A man with a clipboard is surrounded by five nonprofit colleagues. All are in dark-blue T-shirts, smiling and laughing.
Adult & Continuing Studies Program​

Liberal Studies (BA)

With an online liberal studies degree, you'll enjoy the flexibility to follow your passions and study what interests you most.

Apply Now
Request Info
  1. Academics
  2. Adult & Continuing Studies Education Programs
  3. Liberal Studies (BA)

At a Glance

Click to Open
Offered as

Bachelor's

Format

100% Online

Part-Time

Credits

121

Transfer up to 90 credits

College/School

On This Page

Explore the Liberal Studies Degree

Our 100% part-time online liberal studies program provides a solid foundation for a wide range of careers. As you undertake broad, interdisciplinary study in the liberal arts and sciences, your problem solving and communication skills will stand out to a variety of employers, especially those in business and government. A liberal studies degree is also a good foundation for most graduate and professional programs, including law school.

With the assistance of an academic advisor, you can customize your education to meet your specific interests and goals by picking a minor and/or fast-tracking your way to a master's degree. Plus, with the ability to transfer up to 90 credits—including college credits and prior life experience—you can complete your degree in a fast, convenient, and affordable way.

You'll learn to think critically and communicate effectively in oral and written discourse and graduate with the attributes associated with professional and civic leadership.

Liberal Studies Program Information

The program affords a breadth of exposure to the major academic disciplines of the social sciences, humanities, and sciences while providing an opportunity to achieve depth in selected areas.

In the liberal studies program, you'll obtain:

  • A minimum of 30 credits in humanities and social sciences at Widener
  • At least two upper-level seminar courses
  • An overall GPA of 2.0 or better
  • Completion of writing enriched courses
  • A score of 5 on the writing sample within 18 months of graduation
  • Completion of MATH 111 or higher

View the Loading... for curriculum and coursework requirements.

If you’ve ever thought about earning your master’s degree, take advantage of our accelerated graduate program options. Once admitted into the program, you will take up to 9 credits of graduate-level courses that will count towards both your undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Complete your master’s degree in as little one year in one of the following areas: 

You may apply once you reach 90 credits in your bachelor’s program or upon Associate Dean approval. A 3.0 cumulative GPA is required to apply. 
 

Why Choose Liberal Studies at Widener?

Faculty mentoring student

Build a Supportive Network of Industry Insiders

With small class sizes and dedicated academic advisors, you'll feel personally supported throughout your unique academic journey. Your education will stretch beyond the online classroom as you build relationships with driven classmates, engaged alumni, and powerhouse faculty who know the keys to success—because they've achieved it themselves.

As you get to know these industry insiders, you'll create a meaningful network of connections that will follow you long after graduation.

Student taking online class

Fuel Career Growth at Your Own Pace

With 100% online courses, the liberal studies degree is designed to meet the needs of busy professionals. Choose to add a minor or certificate, or level up to your master's degree with just one additional year of study. No matter your schedule, you can complete coursework at your pace by learning in a flexible, online format that aligns with your personal and professional goals.

Liberal Studies Program Highlights

Top Online College in PA

Ranked a top online college in Pennsylvania

Source: Guide to Online Schools

Recent News

View All Center for Graduate & Continuing Studies News

Admissions & Aid

Our admissions and financial aid teams are here to support you every step of the way. Have a question? Ask away!

Admissions Information

The liberal studies program accepts students on a rolling basis; there is no official deadline to apply.

Here, you can transfer up to 90 credits toward your bachelor's degree—more than most universities accept. You can also receive credit for prior learning—such as certificates, CLEP exams, military service, and more.

Our admissions team will help you make the most of college-level credits earned after high school. We maintain strong partnerships and articulation agreements with numerous local community colleges and also accept a wide range of course credits earned at accredited colleges and universities.

Curious about how many credits may transfer? Email your transcripts to transfer@widener.edu and our transfer coordinator will personally review your coursework as an unofficial credit evaluation. Applicants are given priority during busy seasons, but you don't have to apply to work with our transfer coordinator. 

Transferring doesn't have to be a guessing game—share your stats and we'll take it from there! 

Learn more about applying as a transfer student

Widener University serves as a "second home" for students from around the world.

Want to know what it's like to be an international student or need assistance navigating English proficiency requirements? We're here to help, and our international admissions director will support you through the application process. 

This support doesn't end with admissions—our International Student Support team will serve as a valuable resource throughout your Widener journey.

Learn more about applying as an international student

*Visa and financial aid not available for international undergraduate students in 100% online programs

Financial Aid

Because Widener is a private institution, we're able to offer financial assistance that brings our education within reach for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford it.

You might be surprised how much we are able to offer.

Getting started is easy. Simply apply to Widener and submit your FAFSA to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. "FAFSA" stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and helps identify whether you are eligible for aid awarded by Widener, the government, and other sources. Our school code is 003313.

In order to receive a financial aid offer, students must meet certain eligibility requirements. Here are the general eligibility requirements for most financial aid programs:

  • Must demonstrate financial need
  • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
  • Be enrolled or admitted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program

Learn more about applying for financial aid as an adult and continuing studies student

Paths to Savings

Employer Discounts & Tuition Reimbursement

Widener University also partners with many local organizations and corporations to offer discounted tuition and other incentives to their employees. Don't see your company on the list? Ask them to become a partner. In addition, employers often offer educational reimbursement benefits. We encourage you to explore these opportunities and will be glad to provide any necessary documentation.

Explore Our Employer Partnerships

Widener Scholarships for Adult Learners

Widener is proud to offer several endowed scholarship opportunities to currently enrolled adult and continuing studies students. These scholarships are awarded by the Center for Graduate & Continuing Studies and made possible through generous donor gifts. And the best part? Unlike loans, scholarship awards are yours to keep without the need to pay them back. Students are also welcome to reapply every year.

Learn more about scholarship and grant opportunities

4+1 Students Save Time & Tuition

In the Accelerated Advantage 4+1 program, you can save up to a year of tuition by pursuing a master's degree—resulting in thousands of dollars in savings. During your fifth year of study, you can also apply for graduate-level scholarships and assistantships to further reduce education costs. To learn more about graduate scholarships and assistantships, please speak with your academic advisor during the spring semester of your senior year.

Program Cost

Liberal Studies BA

$659 per credit 121 total credits $79,739 total cost

Tuition rates are subject to change. Official costs for your first year will be determined at time of enrollment.

Take the Next Steps

Visit Us

To visit Widener is, often, to fall in love with the place. To fit your timeline and schedule, we offer a variety of ways to get to know us.​

View Admissions Events

We offer a variety of virtual events to get to know Widener and meet with faculty and admissions staff.

Request Information

Have a question about Widener? Drop us a line and an admissions counselor will be in touch. We're always happy to help!​

Apply

Applying online is easy—and it's free! Have questions about your individual requirements? Request an in-person or virtual meeting with an admissions advisor for guidance prior to submitting your application.