Study Liberal Arts in Missouri

As the crossroads of the nation, it stands to reason that Missouri offers a wealth of opportunities for your higher education. Whether you want to study in a large city like Kansas City or St. Louis or prefer a small-town atmosphere, Missouri has a college or university for you.

Better still, colleges and universities throughout the state offer bachelor’s degree programs in liberal arts, liberal studies, interdisciplinary studies, and other related areas. You don’t even have to live in Missouri to reap the benefits of these programs, either, because many schools offer degrees that are entirely online.

Let’s have a look at some of the popular options to consider for your bachelor’s degree in liberal arts.

Best Popular Accredited Liberal Arts Colleges and Bachelor's Degrees in Missouri Online

Liberal Arts Bachelor’s Programs in Missouri

Listed below are some of the popular schools offering liberal arts bachelor’s programs in Missouri:

  • University of Missouri-St. Louis
  • Lincoln University of Missouri
  • University of Missouri-Kansas City
  • Southeast Missouri State University
  • Evangel University
  • Stephens College
  • Central Methodist University
  • Westminster College
  • William Jewell College
  • Missouri State University

The University of Missouri-St. Louis

Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies

The Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies at the University of Missouri-St. Louis is a great example of how flexible many liberal studies programs are. On the one hand, it’s an online program, which gives you tremendous leeway in terms of when you study. On the other hand, the program also allows you to customize your learning experience so your courses better align with your academic and professional goals.

Rather than declaring a specific major, this program requires you to study multiple areas. You can do so in a couple of different ways. First, you can choose to complete two minors. This is a good option if you want to have significant coursework to back up your interests in multiple fields.

Second, you can choose to complete one minor and an undergraduate certificate. This option might be a better fit for you if you have one or two closely related academic interests but also want to develop career-related skills in a certificate program.

In either case, you will work with an academic advisor to outline your plan of study and ensure your desired degree plan meets the graduation requirements of the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Once your proposed plan of study is approved, you can declare your major in liberal studies and start working on your degree.

This degree requires the completion of 120 credits to graduate. Of those, you may transfer in as many as 60 previously completed college credits. You must complete 45 upper-division credits (2000-level and higher) as part of your program.

Most students take a handful of courses each semester and are able to complete the program in about three years of full-time study (fall, spring, and summer). However, depending on the number of transfer credits you have, you might be able to complete the remaining graduation requirements in about two years of full-time study.

Some of the disciplines you might study as part of your degree program include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Education
  • Criminal Justice
  • Psychology
  • Anthropology
  • Music

No matter the direction your studies take, you must complete a capstone experience that allows you to reflect on your learning and examine how your newfound knowledge and skills can be used to improve your intellectual and occupational prospects in the future.

You can apply to the University of Missouri-St. Louis as a first-year or transfer student. The admissions requirements are as follows:

  • As a first-year student, you must complete 4 years of English and math, three years of science and social studies, two years of the same foreign language, and one year of fine arts during your high school career. You must also submit ACT or SAT scores unless you choose the test-optional admissions process.
  • As a transfer student, you must have at least 24 college credits already completed and have a 2.3 cumulative GPA in your college work.

Lincoln University of Missouri

Bachelor of Liberal Studies (BLS)

If it’s an on-campus degree you are after, you might consider Lincoln University of Missouri’s Bachelor of Liberal Studies program as a possible fit. This traditional 120-credit program is offered by the university’s School of Education and can be tailored to your specific needs.

For example, let’s assume you are a transfer student who has a year’s worth of college studies already under your belt. This program can help you finish your studies and get your degree so you can move on to further academic pursuits (e.g., a master’s program) or enter the workforce.

But, let’s assume yo are a high school student who is unsure of the academic field you want to study. In that case, this liberal studies program can be a good fit because you can start exploring various academic disciplines right from the start. Four years later, you will have completed your degree with experiences studying two, three, or more fields of study.

In other words, whether you’re a new student or a returning one, someone who wants to prepare for additional college studies or enter the workforce, the BLS program at Lincoln University can help you meet your goals.

