10 Best Online Liberal Arts Degrees in 2026

A liberal arts degree helps students develop critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills that apply across countless career fields. These programs let you explore subjects like history, psychology, literature, and philosophy while tailoring your studies to your interests and career goals.

Many universities offer affordable liberal arts degrees online, giving you the flexibility to learn at your own pace and design a curriculum that fits your strengths. Here, we'll look into some of the top online bachelor's in liberal arts programs that provide academic depth, flexibility, and real-world relevance to prepare you for a wide range of opportunities.

Top Online Liberal Arts Degree Programs

Many schools provide high-quality online programs in liberal arts. Below, we'll feature some of the top programs available that can help students pursue a wide range of career goals.

1. Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University is a prestigious private university in Baltimore, MD. This school offers an online Master of Liberal Arts degree.

Students complete online coursework in topics that interest them to design their own degree and pursue whichever career they want. This is one of the best online master's in liberal arts available, as it comes from a highly respected school and is one of the first programs of its kind in the nation.

2. Utah State University

Utah State University is a public school in Logan, UT. Students at this school can pursue an online Bachelor of Science in liberal arts.

This program provides four focus areas to help students tailor their online learning experience to their career goals. A foreign language requirement is built into the program, and students are encouraged to pair the degree with a second degree or a strong minor in the field of their choice.

3. Lynn University

Lynn University is a private school located in Boca Raton, FL. It provides an online bachelor's degree in liberal arts that is highly flexible and enables students to complete coursework on their own time.

This program features 100% online courses that help students gain skills and understanding in communication, entrepreneurship, literature, social issues, and more. Students can take advantage of small class sizes and opportunities to connect one-on-one with expert faculty throughout the program.

4. Colorado State University Fort Collins

Colorado State University Fort Collins is the flagship campus of the Colorado State University System. This school provides various online degrees, including a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in interdisciplinary liberal arts.

This program includes foundational coursework in an array of subjects but allows students to choose many of their own courses. They are also required to select one of nine minors to complement their degree and career pursuits. Minors include:

• media studies
• agricultural business
• gerontology
• economics
• anthropology

5. University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati is a high-ranking public school in Ohio. It provides an online BA in liberal arts designed to provide a strong foundation in humanities, social sciences, arts, and thinking skills.

Students in this program enjoy small classes and a research-intensive approach to learning. The degree prepares students for professional opportunities in many fields by ensuring they receive a high-quality education in many areas.

6. University of Iowa

The University of Iowa is a public school in Iowa City, IA. This large research university offers a Bachelor of Liberal Studies program that students can complete online.

This is a degree completion program for students with at least 24 hours of college credit. Students can choose from one of six tracks to personalize their degree and also have the option of adding various certificates. This highly flexible program emphasizes professional growth and helps students meet their career goals while balancing school with busy lives.

7. Arizona State University

Arizona State University is a large public school with a total enrollment of more than 154,000 students. Both online and on-campus programs are available. Students can pursue a flexible and accelerated online liberal arts degree when they enroll in the Bachelor of Arts in liberal studies program.

This program features just two core courses, allowing students to design and customize their degree with electives. Thanks to this multidisciplinary approach, students can pursue their interests while developing relevant skills for various career paths.

8. University of Kansas

The University of Kansas is located in Lawrence, KS. It is a public school that provides several online programs, including a bachelor's degree in liberal arts and sciences.

Flexible courses in this program are taught by expert faculty and prepare students for careers in social work, healthcare, education, law, and more. This is an excellent degree completion program for students with at least 24 credit hours of transferrable credit.

9. University of Central Oklahoma

The University of Central Oklahoma is a public school in Edmond, OK. It provides a highly practical online Bachelor of Arts in applied liberal arts.

Students in this program complete flexible online coursework in a range of disciplines, developing soft skills in communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving along the way. A total of 21 program tracks are available. Expert faculty with experience and credentials in their fields teach courses designed to help students find professional success in whatever careers they choose.

10. Excelsior University

Excelsior University is a private online school headquartered in Albany, NY. It provides an online Bachelor of Science in liberal arts that allows students to choose an optional concentration in logistics operation management.

This degree is highly flexible and allows students to apply as many as 113 transfer credits to the 120-credit-hour program. Students can choose from a range of courses to design their degree according to their interests.

How We Rank Schools

We reviewed liberal arts programs nationwide to identify schools offering accessible, high-quality online degrees. These rankings focus on value, flexibility, and support for diverse learners.

• Accreditation: Only regionally accredited schools were selected to ensure academic excellence and degree recognition.
• Affordability: Tuition rates, transfer policies, and financial aid options were considered to highlight budget-friendly programs.
• Program Features: We also evaluated course variety, customization options, and access to advising that helps students design their own academic paths.

What Should I Look for in a Liberal Arts Program?

The best liberal arts programs let students personalize their education while building broad academic and professional skills. When comparing programs, look for flexibility, strong advising, and a balance of theory and practical learning.

Accreditation and Academic Quality

Accreditation ensures your degree meets national education standards and will be recognized by employers and graduate schools. Accredited liberal arts programs often feature multidisciplinary coursework that encourages exploration across the humanities, sciences, and social sciences.

Curriculum and Flexibility

Liberal arts degrees are known for customization. Many universities allow students to design their major by choosing concentrations such as communication, history, or social science. This flexibility gives you control over your studies and helps align your coursework with future career goals.

Online Learning Experience

Online liberal arts programs typically use asynchronous formats, letting you access materials and complete assignments at your own pace. Many schools also provide interactive discussion boards, digital research tools, and virtual writing centers. You'll be able to collaborate with peers and professors while studying remotely.

Career Preparation and Support

Strong programs offer advising and professional development resources to help students transition into the workforce. Whether you're preparing for graduate study or entering fields like education, business, or government, career guidance and internship options can help you apply what you've learned in real-world contexts.

Careers for Liberal Arts Graduates

A liberal arts degree can lead to diverse career paths in education, communications, business, and public service. Many graduates find success in roles that value strong analytical, writing, and problem-solving skills, such as teacher, communications specialist, or policy analyst.

Some students continue into graduate or professional school to specialize in law, management, or the social sciences. The flexibility of a liberal arts degree makes it an excellent foundation for lifelong learning and career adaptability.

FAQs About the Best Online Liberal Arts Degrees

Earning a liberal arts degree online can raise questions about course variety, transfer credits, and career prospects. Below, we've answered some of the most common questions for students considering this path.

Can I Customize My Liberal Arts Degree?

Yes, most online liberal arts programs allow students to customize their studies by choosing multiple concentrations or designing an individualized plan. You'll be able to explore your interests while building marketable skills. Many schools also let you transfer previous coursework or professional experience for credit, further personalizing your degree and saving time.

Are Online Liberal Arts Degrees Respected by Employers?

Accredited online liberal arts degrees are recognized for the same academic quality as traditional programs. Employers value the well-rounded skill set liberal arts graduates bring to the workplace. The ability to think critically, communicate clearly, and adapt to new challenges makes liberal arts graduates strong candidates in many professional fields.

What Skills Will I Gain From a Liberal Arts Degree?

You'll strengthen your writing, research, and analytical skills while learning to view complex issues from multiple perspectives. Courses in humanities and social sciences promote cultural awareness and creative problem-solving.

These abilities are highly transferable, helping you succeed in careers ranging from management to marketing. Liberal arts graduates often stand out for their adaptability and strong communication skills.

Explore Online Bachelor's Degrees

If you're ready to begin your online liberal arts degree, explore the schools featured here on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the schools to request info about admission requirements, programs available, and more.