Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Liberal Studies
Open new doors with a multidisciplinary Liberal Studies degree.
In a constantly evolving global economy, employers are looking for critical thinkers and problem solvers who can work collaboratively. The Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree program in Liberal Studies at Thomas Edison State University (TESU) will enable you to explore your own intellectual and professional interests from many perspectives.
In this broad-based program, you’ll be exposed to a variety of academic areas in the social sciences, humanities, natural sciences and arts. Create a multidisciplinary degree by combining coursework in two or more liberal arts subject areas that are highly sought after across many different industries in today’s workplace.
Earn Your Liberal Studies Degree at TESU
Tailor your program to match your unique interests and career goals. Combine coursework from different areas across Liberal Studies or choose from 12 specialized concentrations. Our program offers both breadth across the liberal arts and depth in a specified area of study. You will develop critical thinking and communication skills that are highly valued and transferable to any work environment.
This flexible, multidisciplinary program is among the highest-enrolled undergraduate programs at TESU.
What You'll Learn
In our 120-credit program, you'll take 45 general education core credits to give you a strong liberal arts base and broadly applicable skills. You'll also have the flexibility to take 42 credits of liberal studies courses, of which 18 can be in a chosen concentration that allows you create your own pathway through our curriculum, based on your unique interests. Finally, you'll complete a capstone project that will allow you to bring the knowledge and skills from across your education together and help you emerge as a well-rounded leader.
Concentrations
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Communications
The curriculum explores the various aspects of creating, transmitting and analyzing messages that flow among individuals, groups, organizations and societies. Students who complete this concentration may also earn an Undergraduate Certificate in Communications.
Courses may include:
- Communication in the Digital Age
- Interpersonal Communication
- Intercultural Communication
- The Story of Human Language
-
Computer Science
This concentration focuses on programming languages, computer architecture and data structure. Students who complete this concentration may also earn an Undergraduate Certificate in Computer Science.
Courses include:
- Computer Architecture
- Data Structures
- Python Programming
- Artificial Intelligence
-
Criminal Justice
In this concentration, you'll take an interdisciplinary approach to the study of crime and the functioning of the criminal justice system. You’ll develop critical analytical skills and learn about the research findings and methods used in the field. Students who complete this concentration may also earn an Undergraduate Certificate in Criminal Justice.
Courses include:
- Forensic Science
- Criminology
- Victimology and Criminal Behavior
- White-Collar Crime
-
General Management
This area of study focuses on management principles, change management, industrial psychology and managerial communications. Students who complete this concentration may also earn an Undergraduate Certificate in General Management.
Courses include:
- Negotiations and Conflict Management
- Organizational Theory
- Industrial Psychology
- Managerial Communications
-
Health and Wellness
In this concentration, you'll explore nutrition, kinesiology and men's and women's health. Students who complete this concentration may also earn an Undergraduate Certificate in Health and Wellness.
Courses include:
- The Science of Nutrition
- Women's Health
- Men's Health
- Biological Aspects of Aging
-
Healthcare Management
This concentration is designed to provide you with the managerial skills, attitudes and knowledge needed for various administrative or management careers in the healthcare field. Students who complete this concentration may also earn an Undergraduate Certificate in Healthcare Management.
Courses include:
- Principles of Healthcare Management
- Healthcare Legal and Ethical Considerations
- Human Resources Management for Healthcare Organizations
- Comparative Healthcare Systems
-
Human Resource Management
In this area of study, you'll focus on employee selection, training, management development, industrial relations, compensation and the dynamics of organizational behavior. Students who complete this concentration may also earn an Undergraduate Certificate in Human Resources Management.
Courses include:
- Human Resources Management
- Change Management
- Organizational Behavior
- Industrial Psychology
-
Humanities
This concentration can be completed through the University's Humanities courses offered under the "Knowledge of Human Cultures" category of its General Education course offerings.
Courses include:
- Exploring American Cinema
- Communication in the Digital Age
- Philosophy of Religion
- African American History
-
Labor Studies
This concentration explores the history of the labor movement, management principles, human resource management and other relevant issues in the U.S. workforce. Students who complete this concentration may also earn an Undergraduate Certificate in Labor Studies.
Courses include:
- History of the Labor Movement
- Minorities in the Labor Force
- Trade Union Structure and Administration
- Women in the Labor Force
-
Natural Sciences and Mathematics
This concentration can be completed through the University's Natural Science and Mathematics courses offered under the "Scientific Knowledge and Quantitative Literacy" category of its General Education course offerings.
Courses include:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Quantitative Skills for Business
- Environmental Sustainability and Social Justice
- Kinesiology
-
Psychology
This concentration focuses on psychological principles and research methods and explores the psychological approaches to various problems in the humanities, social sciences and the life sciences. Students who complete this concentration may also earn an Undergraduate Certificate in Psychology.
Courses include:
- Developmental Psychology
- Abnormal Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Psychology of Personality
-
Social Sciences
This concentration can be completed through the University's Social Sciences courses offered under the “Knowledge of Human Cultures category of its general education course offerings.
Courses include:
- International Economics
- Environmental Sustainability and Social Justice
- Global Issues in Society
- Marriage and the Family
Turn Your Experience Into Credits
As an adult learner, you bring a wealth of experience and training that can’t be found in a classroom. We believe that many of these experiences have given you college-level knowledge that may translate into college credit. Whether you served in the military or worked in industry, learn how TESU can help put you on the path toward earning your college degree even faster with our flexible ways to earn credit.
Transfer Credits to TESU
Have you earned college credit from high school or another higher education institution? TESU helps make sure your hard work counts. Our generous credit transfer options can help you move your education goals forward, saving valuable time and money. Learn more about transferring credit.
Tuition & Financial Aid
TESU is dedicated to your success and can help put your goals of earning your college degree within reach with our academic excellence, flexible online structure, multiple start dates and exceptional value. We offer financial aid assistance and scholarship opportunities to help ease your out-of-pocket expenses and make earning your degree accessible.
Take the Next Steps
Are you ready to advance your career with a college degree?
Enroll with our online application process and take the next step toward achieving your goals at TESU.
Bachelor's to Master's Program
Our Bachelor's to Master's program allows you to earn up to 12 credits toward an M.A. in Liberal Arts degree at the same time as you're earning your B.A. No matter what your career goals are, TESU can help you gain the knowledge you need to be successful in a rapidly changing job market.
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