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Interdisciplinary Liberal Arts B.A.

17:1
Avg. student to faculty ratio
86%
Of CSU Grads Land Jobs Related to Their Career Plans
95%
Of Online Undergraduate Students Would Choose CSU Again
$52K
Average Starting Salary of Recent CSU Grads
Degree Overview Open Accordion

See how CSU’s online liberal arts degree helps you develop a broad set of communication and analytical skills that will benefit you professionally and personally.

Earn your liberal arts degree online

The world is a diverse and complex place, so it's important to understand people, cultures, events, and concepts from multiple perspectives. CSU's online liberal arts degree gives you the broad foundation to explore a variety of conceptual frameworks with interdisciplinary coursework in communications, economics, political science, sociology, and the humanities.

Develop the skills employers value

Versatility is a major asset in the modern workplace, and this program equips you with knowledge and tools to fill a wide range of multidimensional job roles across numerous industries. Gain the credentials you need to move forward in your career as you hone your abilities in:

  • Professional writing
  • Verbal communication
  • Problem solving
  • Analytical thinking

Why study liberal arts?

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), many employers rank “soft skills” like communication, writing, and critical thinking (three skills you learn in a liberal arts program) above technical skills.

Employers understand that it’s easier to teach someone new technical skills if they already have a solid foundation in communication, collaborative group work, and critical thinking. On the other hand, it can be more challenging to work with a tech savvy person who lacks fundamental soft skills.

Creativity, versatility, and a well-rounded knowledge base make motivated liberal arts majors highly employable. Depending on the specific courses and minor you choose, there are many potential career avenues you can take, including:

  • Teaching
  • Marketing, advertising, and copywriting
  • Art and design
  • Management
  • Human resources
  • Sales, retail, and customer service
  • Social work and nonprofit

Learn more about putting your liberal arts degree to work.

Study on a schedule that fits your life

CSU is the first institution in Colorado to offer an online liberal arts bachelor's degree. Online programs broaden your opportunities to get a quality education that is flexible enough to fit into your life — no matter where you live, what your schedule is, or where you are in your life and career.

With an average class size of 21 students, this program gives you the opportunity to interact closely with your instructors and your peers.

Customize your degree to your career goals

This flexible program allows you to select courses that best suit your interests and career objectives. You can pursue an educational experience that is driven by your interests in the subjects you most enjoy. In addition to foundational coursework, a minor is required for completion of the program.

You can choose from nine minors, including:

  • Agricultural Business
  • Anthropology
  • Business Administration
  • Economics
  • Gerontology
  • Global and Environmental Sustainability
  • Media Studies
  • Political Science
  • Sociology
Explore Careers Open Accordion

A liberal arts degree will not only increase your employment marketability, it will advance and refine your competencies for new employment responsibilities. Graduates from this liberal arts degree program apply their education in a wide variety of careers, including public policy, mass media, law, city planning, business, information systems, journalism, publishing, education, sales and marketing, government, communications, museum work, and entertainment.

The College of Liberal Arts prides itself in educating students for life. Designed to enhance personal and professional growth, this undergraduate degree completion program supports a life of intellectual exploration, integrated learning, and personal development. You gain knowledge and intellectual and interpersonal skills that provide a basis for career advancement in virtually every career in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors.

With a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Liberal Arts, you gain the foundational background in a variety of disciplines necessary to pursue graduate study in many specialized fields.

Additionally, degree minors provide a unique opportunity to focus your career goals on a specific area of interest.

Hear from Our Students Open Accordion

Hear about our students' experiences, and see how CSU's flexible online liberal arts program allowed them to achieve their academic goals.

Brad DeMoss

See why Brad felt like his life had been "on hold" until he chose to finish his degree online at CSU.


Carolyn Nelson

Carolyn returned to school after nearly three decades; hear her tell the story of her journey to graduation.


Frequently Asked Questions Open Accordion
Do I need previous coursework or experience for this degree?

Yes, previous coursework is required. This program is designed for students who have completed at least 40 transferable credit hours at the community college level or if you have completed an A.A. or A.S. degree. Your transcripts from all the colleges you attended will be evaluated to determine your academic status and transfer credits in relation to satisfying degree program requirements.

How long will it take me to finish the degree?

