Study Liberal Arts in Georgia
As one of the oldest states in the nation, Georgia also has one of the longest educational histories. In fact, the University of Georgia was the first state-chartered university when it was founded in 1785 . Today, Georgia boasts dozens of colleges, universities, and technical schools to meet the educational needs of its citizens.
The good news for you as a prospective liberal arts student is that you can find high-quality liberal arts bachelor’s degrees at colleges and universities of all shapes and sizes throughout the state. The list below outlines some of the most popular options you might consider for your degree.

Liberal Arts Bachelor’s Programs in Georgia
Listed below are some of the popular schools offering liberal arts bachelor’s programs in Georgia:
- Georgia College and State University
- Mercer University
- Georgia Southern University
- Fort Valley State University
- Berry College
- Spelman College
- Georgia Gwinnett College
- Emory University
- East Georgia State College
Georgia College and State University
Bachelor of Arts (B.A) in Liberal Arts
The on-campus liberal studies bachelor’s degree at Georgia College and State University requires 120 credits to graduate. Assuming you attend school full-time, you’ll need four years to complete the requirements for the degree.
A unique feature of this program is that you can choose from various preset concentration areas for your degree. The choices include the following:
- Culture, Religion, and Society
- Environmental Justice
- European Studies
- Gender and Sexuality
- Global Studies
If one of these concentrations doesn’t fit your educational or occupational goals, you can opt to design an individual studies program that satisfies your interests while also meeting the requirements for graduation. The individual studies option has certain requirements, though.
For example, you must take courses in a variety of disciplines, including natural sciences and math, humanities, and social sciences. You must also complete at least 24 credit hours in your major area of concentration. The individual studies track and the preset concentrations listed above further require you to fulfill a foreign language requirement.
You must complete a senior capstone project regardless of your chosen track. Like the degree, the capstone gives you a lot of freedom for exploring topics of interest to you. Your capstone must be completed as part of a 4000-level course and must explore the various areas of study in your area of concentration.
Your ability to tailor your learning experience doesn’t end there, though. Georgia College and State University offers a wide range of undergraduate minors you can use to complement your major area studies. Available minors include the following:
- Black Studies Minor
- International Studies Minor
- Latin American, Caribbean, and Latino/a Studies Minor
- Philosophy Minor
- Urban Studies Minor
- Women’s Studies Minor
You can apply for admission to Georgia College and State University online . To do so, you must complete the following steps:
- Submit a $35 application fee ($40 if using a paper application)
- Submit high school transcripts (and transcripts from each college or university you’ve attended).
- Provide a 200-300-word response to one of two essay prompts:
- Given your own individual background and life experiences, what strengths or distinctions will you contribute to the student body at GCSU?
- Please describe the most important goal you have established for yourself regarding your future undergraduate experience and explain how a Georgia College education fits into accomplishing this goal.
- Submit ACT or SAT scores (if applying as a first-time student starting in fall 2024)
- Provide a letter of recommendation and a resume of extracurricular activities (both are optional but highly recommended)
Mercer University
Bachelor of Arts (B.A) in Liberal Arts
Mercer University’s Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies offers flexibility regarding what you study and where you study: Atlanta, Macon, Douglas County, or Henry County. A blended option, including on-campus and online coursework, is also available.
In fact, the format of the program maximizes your ability to juggle school, work, and home life. You will take two eight-week class sessions during the fall and spring semesters. There is one eight-week session and one four-week session during the summer as well.
As most liberal studies programs go, you have the option of designing your own curriculum to meet the requirements of graduation. Of course, you can also choose from a number of university-approved concentrations as well. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Literary Studies
- American Studies
- Mathematics
- Education Studies
- Humanities
Other options include Science, Writing, and Religious studies, among many others.
Over the course of the 120 credits required to graduate, you will compile a robust collection of papers, projects, and other artifacts that speak to your educational journey. These artifacts will be compiled into an ePortfolio to showcase what you have learned over the four years in the program.
The purpose of the ePortfolio is to help you connect the dots between your learning in various disciplines. Not only does this help strengthen your knowledge and skills, but it also gives you a ready-made portfolio to use for job hunting after you graduate.
In addition to basic foundational courses in liberal arts, you must also complete 24 credits of coursework in your concentration (or 12 credits in each of two co-concentrations). Thirty-nine general education credits and another 39 elective credits are also required. By taking these varied courses, you will develop strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills. You will also learn how to think outside the box and provide constructive solutions to critical problems in your life, your community’s life, and society in general.
