What is liberal arts?

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.

What is liberal arts degree and does UMass Global offer one?

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.

What is the value of a liberal arts education?

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.

What careers can a liberal arts degree lead to?

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.

How do UMass Global's programs help me finish my degree faster?

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.

Can I customize my liberal arts studies at UMass Global?

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.

Get the Benefit of a Degree

Learn how this partnership with University of Massachusetts Global provides access to benefits, scholarships, and grants for working adults just like you!

The education you seek made more affordable.

Finding the time and money to go back to school while still working is a challenge. But thanks to your employer partnering with UMass Global, you can get the degree or certificate you seek, upgrading your skills and improving your career outlook. And you can do so at significant savings. Plus, our online coursework fits into the busiest of lives!

Your Discounts at a Glance

Because your employer is a Marquis Partner with UMass Global, these are the scholarships available to employees and their spouses and dependents:

20% Scholarship

Associate degrees
Bachelor’s degrees
Certificates (grad and undergrad)
UMass Global MyPath degree programs
Master’s degree programs (except as specifically noted)
Organization Custom Off-site Cohorts (as approved by the University)

15% Scholarship

Master of Arts in Teaching
Teaching Credentials (Single Subject, Multiple Subject, and Special Education)
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy

10% Scholarship

Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership

How will a degree help me?

Check out some fast facts on why going back to school is a good option.

$1.2M

in additional lifetime earnings — that’s the average boost for bachelor’s degree holders compared to those with only a high school diploma

20%

more pay for having a master’s (or higher) instead of just a bachelor’s

60%

of workers will require training before 2027

I now have the skill set to go forth and be the leader to really help my community and make it better.

Anna M.

Education, Educational Administration, MAE

There are definite financial advantages to getting a master’s degree. You have the ability to max out on the pay scale. Initially, this was a motivator for me, but once I got into my master’s program and saw how I could apply what I was learning in my classroom, it wasn’t about the money so much anymore.

Steve L.

Education, Teaching and Learning, MAE

Not all doctoral programs are alike. I loved the cohort model because I not only earned my doctorate I also gained lifelong friends and a network of professionals I can rely on. The Ed.D. program taught me to be confident and thoughtful in my leadership decisions.

Linda C.

Organizational Leadership, Ed.D.

WASC Senior College and University Commission

University of Massachusetts Global is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

California Commission on Teaching Credentialing

University of Massachusetts Global's School of Education is accredited by the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing (CTC).

Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation

University of Massachusetts Global is a member in good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), a national accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation

Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

UMass Global's Bachelor and Master of Social Work programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Ways to Get Started

Get started in 6 simple steps

Speak with an Enrollment Coach — Call 800.746.0082 or fill out a request for information form.
Complete your application, it’s free and easy! — Click here to apply!
Receive your acceptance letter — Congratulations 🎉 !
Complete the scholarship verification form — Click here to fill out the form and submit your verification.
Get financially cleared — Make an appointment with our helpful OneStop Specialists.
Enroll in classes — Work with an assigned Academic Advisor to come up with a schedule that works for you.

Request Info to Learn More Today

Degree Type

Area of Interest

Program of Interest

Session

I'm active-duty military or spouse Yes No

First Name

Last Name

Email Address

Phone Number

Consent

By submitting this form, I consent to receive calls, texts, emails and advertising from UMass Global and/or Kaplan North America, LLC using the contact information provided, including mobile numbers and email addresses, which may be sent with automated or pre-recorded technology. Message & data rates may apply. Consent is not required to attend and I may opt-out at any time.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Disclaimers:

Student must be an employee/member, spouse/dependent of employee/member of a participating Scholarship Partner.
Student must be admitted to the University, start during the term of the partnership agreement, and attend during the current academic year.
Continuing student will maintain the scholarship level that was awarded at the time of the agreement.
Interrupted enrollment will not affect a continuing student’s scholarship unless the student is required to re-apply to the university. Students who must re-apply to the university will need to also re-apply to any scholarship awarded through an updated partnership agreement. The reapplying student would be subject to whichever scholarships and agreements are available to them in their specific situation at the time of the re-admit.
Student must remain in good academic and financial standing in accordance with the University's existing catalog.
Student must submit the scholarship application no later than one session immediately following the start of the student's eligibility of the qualified academic program. In addition, once the scholarship application is submitted, the scholarship will not be retroactive beyond one session.
Scholarships will be applied to the current active session/trimester based on date of receipt of the complete scholarship application packet and cannot be applied retroactively.
Student may not combine any scholarships or discounts to tuition, including military rates.

Get the Benefit of a Degree

The education you seek made more affordable.

Your Discounts at a Glance

How will a degree help me?

Testimonials

Programs Offered

General Business, AA