Liberal studies

B.A. or B.S.
Online You can complete all or nearly all requirements of this program online.*
delivery
$384 Based on current tuition rates. No additional charge for nonresident students. Does not include course materials and associated fees and expenses.†
per credit
4
start terms/year

Earning a college degree that equips you with the skills and knowledge to pursue a wide variety of career paths is empowering. Having the ability to customize your degree plan to align with your interests makes it even more rewarding. When you enroll in Oregon State University’s online liberal studies bachelor’s program, you can design your own interdisciplinary major that is organized around a theme that matches your educational and career goals.

Gain a broad, well-rounded education that sharpens your ability to think critically, communicate effectively and approach problems from multiple perspectives. Whether you’re aiming to launch a career right after graduation or apply to graduate school, you’ll find doors open to a wide range of opportunities — from education, business and law to media, health care and the arts.

Skills you’ll gain in OSU’s online liberal studies degree program

As a student in Oregon State’s online liberal studies degree program, you’ll gain the in-demand skills you need to stand out in the job market and level up your career. You’ll learn from expert Oregon State faculty whose real-world experiences and support will help you make your mark.

  • Writing
  • Critical thinking
  • Communication
  • Planning
  • Organization
  • Self-reflection 
Group of people in discussion around a circular table with open notebooks and pens
Best Online Bachelor's Programs 2025 - U.S. News & World Report

Program details

Develop an individualized liberal studies degree plan with the support of your academic advisor from a broad collection of courses within the College of Liberal Arts. While you have the flexibility and support to build a degree plan tailored to your academic, personal and professional goals, this is not a general studies program.

The online liberal studies program is offered by Oregon State’s College of Liberal Arts.

Degree requirements

A minimum of 180 quarter credits are required to graduate with your liberal studies degree, including:

A young woman with glasses and a red headband writes in a notebook at a wooden table with a laptop open in front of her.

Additional program features

Working with your academic advisor, you’ll create a thematically-based course of study that's built on the College of Liberal Arts curriculum. Here are some example themes created by other Oregon State liberal studies students: 

  • Cultural studies through literature
  • Humanities for library sciences
  • Social sciences for law enforcement and legal professions
  • Teaching English in Asia (China, Japan or Korea)
  • Creative writing, publishing and editing
  • Environmental arts and humanities
  • Writing for film

Some degree requirements may be transferred from other institutions. Please note that a minimum of 45 credits of the last 75 credits in this degree program must be completed at Oregon State (online or on campus) to meet the academic residency requirement.

Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admittance to OSU for appropriate articulation. Additional information about transferring credits is available through OSU’s Transfer Credit Central.

As an undergraduate degree-seeking student, you can apply to earn an honors degree online in your academic major. Earning this prestigious degree gives you the opportunity to collaborate with faculty on research, complete a comprehensive thesis experience and engage in co-curricular activities.

You can gain highly specialized skills that are in demand by employers — and do it with less of a time and financial commitment — when you earn a certificate or microcredential online with Oregon State. Choose from a large collection of short-form offerings that can help you upskill quickly.

Careers related to liberal studies

The knowledge you acquire in Oregon State’s online liberal studies degree program will help you fill in-demand jobs in the global marketplace. You’ll graduate ready to showcase your abilities and make an impact as a professional who has the wide-ranging skills employers need most.

Potential careers include:

  • Non-profit managers/coordinators
  • Event planner
  • Travel journalist
  • Law enforcement
  • Pre-law