The time it will take you to complete the degree will depend on how many transfer credits you have earned and how many credits you choose to take each semester.

How much time will I need to dedicate weekly to my studies?

The amount of time you will spend weekly will depend on the amount of coursework you commit to each semester as well as your learning and studying style. Although this degree offers flexibility, it still requires the same amount of work and time as an on-campus program. It is recommended to spend nine to twelve hours per week on a three credit course.

Will there be interaction with other students and faculty?

Absolutely. Class sizes average 25 students which gives you more attention from each faculty member. Your interactions with your classmates and faculty depend on the specific course, but online courses do provide you with the means to communicate and discuss on and offline. You will also collaborate on projects and exchange ideas with fellow classmates through email and discussion board postings.

What jobs will I be qualified for when I finish the degree?

Colorado State University's liberal arts coursework is applicable to virtually every career in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. This degree program features interdisciplinary studies in a variety of topics of your choosing opening opportunities to gain knowledge in a variety of careers and industries.

Why Choose CSU? Open Accordion

As a student in CSU’s online interdisciplinary liberal arts bachelor’s program, you receive the same education, learn from the same faculty, and earn the same regionally accredited degree as students on campus. Additionally, you can expect:

  • A Degree That Applies to a Variety of Industries: Courses in sociology, economics, communications, political science, and the humanities help you develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication abilities. These skills are valued by employers in nearly every field.
  • A Customizable Curriculum: Our program offers a choice of degree minors, allowing you to tailor your educational experience to meet personal and career goals.
  • A Quality Learning Experience: With an average class size of 21 students, this program gives you the opportunity to interact closely with your instructors and your peers.
  • Convenience and Flexibility: The online format allows you to earn your degree from a reputable research university while maintaining a busy work schedule and personal life.

Learn more about CSU's rankings and accolades.

Curriculum Open Accordion

Requirements to Graduate

A minimum of 120 credits are required to complete this degree. This includes:

  • 42 upper-division (300 and 400-level) credits
  • 30 upper-division credits completed through Colorado State University

The number of courses needed for completion of the program depends on:

CSU's composition requirement should be met in your first semester after admission. Students must satisfy CSU's admission requirement in mathematics.

Curriculum

This online Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Liberal Arts brings together courses in the humanities, the arts, social sciences, and languages and literature. Such a broad curriculum helps you develop personally while you build core professional skills and improve your understanding of the complex world in which we live.

Courses can be taken in any order as long as prerequisites are met. Prerequisite courses do apply to the total credits required to complete the program, though some prerequisites may not be offered through Colorado State University Online and may require consent of the instructor prior to registration.

The curriculum listed below is intended to inform prospective students about the overall theme of the program and should not be used as an example program of study. Students need to consult their advisor to develop a degree completion plan based on the credits transferred into this program. You have the option to use the TransferologyTM website to conduct a self-review of your potential transfer courses. This tool will assist you in seeing how your previous college coursework may transfer to CSU.

Major Requirements

Capstone

Arts & Humanities or Social Sciences – Upper Division (18 credits)

Choose upper-division (300 and 400-level) courses from at least 2 of the liberal arts disciplines (cannot double count credits from minor). (ANTH, ART, CO, D, E, ECON, ETST, GR, HIST, JTC, LSPA, LB, PHIL, POLS, PSY (only 6 credits allowed from PSY), SOC, SPCM, TH.)

Arts & Humanities/Social Sciences (12 credits)

Choose, in consultation with your advisor from any liberal arts disciplines (cannot double count credits from AUCC I, II, or III).

Degree Minor (21 to 24 credits)

Must choose an approved minor.

Depth & Integration (3 credits)

Select at least one class (3 credits) from the following: ECON 306, POLS 302, POLS 420, SOC 311, SPCM 341, ANTH 400, or SPCM 350.

Depth & Integration courses are courses that the department has deemed to build upon the foundations of knowledge and intellectual perspectives of AUCC Category 3 in an integrative and complementary way.

The Learning Experience

Without a strict timeline or schedule of completing the curriculum, you can get the degree you want, the courses you want, all in a time frame that fits your schedule.

While this degree offers flexibility, it still requires a commitment of time and attention. It is recommended that you plan to spend nine to twelve hours per week on a three-credit course, though the time required will vary depending on your learning style. You should expect to be challenged by the analytical and communication requirements of this program, so you gain the skills that make this degree so valuable to your current and future employers.

