Three of the top skills employers seek are communication, problem-solving, and adaptability. A master’s in liberal arts focuses on these skills, preparing students for careers in various areas, such as education, research, journalism, public relations, law, and social work.
Many of these careers fall within the education, training, and library occupations. The median annual salary for careers in these fields is $59,940, which is about $10,000 higher than the average income for all occupations combined.
The average annual tuition for graduate degree programs is $12,596 at public schools and $28,017 at private schools. Full-time students can generally expect to complete a master’s in liberal arts degree program within two years.
How to Choose an Online Master’s in Liberal Arts Program
Choose your area of study
This degree is typically offered as a Master of Arts (MA). The academic offerings of a liberal arts degree are broad, with coursework in philosophy, mathematics, the natural sciences, and social studies. Many students pursuing a master’s degree in liberal arts are attracted to its interdisciplinary nature.
Liberal arts programs, in general, are not subject-specific and appeal to a student’s desire to explore a variety of intellectual pursuits. However, some programs will allow you to select a concentration and focus your studies on a particular niche in this field, such as history, economics, or sociology. If you already know what you would like to do after you graduate, look for programs that closely match these career goals.
Research schools and programs
You should only apply to institutions that have been approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. These organizations evaluate schools to ensure they provide students with a high-quality education. Those who attend a school that isn’t regionally accredited may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.
Ideally, your master’s in liberal arts program will also be accredited by the American Academy for Liberal Education. This programmatic accrediting organization has particularly high standards for liberal arts education.
Accreditation aside, consider how the school offers academic and social support to its online students. Do they offer services such as advising and tutoring remotely? What are the technical skills and requirements you need for this program?
To learn more about any schools that you’re interested in, you can visit the school’s website, contact an admissions counselor, follow the school on social media, or attend an in-person or virtual open house.
Prepare for tests and applications
Every school will have different admissions prerequisites, but most will require transcripts showing that you completed an undergraduate degree program at an accredited college. Some master’s programs (but not all) will ask for Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, and many will set specific grade point average (GPA) requirements. Letters of recommendation and a personal statement may be required as well.
Contacting an admissions counselor is your best bet for staying on top of the application process. An admissions counselor can assist you with each step in the application process and get you in touch with professors or current students who can help answer your questions.
Select your program
During your research, you’ve likely selected several potential programs that match your educational goals. You may narrow this list down to one or choose to apply to all of them. Remember, there will be application fees, so you’ll want to budget for these costs. After seeing which institutions accept you, choose based on your life goals and where you believe you will be challenged and successful in your education.
Remember to reach out to each program’s online student support staff. This division should connect you with other resources, such as study groups, student meetups, and mentorship opportunities, which can help you narrow down your choices.
Before making your final decision, review your needs and goals again. Do you plan to attend school full-time or part-time? Do you want your program to be as online as possible, or are you fine with a hybrid program that has a fair amount of in-person requirements? Some programs offer asynchronous courses, which can be completed at your own pace, while others only offer synchronous courses, which involve remotely attending lectures and completing assignments at the same time as other students — which of these two online learning formats do you prefer? Your school should accommodate your scheduling needs and learning preferences.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Many graduate students must at least partially finance their education through loans. You can begin this process by applying for federal student aid with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Your school’s financial aid office can help you find other sources of tuition assistance, such as grants, fellowships, or scholarships.
If you plan on keeping your employment while in school, ask your employer if tuition reimbursement is available. Similarly, veterans can take advantage of tuition benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Best 50 Accredited Online Master’s in Liberal Arts Programs
Discover More Options
How We Rank Schools
This list features some of the best master’s in liberal arts programs in the country. One of our primary criteria was that programs be delivered entirely or primarily online. We wanted programs that students could access regardless of their location or availability.
Also, all of the programs on our list are offered by schools with regional accreditation. Degrees and credits from these types of schools are widely recognized by employers and transferable to other regionally accredited institutions.
Once we narrowed our list of programs, we evaluated each based on reputation, faculty, outcomes, cost, and flexibility. Then, we calculated an Intelligent Score for each program on a scale of 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out our ranking methodology.
What Can You Expect from an Online Master’s in Liberal Arts Program?
