Study Liberal Arts in Virginia

As one of the oldest states in the nation, Virginia has long been a hotbed of higher education. Institutions like the University of Virginia and Georgetown have been educating students for hundreds of years. And over the years, dozens more colleges and universities have been established throughout the Commonwealth to meet the educational needs of Virginians near and far.

If you are interested in starting your undergraduate degree in liberal arts or finishing a degree you have already started, Virginia boasts many different options to help you achieve your goals. From large schools to small, on-campus programs to online, Virginia has what you need to get the education you desire. Below are some of the most popular options to consider.

Best Accredited Liberal Arts Bachelors Programs and Colleges in Virginia Online

Liberal Arts Bachelor’s Programs in Virginia

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

  • University of Virginia
  • Georgetown University
  • University of Mary Washington
  • Marymount University
  • University of Richmond
  • Hampden-Sydney College
  • Eastern Mennonite University
  • Washington and Lee University
  • Hollins University

The University of Virginia

Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies

The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of Virginia is an online program designed for adult learners who want to complete their college degree. If you fall into this category, you can transfer up to 60 credits into this program and work quickly to complete it in as little as one-and-a-half to two years.

Your coursework is a mix of synchronous online evening classes and select asynchronous classes. As you would expect, the choice of classes you can take is extremely broad. For example, you can take courses like Organizational Change and Development, Economics and Finance in Health Care, and the Italian Renaissance. Other options include:

  • Managerial Finance
  • Securing the Cyber World
  • The Second World War
  • Current Issues in Healthcare
  • Photography as Art

The specific courses you take depend on the area of concentration you choose. UVA offers four broad interdisciplinary specializations: technology, liberal arts, business, and healthcare management. You can choose a focus area within each of these specializations. For example, the technology specialty includes options in Information Technology or Cybersecurity Analysis. As another example, the liberal arts specialty offers History and Politics or Psychology as two options.

This program requires you to complete a capstone project as well. The capstone is a two-semester experience in which you conduct independent research in a field of your choice. More specifically, your task is to address a specific question or problem with scholarly research and debate. You will write a paper that reflects your work and demonstrates a deep level of understanding. The capstone is guided by an academic mentor who will help you clarify your focus and provide direction to your research.

An additional purpose of the capstone is to enhance your skills related to reading, writing, research, and critical analysis. These aren’t just intellectual skills; they are in-demand skills for careers of all types. In this regard, the capstone experience helps prepare you for the next step in your life, whether that’s moving on to a graduate program or seeking employment after graduation.

You can apply to the University of Virginia online. You must meet the following eligibility requirements to do so:

  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Have at least 36 transferable college credits, including a full sequence of English composition and 12 or more credits that satisfy general education requirements for the interdisciplinary studies program
  • A 2.0 GPA or higher
  • Submit a 500-word application essay
  • Provide unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended
  • Provide AP, IB, TOEFL, or IELTS scores, if applicable
  • Submit a letter of recommendation from a professor or collegiate advisor
  • Submit an application for Virginia In-State Education Privileges

Georgetown University

Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies

Georgetown’s Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies is an online degree completion program developed specifically for adult learners. You can enroll on a full-time or part-time basis to complete the 120 credits required to graduate. The amount of time you need to do so depends on various factors, including the number of credits you’ve already completed and the workload you take on each semester.

Provided you study full-time, you can complete this program in four years. That timeframe is even shorter if you have a significant number of undergraduate credits to your name. For example, if you have completed 30 credits, you can complete the remaining 90 credits in around three years.

Georgetown offers several concentration areas for you to tailor your learning experience. These include the following:

  • Business & Entrepreneurship
  • Humanities
  • Professional Media & Communication
  • International Relations
  • Individualized Study

The specific courses you take depend on the concentration you choose. However, all Liberal Studies students must complete specific curricular activities to graduate. For example, you must complete 18 credits of core courses, 48 credits in your chosen concentration, and 54 elective courses. Georgetown accepts up to 64 transfer credits (including military training), which can help offset the number of credits you need to complete.

More broadly, your coursework – despite your concentration area – will focus on building essential skills such as written and verbal communication. Moreover, you will explore many different academic topics ranging from the natural and social sciences to philosophy and the humanities to business and entrepreneurship.

