations include:

• College scorecard
• U.S. news

Many colleges have a better reputation in one academic area over another. Liberal arts colleges are most likely to have a good reputation with online liberal studies programs.

Nonprofit Vs. For-Profit Degrees

Nonprofit and for-profit degrees are available through accredited institutions and are well respected by employers and other colleges. A nonprofit degree program typically provides program features such as financial aid options and is more focused on providing a high-quality education for every student.

Graduation Rates

Graduation rates for liberal studies degree programs vary depending on the institution but it is one way to check the reputation of a liberal studies degree program.

Graduation rates are a good indicator of how engaging a program appears to students and whether there are strenuous graduation requirements. Online students who remain interested in their educational studies typically graduate within two to four years.

Differences Between Online Liberal Studies Degrees and Traditional Liberal Studies Degrees

The main difference between an online and on-campus liberal studies degree is your learning format if you enroll in a legitimate liberal studies degree program. Regionally accredited institutions offer online liberal studies degrees that follow the same or similar curriculum as a traditional campus liberal studies degree.

Most legitimate online liberal studies degrees will not indicate that you have earned your degree using an online learning format. Legitimate online liberal studies degree programs will also provide online and on-campus resources such as:

• Clubs
• Libraries
• Simulators
• Internships
• Virtual environments

Benefits of Earning Your Liberal Studies Degree at an Online School

There are several benefits of earning your liberal studies degree at an online school including:

• Flexibility
• Affordability
• Credibility

A legitimate online liberal studies degree gives you the flexibility to earn your degree while taking care of personal and professional responsibilities. An online liberal studies degree is also credible and provides the same value as a traditional degree you earn on campus.

Featured Online Liberal Studies Degree Programs

Many online liberal studies degree programs are legitimate. Earn a general liberal studies degree or another liberal arts degree online.

1. Arizona State University

Arizona State University offers affordable Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science liberal studies degrees that are flexible and prepare you for entry-level careers and educational advancement.

Earn a BA in liberal studies degree program or one of the several other liberal arts programs in an online learning environment. Other examples of liberal arts degrees that you can earn at ASU include a BA or BS in communication, psychology, or physics.

2. Bellevue University

Bellevue University is an accredited institution that offers three legitimate online liberal arts degree programs. Earn an online BS in history degree or one of the other liberal arts degrees below:

• BA in communication studies
• BA in graphic design

The undergraduate liberal arts degree programs at Bellevue include general education, major, and elective course requirements. Online tuition is $440 per credit hour.

3. Maryville University

Find a liberal studies degree program you can complete 100 percent online at Maryville University. Pursue a BA in liberal studies degree if you are interested in personalizing your major.

The liberal studies degree program allows you to customize your degree with a concentration such as:

• Accounting
• Business administration
• Cybersecurity

Maryville University also offers online bachelor's degrees in liberal arts areas of study like:

• Communications
• English
• General studies with a concentration in healthcare

4. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is a regionally accredited university that has an 89 percent acceptance rate. If you are interested in a legitimate liberal studies degree, you can earn a BA degree in:

• Communication
• Creative writing
• English
• General studies
• History

Most liberal studies degree programs at SNHU offer concentration options to support your educational interests and career goals.

5. University of Phoenix

The University of Phoenix provides BS liberal studies degree programs that you can complete in an online format. You can earn a BS in applied psychology with a concentration in media and technology or a BS in communication to prepare for an entry-level career.

The University of Phoenix also offers liberal arts studies in environmental science. The cost of tuition is $398 per credit hour. Transfer credits to save time and money.