As you engage in your online program to earn your master’s in liberal arts, you’ll deepen your understanding of global and social issues, communication, leadership, philosophy, and literature. You’ll learn skill sets that will be useful for education, journalism, business, and nonprofit careers. Your problem-solving and critical thinking aptitudes will be challenged and developed, and you’ll begin to individualize your multidisciplinary approach to education.
Of the 30-36 credit hours it will take, on average, to earn your online master’s in liberal arts, approximately half of these courses will be electives. You can use electives to guide your interests and complete your program with a specific focus. These courses might include:
- Women’s studies
- Global human resources
- Sociology
- Behavioral economics
- Multicultural American literature
Most full-time students will complete a master’s in liberal arts in approximately two years, but part-time students can expect to take slightly longer.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online master’s degree in liberal arts program
- Liberal Arts and Professional Life. Students examine change, conflict, and resolution in a historical global context and will develop an understanding of these concepts as they relate to contemporary life.
- Environmental Issues in the Global Media. Students take a journalistic look at environmental issues around the globe to examine how the scientific, cultural, and political dimensions of environmental sustainability are portrayed in the media. Students explore not just environmental issues but how media coverage affects public perception.
- Composing Arguments. Students explore various models of argument, including persuasion, advocacy, consensus building, and classical rhetoric. Students will examine audience accommodation, research, tone, and revision.
- Science of Technology. Students follow the intertwined histories of science, technology, and society, focusing mainly on communication technology. Students study the basic principles of electromagnetism, acoustics, and quantum electronics to understand communication technology, from the telegraph to cell phones.
What Can You Do With an Online Master’s in Liberal Studies?
Career outlook
The career outlook for individuals with a master’s degree in liberal studies is promising, as it provides a unique combination of critical thinking, communication, research, and analytical skills that are highly valued in today’s job market. While the career paths may vary, the versatility of this degree allows graduates to adapt to a wide range of professions.
Job opportunities for individuals with master’s degrees in liberal studies can be found in sectors such as education, research, writing, and public service. Here are a few common career paths open to those with an online master’s in liberal arts degree:
- Writer or author — Develop novels, screenplays, advertisements, and other pieces of writing.
- Median annual salary: $73,690
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 4%
- New job openings projected: 15,500 annually
- Advertising, promotions, or marketing manager — Plan promotional campaigns and supervise marketing staff.
- Median annual salary: $156,580
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 6%
- New job openings projected: 34,000 annually
- Archivist, curator, or museum worker — Archivists authenticate and preserve historical documents and objects, while curators and museum workers acquire, maintain, and prepare items for collections and exhibits.
- Median annual salary: $57,120
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 10%
- New job openings projected: 5,000 annually
Online Master’s in Liberal Arts Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online master’s in liberal arts degree program?
To start the application process, begin with your school’s website to learn more about its admissions requirements and to contact an admissions counselor. Your counselor will be able to guide you through each step, but you’ll likely be required to submit the following documents:
- Undergraduate transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- GRE scores
- Curriculum vitae
- Personal statement or letter of intent
Remember that it can take a while to gather all of the necessary materials, so make sure you allocate enough time in your planning to meet application deadlines.
How much does an online master’s in liberal arts degree cost?
To find the per-credit cost of your school’s program, search your school’s website or contact your financial aid advisor or admissions counselor. You can also research the course catalog for additional fees, such as software and technology fees, to figure out how much your program will cost.
On average, the per-credit cost for an online master’s in liberal arts degree typically ranges from $200 to $1,000. Therefore, most students can expect to pay between $6,000 and $36,000 for their degree.
How long does it take to earn an online master’s in liberal arts degree?
Typically, most online programs for a master’s degree in liberal arts are completed within two years for full-time students. If you attend school part-time, you may need 3-5 years to complete your coursework. However, some schools offer accelerated programs and dual-degree pathways, so if you choose one of these options, you can expect to follow a different timeline than what’s typical. Nonetheless, on average, most students will complete between 30 and 36 credits, no matter their chosen pathway.
Is an online master’s in liberal arts worth it?
Earning an online master’s degree in liberal arts can be worthwhile for individuals seeking diverse career opportunities and a well-rounded education. This degree equips graduates with valuable critical thinking, research, communication, and problem-solving skills, making them adaptable in various professions.
Additionally, the flexibility of online programs allows students to balance their studies with work and personal commitments, making it accessible and convenient. For those interested in careers that require a multidisciplinary approach, a master’s in liberal arts provides a strong foundation for success.