Whatever area of study you choose, you must complete specific requirements to graduate. Of the 120 credits required for this degree, at least 40 credits must be at the 300 level and above. Of those, you must complete 18 or more credits in your emphasis areas, with at least six credits in each area of emphasis.

Additionally, you must take one or more writing-intensive courses relating to your concentration area and complete a capstone experience. For example, if your emphasis area is history, you might take a technical writing course for the social sciences. Your capstone might explore the question, “How does studying history help inform decision-making today?”

Lincoln University gives you two pathways to earn credit that can help minimize the time required to finish your degree: credit for experiential learning and credit for community service. You can earn up to 12 credits via the experiential learning pathway and up to six credits via the community service pathway. Both methods require approval from the Liberal Studies Committee to ensure the experiences align with the goals and values of the program.

You can apply to Lincoln University of Missouri online. Eligibility requirements for first-year students are as follows:

  • Submit official high school transcripts denoting a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
  • GED recipients must provide official GED scores
  • Submit official ACT or SAT scores if you wish

Then, to apply to the BLS program, you must be 21 years of age or older, have a 2.0 cumulative college GPA, and submit an application to the Bachelor of Liberal Arts program.

The University of Missouri-Kansas City

Bachelor of Liberal Studies

The University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Bachelor of Liberal Studies program encompasses coursework in three primary areas: the arts, humanities, and sciences. Of course, you get to pick which of these fields you concentrate on; that way, your degree closely aligns with your specific needs.

The advantage of a program like this is that studies in the arts, humanities, and sciences help foster the development of a wide range of sought-after skills. You will emerge from the program with improved communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to adapt to quickly changing environments, and problem-solving using creative thinking.

What’s more, UMKC’s program focuses on building skills related to teamwork, analytical thinking, and multiculturalism. You will gain these and other skills by participating in a program of study that might include courses like the following:

  • Statistical Reasoning
  • U.S. History Since 1877
  • Theoretical Foundations of Race, Ethnic, and Gender Studies
  • Technology and Society
  • Argumentation And Debate

In addition to 27 credits of general education coursework, you must complete 36 credits of liberal arts studies and 57 elective credits. You have wide latitude in terms of the courses you take to fulfill the liberal arts and elective requirements, so you can truly customize this degree to your liking.

UMKC notes that this program is particularly beneficial if you wish to go to graduate school or complete a professional degree. The broad-based studies in the liberal arts program give you a wealth of knowledge and skills that can be applied in many different advanced academic pursuits.

In fact, UMKC offers a joint BLA/MD program if you wish to enter medical school after completing your BLA degree. Likewise, UMKC has an early-entry law program that allows you to complete your BLA and JD degrees in a shorter-than-normal timeframe.

The following are the admissions requirements as a first-year student:

  • Complete a high school curriculum that includes 4 years of English and math, 3 years of science and social studies, 2 years of the same foreign language, and 1 year of fine arts.
  • Self-report your GPA (a 2.5 GPA or higher is required for automatic admission)
  • Self-report your ACT score (a composite score of 19 or higher is required for automatic admission)
  • Provide official high school transcripts
  • Provide official transcripts from every college or university from which you’ve earned credit

Southeast Missouri State University

Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies

The Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies at Southeast Missouri State University is an online program requiring 120 credits to graduate. Of those credits, at least 39 must be senior division credits. The remaining credits needed for graduation include general education requirements and electives of your choice.

Rather than focusing on a single area of study, this degree program allows you to choose two to four areas of inquiry to focus on. You will complete at least 12 credits in each area you choose to emphasize, with no more than 30 credits in any one area. The concentrations you may choose from include options like Business, History, and Information Systems. Other options include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Mass Media
  • English Literature
  • Child Development
  • Healthcare Administration
  • Industrial Engineering and Technology

Southeast Missouri State provides additional learning opportunities outside the classroom as well. For example, you can participate in internships, clinical opportunities, and research. Study-abroad programs and student teaching opportunities are available as well.