This program strives to be interactive and requires you to be an active participant in class. The format and extent of your interactions with faculty and fellow students depend on the course, but each course generally has online or telephone office hours, email contact, discussions, and weekly assignments. With an average class size of just 25 students, you receive personalized attention from experienced university faculty.

This self-paced online program allows you to earn your degree while maintaining your busy work and family schedules. Is online learning right for you?

Degree Minors Open Accordion

Grow your knowledge and focus on a topic that interests you. A degree minor can help you discover new passions and talents, and further specialize your education so you become more marketable to employers. Relevant courses often apply to both major and minor requirements, so a minor can be added without greatly changing your degree plan.

Courses already taken can apply to a minor regardless of when the minor is added to your student record. All minor requirements must be completed prior to graduation.

Undergraduate Minors

Agricultural Business

Build knowledge of production management, financial management, marketing management, international development, and trade through an agricultural lens. To earn the minor, you must complete 21 credits from the following courses:

Required Courses

Select any 15 credits from the following

Anthropology

Get a cross-cultural view of humanity and the broadly conceived dimensions of human behavior. You have the option to focus your anthropology studies on one or more sub-disciplinary divisions, including physical anthropology, archaeology, ethnology, or applied anthropology. To earn the minor, you must complete 22 credits from the following courses:

Business Administration

Computer Science

Add to your knowledge base and feel confident working with fields like computer programming, software development, cyber security, and more.

Required Lower Division Courses

Select one course from the following

Required Upper Division Courses

  • CS courses numbered 300 or above (12 cr.)

Program Total Credits: 24

Please note: Additional Math courses may be required depending on the 300/400 level courses that students choose.

Creative Writing

Explore creative writing in one or more of the following genres: poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction. In addition to broadening your writing repertoire, gain workshop experience at an advanced level. To earn this minor, you must complete a minimum of 21 credits in courses with E or CO subject codes, with at least 15 upper-division credits.

Required Courses

Select one group from the following

Fiction
Poetry
Nonfiction

Upper-Division Electives

Design Thinking

The Minor in Design Thinking provides students with an opportunity to develop creative methods and processes for solving societal problems. This human-centered approach engages users and stakeholders in interdisciplinary co-design processes and applies elementary or emerging technologies to develop prototypes that improve spaces, objects, services, problems and ideas benefitting daily experiences and overall quality of life. Students will gain an awareness of the impact of design thinking and its application – to their major, discipline, or profession. Nancy Richardson Design Center course offerings are available in a mix of online, hybrid, or face-to-face. For a full list of learning opportunities offered by the RDC, please visit the courses page.

To earn the minor in Design Thinking online, you must complete 21 credits from the following courses:

Required Courses

Select any 12 credits from the following:

Note: Some online courses are still in development.

Economics

Gain insight into current socioeconomic problems in the areas of resource allocation, inflation, unemployment, income distribution, environmental degradation, international trade, and monopoly power. This minor prepares you for careers in business management, teaching, government, banking, and public policy. To earn the minor, you must complete 21 credits from the following courses:

Gerontology

Prepare for a variety of careers in gerontology and develop an understanding of the biological, psychological, and social aspects of adult development and aging. This interdisciplinary minor prepares you to fill the need for well-trained professionals to support aging adults, and can be paired with any CSU major.

Required Courses

Electives (3-6 credits)

Global and Environmental Sustainability

Prepare to meet today's pressing environmental challenges with this interdisciplinary minor offered by The School of Global Environmental Sustainability (SoGES). Explore innovative research to understand how to solve problems that arise between humans and the environment. To earn your minor, you must complete 21 credits (12 upper-division credits) from the following courses:

Required Courses

Select one course from each group (A-D)

At least 3 credits must be upper-division (300-400 level). Courses may not satisfy two groups.

Group A: Society and Social Processes (select one)
Group B: Biological and Physical Processes (select one)
Group C: Economy and Profitability (select one)
Group D: Skills (select one)

Upper-Division Elective – select 3 upper-division credits from categories A-D with a subject code not previously taken (3 cr.)

