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Liberal Studies

Design Your Liberal Studies Journey

Flexible. Personalized. Career-Focused.

 

The Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies is a flexible, interdisciplinary program designed for returning adult learners and working professionals seeking to complete a first or second undergraduate degree. Students work with an academic advisor to create a personalized plan of study aligned with their academic interests, career goals, and schedule while building strong critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills.

Program Highlights

  • Customize your BA across multiple academic disciplines and areas of interest.
  • Complete your degree in as few as 2–4 years, depending on prior credits.
  • Take advantage of flexible course options, including select online classes.
  • Learn from faculty across the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and professional studies.
  • Build a strong foundation for careers across a wide range of industries or for graduate study.
  • Develop a theme-based plan of study with academic advising support.
Stack of Interdisciplinary Liberal Arts Textbooks.

Curriculum

Learn how courses are combined across disciplines to shape your academic path. Explore Curriculum Structure.

What You Can Do With This Degree

A degree in liberal studies provides a strong academic foundation and adaptable skill set valued across industries. Students develop abilities in communication, critical thinking, leadership, creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration that can support success in many professional environments.

  • Legislative Assistant: Research policy, prepare reports and correspondence, and support legislative operations and communications.
  • Communications Associate: Develop messaging, coordinate public relations efforts, and support organizational communications strategies.
  • Project Manager: Plan, coordinate, and oversee projects while managing timelines, budgets, and team objectives.
  • Web Developer: Design, build, and maintain websites and digital applications that support organizational goals.
  • Urban Planner: Help develop land use plans and community initiatives that promote sustainable growth and development.
  • Department Manager: Lead teams, oversee daily operations, and support organizational performance and strategic goals.

Ready to Get Started?

Prospective students, request more information to learn about admission and begin planning your personalized degree path. Current Pitt students, connect with a CGS advisor.

Retired Programs

Humanities BA and Social Sciences BA (Retired)

These programs have been retired and are no longer accepting new students. Students currently enrolled will be supported through completion. For more information, please contact your CGS advisor or cgs@pitt.edu. You can review Humanities BA program requirements and Social Sciences BA program requirements in the university catalog.