Given these broad course options and hands-on learning opportunities, this program might be a good fit for you if you have an interest in multiple academic areas or need a wide range of knowledge and skills for your desired career. Additionally, this program is a good option if you started another program of study but wish to change to something with more academic freedom.

At 120 credits, you will need about four years of full-time studies to complete this degree. Since it’s offered online, you can study at times that are most convenient to you and work around personal, family, and career obligations. Of course, you can transfer credits into the program, which helps reduce the amount of time you need to finish the degree.

As a first-year student, you must meet the following criteria:

  • 4 years of English, 3 years of math, social studies, and science, one year of fine arts, and three years of additional coursework in a combination of these areas.
  • Submit high school transcripts or GED scores
  • Submit ACT or SAT scores if you wish

What Does It Mean if a School is Liberal Arts?

A liberal arts school typically refers to a college or university with an emphasis on undergraduate education in liberal arts and sciences. Here are the key characteristics:

  • Broad Curriculum: Liberal arts schools focus on a wide range of subjects, including literature, history, languages, philosophy, mathematics, and life sciences. This contrasts with vocational or technical education, which specializes in a specific career or trade.
  • Holistic Education: Liberal arts schools provide a well-rounded education that fosters critical thinking, communication skills, and a broad knowledge base. This approach is rooted in the classical education model.
  • Undergraduate Focus: These schools often prioritize undergraduate studies over graduate programs and emphasize small class sizes and close relationships between students and faculty.
  • Interdisciplinary Approach: Many liberal arts colleges encourage students to study a variety of disciplines and often have flexible curricula that allow for exploration across different fields.
  • Preparation for Varied Careers: Graduates from liberal arts schools are often well-prepared for a range of careers, as the skills they acquire are versatile and applicable in many fields. They also tend to be well-equipped for graduate studies in various disciplines.
  • Emphasis on Critical Thinking and Communication: Liberal arts education strongly emphasizes the development of critical thinking and effective communication skills.
  • Community and Campus Life: These schools often foster a strong sense of community and active campus life, with various extracurricular activities and opportunities for personal development.

Is Missouri State a Liberal Arts School?

Missouri State University is a public university located in Springfield, Missouri. While it offers a wide range of academic programs, it is not specifically categorized as a liberal arts school.

Missouri State University is a comprehensive institution that offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs in various fields of study, including liberal arts, business, education, health sciences, engineering, and more. It is not exclusively focused on liberal arts education but provides a diverse array of academic disciplines and programs.

Is University of Missouri a Liberal School?

The University of Missouri, often referred to as Mizzou, is a public research university and not specifically a liberal arts school in the traditional sense of the term. However, like many large universities, it does offer a comprehensive range of academic programs, including those in the liberal arts and sciences.

What are the Liberal Arts Career Opportunities in Missouri?

Armed with your liberal arts degree, there is virtually no limit to the types of career you pursue after you graduate. Many liberal arts graduates go into artistic fields, such as photography, pottery making, or theater. Your passion and training in one of these fields can help you start your own photography or pottery studio or perhaps join a theater troupe in Kansas City or St. Louis.

Your liberal arts degree can also qualify you for a career in one of Missouri’s hospitality industries. Whether you work on a riverboat on the Mississippi River, at one of the attractions in Branson, or in one of the hundreds of hotels around the state, you can draw on the problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills you gained in your program to be an effective employee.

But let’s say you prefer to work independently and perhaps be your own boss. A liberal arts degree from a Missouri college or university can help you achieve that goal. For example, you can use studies in computer science and related fields to become a web consultant who provides services like web design, SEO (Search Engine Optimization) consultations, and cybersecurity for businesses and organizations.

Likewise, you might focus your liberal arts studies on the arts and use those skills to establish yourself as an independent journalist, film critic, or food critic. You might even use the experiences of studying writing and research to work in fields like law or psychology, where you might serve as a freelance researcher or fact-checker.

The advantage of studying liberal arts is that you can tailor your degree to your interests. But the advantages don’t stop there. As shown with the examples above, you can leave college knowing that your skills have wide applicability. This can help you find a job that’s the best fit for your skills.

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