History

Expand the breadth of your knowledge by earning an undergraduate minor in history. Choose from a range of courses based on your interests. This minor may be particularly useful for students who plan to pursue careers in education, public service, government, museums and archives, law, and other professions that require skills in research, writing, and the analysis of information. To earn the history minor, you must complete 21 credits from the following courses. (Note: You must complete at least 12 upper-division credits and 9 lower-division credits).

Select any 9 credits from the following

Select any 12 credits from the following

Horticulture

Growing and managing plants requires you to understand the science and the business of cultivation, and this online bachelor's degree minor emphasizes both. To earn the horticulture minor, you must complete 21 credits from the following courses.

Required courses (14 credits):

Select two courses (for a minimum of 7 credits) from the following:

Human Development and Family Studies

The Human Development and Family Studies minor provides students across all majors with an opportunity to select course work relevant to their career goals. Students will learn about human development at various stages of the lifespan, within the context of diverse families and social identities. This minor offers students the opportunity to expand their thinking about how relationships, family, culture, biological make-up, and environmental factors influence outcomes related to thinking skills, physical health, and social-emotional well-being across the life cycle. Students will gain an awareness of how to optimize their own and other's development in their careers and personal lives. The HDFS department is committed to promoting the success and well-being of students from heterogeneous backgrounds and experiences.

Effective Fall 2023

Students must satisfactorily complete the total credits required for the minor. Minors and interdisciplinary minors require 12 or more upper-division (300- & 400-level) credits. Additional courses may be required due to prerequisites.

Courses from this list may not double-count for the Gerontology Interdisciplinary Minor.

A minimum grade of C (2.000) is required in each course used to satisfy the requirements of the Minor in Human Development and Family Studies. Courses used as substitutions also require a minimum grade of C (2.000).

Required Course:

Electives

Select a minimum of 18 credits from the following (a minimum of 12 credits must be 300-level or higher)

Interdisciplinary Global Studies

Develop an understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures and peoples with courses in international and global history, politics, languages and cultures, economics, and environmental issues. To earn this minor, you must complete 21 credits from the following courses:

Required Courses

Select four courses below

One course from each category, 12 credits total with at least 9 credits in upper-division (300-400) coursework.

History, Politics, and Society
Languages and Cultures
Economy and Environment

Interdisciplinary Information Science and Technology

This interdisciplinary minor is sponsored by departments in different colleges across CSU: Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, English and Journalism and Media Communication. The program is designed for students seeking a broad foundation in information technology, but not seeking to major in a specific information technology-related field. The program requires 21 credits and is open to students majoring in any field other than computer science, computer information systems, and electrical and computer engineering.

Required Course

Elective Courses

Select any 15 credits from the following

Program Total Credits: 21

Note: Nine credits must be from upper-division courses. A minimum of six credits must be completed from at least two subject codes.

Machine Learning

Media Studies

Understand the role and influence of mass media in American society and other cultures by studying media and film history, criticism, law, ethics, social effects, cultural consequences, and multicultural and international media issues. To earn the minor, you must complete 21 credits from the following courses:

Required Courses

Select any 15 credits from the following

Political Science

Gain a foundation in political theory and prepare for careers in law, teaching in the social sciences, journalism, and public service. To earn the minor, you must complete 21 credits from the following courses:

Required Courses

Select six credits from the following

Select nine credits of upper division classes from the following

Science Communication

The minor in Science Communication is designed to educate highly qualified communicators who have interests in specialized academic disciplines and career fields. Because science often involves complicated research and processes, communicating the results of that work requires special skills. This program is designed to prepare students for a wide range of niche career opportunities in media, corporate communication, science-related industries, and scientific environments.

Required Courses

Select two courses from the following:

Sociology

How to Add a Minor

Please connect with your assigned advisor to request to add a minor. Note that you must apply and be admitted to the University for a bachelor's degree program before you can add a minor to your student record. Once you are admitted, one or more minors may be added to your student record.


Undergraduate Certificates

Design Thinking Certificate

Open to all undergraduate students, the Certificate in Design Thinking will improve not only the way students learn and find solutions to problems in their current coursework, but will also help make students more employable with sought-after marketable skills. Students will gain an awareness of the impact of design thinking and its application – regardless of discipline, profession, or major. Nancy Richardson Design Center course offerings are available in a mix of online, hybrid, or face-to-face. For a full list of learning opportunities offered by the RDC, please visit the courses page.