Mercer University accepts students into this program in January, March, May, August, and October. To apply , you must have completed at least nine undergraduate credits. Additionally, you must meet the following criteria:
- Have a 2.25 GPA or higher
- Submit an application and a $25 application fee
- Provide high school or GED transcripts, if applicable
- Provide official transcripts from all colleges or universities you have attended
Georgia Southern University
Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies
At Georgia Southern University, you can get a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies that explores the liberal arts areas that are of most interest to you. In fact, your degree will be built around three concentration areas of your choosing. Some of the most popular options include:
- Business
- Sociology
- Public Policy
- Spanish
- Writing
Other options you might consider include French, Instructional Technology, or Nonprofit Management. Many other options are available, too.
Regardless of which concentration areas you choose, you will proceed through a 124-credit curriculum that helps you develop higher-order thinking skills. For example, you will learn how to be an effective communicator, apply critical knowledge and skills in multiple settings, and critically analyze information to come to research-based conclusions.
Furthermore, your coursework will help you learn how to evaluate new information, analyze it, and integrate it with your existing knowledge. Developing these and other skills not only advances your ability to think critically but also helps you build a toolkit of skills that can be applied in any number of occupational fields.
The curriculum is broad-based, as you would expect. You must complete courses in Global Perspectives, Humanities and Fine Arts, and Social Sciences. Numerous courses in Science, Math, and Technology are also required. Additionally, you must complete at least 18 credits of coursework in your chosen concentration area.
You can complete this degree on campus in Statesboro, Georgia, or if you prefer, you can complete it in a 100 percent online format. In either case, you’ll have a mentor who will help guide you through the program and ensure you’re on track to meet all the requirements of graduation.
You can apply to this program online if it’s of interest to you. As a first-year student, you must meet the following qualifications:
- Complete the 17 required high school curriculum courses
- Have a 2.5 high school GPA or higher
- Submit ACT or SAT scores (if your high school GPA is below 3.2)
- Submit an application for admission and a $30 application fee
The deadline for fall admission is August 1st of each year. The deadline for the spring semester is December 1st, while the summer semester deadline is April 1st.
Fort Valley State University
Bachelor of Arts (B.A) in Liberal Arts
The Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from Fort Valley State University is a typical on-campus, 123-credit, four-year program. Your studies at Fort Valley State will be varied in nature. You can devise an interdisciplinary program spanning multiple areas of study, including arts, sciences, agriculture, and education. Or, if you prefer, you can focus on transdisciplinary studies, which involves exploring one topic within a broader field of inquiry.
Either way, you will be assigned an academic advisor who will work closely with you to design your program of study. At present, you can choose from five approved concentration areas:
- Creative Arts
- International Affairs
- African and African American World Diaspora Studies
- Environmental Studies
- Spanish Language and Cultures
Fort Valley State also offers a self-designed concentration, which you can develop with the help of your academic advisor.
No matter which concentration you choose, you will set out on a program of study that fosters the development of crucial skills – critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication, among them. All told, 60 of the 123 credits needed to graduate will be in your chosen liberal studies field.
The advantage of a program like this is that it can prepare you for a variety of pursuits after graduation. For example, some liberal studies students at Fort Valley State go on to get their teaching credentials. Others focus on getting a law degree. In some cases, you might use your education here to find an entry-level job relating to your field of study.
For example, if you select the Environmental Studies concentration, you might find a job working for an environmental cleanup company as a cleanup technician. As another example, you might use a concentration in Spanish Languages and Culture to work as an interpreter for a U.S.-based business that has dealings in Spanish-speaking regions of the world.
You can start your Fort Valley State undergraduate application online . If applying as a first-year student, you must have a 3.0 high school GPA in the following areas:
- English (4 units)
- Math (4 units)
- Natural Science (4 units)
- Social Science (3 units)
- Foreign Language (2 units)
Alternatively, you might be admitted with a 2.5 GPA in the above high school courses if you have at least a 480 in reading and writing and a 440 or higher in math on the SAT, a 17 or higher in math and English or reading on the ACT, or the following scores on the Accuplacer test, which is designed for adult students entering as freshmen:
- Writeplacer: 4 or higher
- Reading: 237 or higher
- Algebra and Statistics: 258 or higher
You must also submit a completed application, high school transcripts, and official transcripts from every college or university you have attended.
What are the Pros and Cons of a Liberal Arts Degree?
A liberal arts degree offers a range of advantages and disadvantages, which can influence career paths, personal development, and academic interests. Here’s a breakdown:
Pros of a Liberal Arts Degree
- Broad Knowledge Base: You will gain exposure to a variety of subjects, fostering a well-rounded education. This diversity can enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Development of Transferable Skills: Liberal arts programs emphasize skills like writing, communication, and analytical thinking, which are valuable in virtually any career.
