Pursue a degree that lets you finish college faster — often in less time than traditional programs — while focusing on the courses most relevant to your career goals and interests.
Liberal Arts Degrees Built for Today's Job Market
If you're seeking a degree that prepares you for a dynamic range of careers, equips you with the versatile skill set modern employers value, and gives you an edge in a rapidly evolving job market, a degree in liberal arts could be your ideal path. UMass Global offers accredited associates and bachelor's programs that deliver a comprehensive liberal arts education. Choose from an associate's degree in general education, a bachelor's in communications and media, or a bachelor's in applied studies — featuring concentration options in Applied Communication, Applied Humanities, and Leadership.
WASC Senior College and University Commission
University of Massachusetts Global is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
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Are you looking for a degree that is well-suited for learners wanting to finish college faster, but still have a personalized, career-aligned approach? A degree in Applied Studies is well suited for adult learners looking for flexibility and relevance to individual career objectives. Explore why an Applied Studies degree at UMass Global could be beneficial to you.
- Flexible learning options that fit your schedule
- Expert assistance to help you get credit for prior experience
- Choose courses that are most relevant to your career
- Create a personalized education plan with support from dedicated Academic Advisors
Testimonials
When you take those things that you learn in school and apply it, it makes so much sense how you're able to lead; and then you become a better leader. Within two years after going back to school I was recognized and received a 2018 non-commission officer of the year award. And that was all, I feel, because of my education.
Jorge H.
Applied Studies, BA
UMass Global gave us the opportunity to take ownership of our education in a way that many other paths do not. We mastered the art of time management, how to be self-disciplined, and how to navigate technology with confidence... To UMass Global, thank you for making education accessible to so many of us, for fostering a sense of community even in a virtual setting.
Linda A.
BA in Communications and Media
My professors are awesome. Very flexible, quick to respond to questions, very knowledgeable, and my impression is that they want you to be successful and do well in their class.
Cynthia S.
Applied Studies, BA
Why You Should Consider a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Studies
The Bachelor of Arts in Applied Studies is a career-focused degree that teaches practical, foundational skills to prepare students for a number of professional degrees. After gaining real-world experience in communications, writing, and ethics, you can choose from one of the three concentration areas that align best with your interests and aspirations.
- Applied Communication - Emphasizes learning in media, professional writing, and technology for public relations, social media, journalism, and diverse communications career tracks.
- Applied Humanities - Delves into the principles of history, ethics, writing, art, and modern technology applicable to various people-oriented career goals.
- Leadership - Focuses on team building and management, fundamental organization skills, and public speaking, tailored to careers in law enforcement, EMS, firefighting, and other community-driven professions.
What it’s like going to UMass Global?
Instructor-Led, Session-Based
This program is delivered in an instructor-led format, with eight-week sessions and multiple start dates per year for flexibility. In each class, you'll focus on one topic at a time and can take a session off if needed—no penalty. Courses include online lectures, group discussions, and structured assignments with set deadlines. This format offers clear milestones and peer interaction, making it ideal for students who thrive in a structured learning environment.
Personalized Support Services
UMass Global meets you wherever you are in life, with dedicated support at every step. From enrollment coaching and financial aid to academic advising and career services, we're committed to your success. Access personalized guidance, flexible resources, and a supportive community, empowering you to achieve your educational goals, no matter your starting point.
Employer-Aligned Curriculum
At UMass Global, our employer-aligned curriculum ensures that coursework is directly relevant to today’s workplace. Designed with input from industry experts and faculty who are also working professionals, our programs focus on practical, career-advancing skills. Using a “backwards course design,” we tailor coursework to meet current job market needs. Our diverse faculty provides real-world insights and mentorship, ensuring that the skills you learn are immediately applicable to your career or future career changes.
Instructor-Led, Session-Based
This program is delivered in an instructor-led format, with eight-week sessions and multiple start dates per year for flexibility. In each class, you'll focus on one topic at a time and can take a session off if needed—no penalty. Courses include online lectures, group discussions, and structured assignments with set deadlines. This format offers clear milestones and peer interaction, making it ideal for students who thrive in a structured learning environment.
Personalized Support Services
UMass Global meets you wherever you are in life, with dedicated support at every step. From enrollment coaching and financial aid to academic advising and career services, we're committed to your success. Access personalized guidance, flexible resources, and a supportive community, empowering you to achieve your educational goals, no matter your starting point.
Employer-Aligned Curriculum
At UMass Global, our employer-aligned curriculum ensures that coursework is directly relevant to today’s workplace. Designed with input from industry experts and faculty who are also working professionals, our programs focus on practical, career-advancing skills. Using a “backwards course design,” we tailor coursework to meet current job market needs. Our diverse faculty provides real-world insights and mentorship, ensuring that the skills you learn are immediately applicable to your career or future career changes.
Get Started with Your Versatile Degree
Take the next step to customize a degree that fits your career goals and interests. Have questions about enrollment, degree programs, or financial aid? A UMass Global enrollment coach can help.
Programs Offered
Instructor-Lead
General Education, Liberal Arts
AA (General Education)
In this general education degree, you'll be introduced to a broad range of subjects, including written and oral communication, liberal studies, mathematics, history, art, philosophy, social sciences, and natural sciences.
Oct 20, 2025
100% Online
Applied Studies, Liberal Arts
Applied Studies (Applied Communications), BA
The Bachelor of Arts in Applied Studies provides a broad-based degree that can be propel your career in various fields. This concentration in applied communication covers diverse online coursework to broaden your knowledge and skills.
Oct 20, 2025
100% Online
Applied Studies, Liberal Arts
Applied Studies (Applied Humanities), BA
The Bachelor of Arts in Applied Studies, Applied Humanities introduces you to modern technologies and communications that can be applied to a wide variety of jobs and industries.
Oct 20, 2025
100% Online
Applied Studies, Liberal Arts
Applied Studies (Leadership), BA
This degree concentration is specifically tailored for the career needs of police officers, EMS workers, firefighters, and other professionals looking to make an impact on their communities with positive change and exemplary leadership.
Oct 20, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Liberal arts is an educational approach that emphasizes broad, transferable knowledge and skills across subjects such as the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. It values the development of critical thinking, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities, preparing graduates for success in a variety of careers and industries.
A liberal arts degree typically refers to any course of study centered on arts, humanities, communication, and social sciences, rather than technical or professional fields. While UMass Global does not explicitly offer a degree named "Liberal Arts," several of our flexible degrees provide a robust liberal arts education, equipping students with versatile skills applicable to many fields. Refer to the program pages on this page for more information on available degrees.
A liberal arts education builds a foundation of knowledge across multiple disciplines and develops in-demand skills such as communication, collaboration, analysis, and adaptability. Graduates become well-equipped to pursue careers in a variety of sectors, including business, education, media, public service, and more.
Graduates with a liberal arts-focused degree find opportunities in education, communications, public relations, management, social services, and other fields that value adaptable thinkers and skilled communicators. The versatility of a liberal arts background helps graduates navigate a rapidly changing job market.
UMass Global's degrees in areas like Applied Studies and General Education are designed with flexibility in mind. Students can receive credit for prior learning, select courses most relevant to their goals, and work with advisors to create efficient education plans — often allowing them to complete their degree in less time than traditional programs.
Yes. Programs such as the BA in Applied Studies allow students to choose concentrations (like Applied Communication, Applied Humanities, or Leadership) and select courses that best fit their personal interests and professional objectives, providing a personalized liberal arts experience.