To earn the certificate in Design Thinking online, you must complete 12 credits from the following courses:

Required Course

Select any 9 credits from the following:

Note: Some online courses are still in development.

Integrated Pest Management

The undergraduate Certificate in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) will equip students with in-depth knowledge of principles of integrated management of pest insects, weeds, and diseases associated with managed and natural landscapes. The students will learn about principles underlying integrated pest management, become familiar with key pests, and learn how to apply IPM in managed landscapes with a goal of minimizing environmental and economic impacts of pest control. This certificate is an excellent choice for students interested in entering the workforce immediately after graduation, as well as professionals that require certification in IPM. The certificate will prepare the students for careers in crop protection, pest management education and policy, among others.

Required Courses:

Select a minimum of 4 courses from the following:

Macroeconomics

The Certificate in Macroeconomics will educate students in the key ideas, tools, and policies of macroeconomics. Major ideas include the causes and consequences of economic growth, unemployment, inflation, and the changing distribution of income, both in the U.S. and internationally. Students will develop both theoretical and analytical skills that are highly valued by employers.

Required Courses

Select a minimum of 6 credits from the following:

Program Total Credits: 9

Spanish for Animal Health and Care

For students interested in working in animal science, veterinary medicine, or related fields, this certificate program teaches intermediate-level Spanish for use in agricultural and animal care settings. Learn to communicate in Spanish about livestock, equine, and small animal breeds, give directions for animal care and handling, issue instructions for safety and drug administration, and more.

Courses

Seed Science and Technology

Prepare for a career as a seed analyst with online courses in seed technology. These courses, led by Colorado State University and supported by three other major universities (Iowa State University, Virginia Tech, and the University of Kentucky) and the Crop Science Society of America, offer a comprehensive overview of seed analysis, a technical skill requiring patience, attention to detail, and a scientific understanding of seed biology. After completion, you will be prepared to complete the examinations to become a Registered Seed Technologist.

Courses

Note: Additional study and testing is required to become a Certified Seed Analyst or Registered Seed Technologist.

How to Apply Open Accordion

Application Deadlines

Fall semester August 1
Spring semester January 1
Summer semester May 1

Start your application online and upload materials directly into the online system. You can save your progress and return any time.

Apply Now

Planning to transfer credits from another college or university? Please review our FAQ page, then complete a Tentative Transfer Evaluation Form to see how your prior credits may transfer.

1 Review Admission Requirements

Refer to admissions.colostate.edu/apply/ for details about who we look for in our individual review process

2 Talk with a Student Success Coach

Call or email our student success team to find out if the program is a good fit for your goals. Our coaches are available Monday-Friday to help you find the right program and navigate the application process.

Student Success Coach: Kristina Reda
Phone: (970) 491-1813
Email: Kristina Reda

Schedule Time to Talk

3 Complete Online Application

Complete Colorado State University's online undergraduate application and pay any associated nonrefundable application processing fee (payable online) or waiver (if eligible).

  • Select "Liberal Arts—Interdisciplinary—online degree program" when choosing major.

Online applications must be submitted before 5 p.m. (Mountain Time) on the deadline date. If you miss the application deadline, you may still register for courses to begin your program of study as a non-degree student. Students seeking Federal financial aid must be admitted prior to enrolling.

4 Apply for Financial Aid (Optional)

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Use FAFSA code 001350. Additional financial aid information is also available.

5 Check Your Application Status

View your application status at any time to ensure your application checklist is complete or to check on updates.

Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis and may take up to six weeks during high volume application periods.

Questions?

We love learning about your goals and answering any questions you have.

Kristina Reda
Prospective Student Support Coach
Schedule Time to Talk

Program Details

Courses
Credits
120
Tuition
$476 per credit
Same in-state tuition for all.
Learn more about financial aid and scholarships Tuition/fees are just part of the cost to attend CSU. Learn more about the full Cost of Attendance
Degree Awarded
Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Liberal Arts
Time Frame
Varies based on intensity of study and previous coursework
Admission Reqs.

Application Dates

Fall semester
June 1*
Spring semester
November 1*
Summer semester
May 1*
*Note: Application dates may vary depending on student status. Learn more.

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