- Flexibility in Career Choices: The broad skill set can open doors for you to a wide range of careers, from business and law to the arts and education.
- Enhanced Creativity and Innovation: Exposure to diverse subjects can foster creativity and an innovative mindset, useful in many modern industries.
- Preparation for Graduate Studies: A liberal arts background can be an excellent foundation for advanced studies in various fields, including law, business, and academia.
- Cultural and Ethical Awareness: These programs often focus on cultural understanding and ethical considerations, preparing students to navigate a globalized world.
Cons of a Liberal Arts Degree
- Lack of Specialization: The broad scope of study may lack the depth of knowledge or specialized skills needed for certain technical or professional fields.
- Perceived Marketability: Employers in certain industries may prefer candidates with more specialized, technical degrees, potentially making job searches more challenging for liberal arts graduates.
- Earning Potential: Initially, as a liberal arts graduate, you may find that their earning potential is lower compared to peers with degrees in fields like engineering, technology, or finance.
- Need for Further Education: To advance in certain careers or specialize, you may need additional qualifications or degrees.
- Rapidly Changing Job Market: As industries evolve, particularly in technology and science, the broad knowledge base of a liberal arts degree might not align perfectly with specific industry demands.
- Return on Investment Concerns: With the increasing cost of higher education, the financial return on investing in a liberal arts degree can be a concern, especially when compared to more vocational or technical education paths.
The value of a liberal arts degree largely depends on your goals, career aspirations, and personal interests. While it offers a well-rounded education and versatile skills, it may require additional steps or education to achieve specific career objectives. Balancing these factors is key to deciding if a liberal arts path aligns with your personal and professional goals.
What are the Liberal Arts Career Opportunities in Georgia?
One of the advantages of getting a liberal arts degree in Georgia is that there are many opportunities to find employment without leaving the state. While many job opportunities are available in large cities like Atlanta, your liberal arts training might also qualify you for jobs in less-populated areas of the state.
For example, the essential skills you learn in your degree program, such as effective written and verbal communication, problem-solving, and critical analysis, would serve you well as a real estate agent. Coursework in math and statistics, humanities, and law would also help prepare you for the requirements of working in the real estate field, whether you’re based in a rural area, the suburbs, or a large city in Georgia.
Another option you might consider is working as a banking professional. Many liberal arts programs require you to take courses in math, interpersonal communication, and economics, all of which can help you be successful as a bank teller, account representative, or lender. With hundreds of banks in the Atlanta area alone, you might discover that there are plentiful job opportunities in this field.
The skills you gain in a liberal arts program can also be used in an administrative role. For example, you might work in a city’s administrative department where you oversee programs for community members. This type of job requires a broad range of skills, from time management to the ability to work well as a team to problem-solving skills. Your mastery of these skills can enable a city to function more smoothly, provide improved services for community members, and enhance the quality of life for everyone in the community.
While these are just a few examples of what you can do with a liberal arts degree in Georgia, you can see how endless the possibilities can be. With a broad-based education and a customized course of study, the sky’s the limit when it comes to the career options you can explore in Georgia!
Can I Become a Licensed Accountant in Georgia If I have a Liberal Arts Bachelor’s Degree?
Yes, you can become an accountant in Georgia with a liberal arts bachelor’s degree, but you will need to complete additional steps to meet the educational and certification requirements for the profession. Here’s how you can proceed:
Complete Accounting Coursework: You will need to take additional accounting courses to meet the educational requirements. Many universities offer post-baccalaureate programs or accounting certificate programs designed for individuals with non-accounting degrees. You might also consider enrolling in a Master of Accounting or an MBA program with an accounting concentration.
CPA Requirements: If you want to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Georgia, you must meet the specific educational requirements set by the Georgia State Board of Accountancy. This typically includes:
- A total of 150 semester hours of college education.
- A bachelor’s degree or higher.
- At least 30 semester hours in accounting above the introductory level, including courses in financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and management accounting.
- At least 24 semester hours in business-related courses (which your liberal arts degree may partially cover).
Pass the CPA Exam: After completing the educational requirements, you need to pass the Uniform CPA Examination, which consists of four sections:
- Auditing and Attestation
- Business Environment and Concepts
- Financial Accounting and Reporting
- Regulation
Gain Experience: You must gain relevant work experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. Georgia requires at least one year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in accounting, which can be in public accounting, industry, government, or academia.
Apply for Licensure: Once you have met the education, examination, and experience requirements, you can apply for your CPA license through the Georgia State Board of Accountancy.
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