Another benefit of this program is that you will study at one of the nation’s leading universities. Georgetown has an extensive network of academic resources, distinguished faculty, and industry leaders who can help you develop into a strong student and asset for future employers.

You can apply to Georgetown’s School of Continuing Studies online. Applications are accepted throughout the year in preparation for starting the program in the fall, spring, or summer semesters. When applying, you must provide the following:

  • Official high school transcripts or GED certification (a course-by-course evaluation option is also available)
  • Submit official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended
  • Submit English language proficiency exam scores, if applicable
  • You can also submit a resume or CV, a statement of purpose, a writing sample, and/or a letter of recommendation if you choose

The University of Mary Washington

Bachelor of Liberal Studies

The University of Mary Washington offers a Bachelor of Liberal Studies (BLA) degree that gives you the flexibility of choosing from more than 30 liberal arts and sciences majors to complete your degree. Alternatively, you can choose to double major or develop your own plan of study with an academic advisor.

Whatever path you choose, you must complete 120 credits to graduate. Since this program is designed for returning students, the amount of time you need to complete the degree requirements depends on how many credits you have already completed.

In fact, the University of Mary Washington accepts up to 90 transfer credits for this program (including coursework, military experience, life/work experience, and testing), meaning you could only need 30 credits to graduate. As a full-time student, you could complete these requirements in two semesters.

As noted above, there are more than 30 major options as a student in the BLA program. These include Art History, Economics, and Physics. Other options include the following:

  • Theater
  • Geology
  • English
  • Psychology
  • Religious Studies

There are also numerous major options that are only available in the BLA program. These include Leadership and Management, Managerial Economics, and Criminal Justice.

You can add a minor to your degree, too. Minors are available in a broad range of areas, from Actuarial Science to Business Spanish to Sports Management. Adding a minor to complement your major can help you build even more specific skills and competencies to achieve your post-graduate goals. For example, you might major in Economics and minor in Business Spanish to set yourself up for a career in international business.

Eligibility requirements for the program are as follows:

  • Have at least 30 college credits (at least 15 of which come from a regionally accredited college or university)
  • Have a 2.5 GPA or higher
  • Submit official transcripts from every college or university you have attended

You must also submit official documentation of any non-traditional credit you’ve earned. For example, if you served in the military, you would need to provide evidence of your military training or submit results from Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support tests.

Marymount University

Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies

Marymount University’s Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies is a traditional on-campus program that requires 120 credits to complete. It has non-traditional features, though.

For example, rather than completing a single major, you will focus your studies on two areas of inquiry in the field of the Arts and Sciences. There are currently 15 areas you can choose your two concentrations from, including the physical sciences, communications, and the humanities. Other options include math, information technology, and politics. You can further choose among the following areas, including, but not limited to:

  • Behavioral Sciences
  • Fine and Applied Arts
  • Psychology, Sociology, and Criminal Justice
  • Graphic Design
  • Philosophy, Religious Studies, and Theology

Moreover, you have the freedom to propose an individualized program of study. An individualized program is developed with the assistance of an academic advisor. The proposed program must be approved by the department before you undertake any specific coursework.

Like other programs on this list, Marymount’s B.A. in Liberal Studies is ostensibly a degree completion program in that there is broad leeway for using previous credits or transfer credits to satisfy the degree requirements. Likewise, the program is ideal if you have interests in more than one academic area or if you began a degree program in another field and wish to change your major.

Furthermore, Marymount has devised this program to prepare you for various endeavors in the future. On the one hand, you can use your liberal studies degree to advance your current career or enter a new field of work. On the other hand, this program offers excellent preparation for graduate studies.

The program at Marymount is available on a full-time or part-time basis. You can take courses during the day, in the evening, or online to give you the most flexibility. The program also offers assistance in preparing for a career – the university’s Center for Career Development is available to help you with interview training, resume building, and so forth.

Marymount also has an extensive network of internship opportunities if you wish to extend your learning beyond the classroom. The university’s location near Washington, D.C., opens many doors for prestigious learning opportunities with nonprofits, federal agencies, and political organizations, to name a few.

Applying as a transfer student necessitates that you meet the following requirements:

  • Have a 2.25 GPA or higher
  • Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended (if you have fewer than 30 college credits, you must also submit official high school transcripts)
  • Submit English language proficiency scores, if applicable
  • Provide letters of recommendation, a personal essay, and/or a resume, if desired

How Do You Make Money With a Liberal Arts Degree?

Earning money with a liberal arts degree is quite feasible and can be achieved in several ways:

  • Education and Teaching: Many liberal arts graduates find their niche in education, either as teachers in schools, colleges, or as private tutors. Specializing in subjects like English, History, or Social Studies can lead to teaching positions.
  • Writing and Editing: With strong writing and analytical skills, you can pursue careers in writing, editing, or content creation. This includes jobs like copywriting, technical writing, or working in publishing.
  • Marketing and Public Relations: Skills in communication, understanding of human behavior, and analytical thinking can be valuable in marketing and PR roles. These positions often involve strategizing, content creation, and media outreach.
  • Non-profit and Advocacy Work: Non-profit organizations often seek individuals with a liberal arts background for roles in community outreach, program coordination, and advocacy.
  • Government and Public Service: A liberal arts degree can pave the way for a career in government or public service, where skills in communication, analysis, and understanding of social dynamics are essential.
  • Arts and Cultural Management: If your degree is in the arts, consider roles in museum management, gallery work, or event coordination.
  • Human Resources: Skills in understanding and managing people are vital in HR. A liberal arts degree can be beneficial in roles related to recruitment, training, and employee relations.
  • Research and Analysis: Research institutions and think tanks often value the analytical and critical thinking skills that are honed in liberal arts studies.
  • Entrepreneurship: Liberal arts graduates with a knack for business can start their own ventures, leveraging their broad knowledge base and critical thinking skills.
  • Further Education and Specialization: Sometimes, liberal arts graduates pursue further education to specialize in a particular field, like psychology, counseling, law, business, or academia.

Networking, internships, and continuous skill development are crucial, regardless of the career path. Liberal arts degrees provide a versatile foundation, allowing graduates to adapt and thrive in various industries.

What are the Liberal Arts Career Opportunities in Virginia?

Not only does a degree in liberal arts open many doors for employment, but having this degree in a state with a diverse economy like Virginia means there are likely even more career opportunities awaiting you.

For example, let’s assume your degree focuses on business, marketing, management, or a related field. You might use your skills and expertise to get a job in Virginia’s bustling tourism industry. Whether you work as a tour guide in one of Virginia’s historic towns, lead a city’s chamber of commerce, or go to work for the state’s tourism board, you can put your liberal arts skills to the test.

Since Virginia is near Washington, D.C., and is home to many federal agencies like the FBI and CIA, you might use your liberal arts degree as preparation for working for one of these agencies. For example, a liberal arts degree focusing on criminal justice, psychology, or computer science could prepare you for future training as an FBI special agent. Likewise, a degree focusing on international relations, a foreign language, or cybersecurity could help qualify you for a position in the FBI.

But, let’s assume you prefer politics. Careers in this field are abundant in Virginia, especially in the areas around the nation’s capital. You might use your undergraduate training in political science to work as a legislative aide on Capitol Hill, as a political campaign coordinator for a specific candidate, or as a spokesperson for a political organization.

These few examples show the breadth of career possibilities that might be available to you as a liberal arts graduate in Virginia. There are many more options – hundreds, perhaps – just within the state’s borders. In other words, what you do with your degree is virtually limitless!

Can You be Successful With a Liberal Arts Degree?

Absolutely, you can be successful with a liberal arts degree. Success with a liberal arts degree, as with any degree, largely depends on how you leverage the skills and knowledge you’ve acquired. Here are some key points to consider:

  • Versatile Skill Set: Liberal arts degrees equip you with critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills. These are highly valued in many industries and roles.
  • Adaptability: The broad base of knowledge and diverse perspectives gained from a liberal arts education can make you adaptable to various career paths and industries.
  • Career Opportunities: While some career paths may be more direct with specialized degrees, liberal arts graduates have access to a wide range of fields including education, business, marketing, public relations, government, non-profit sectors, arts and culture, and more.
  • Further Education and Specialization: Many liberal arts graduates successfully pursue further education in specialized fields such as law, business, or academia, where their foundational skills serve as a great asset.
  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation: The ability to think creatively and critically, skills honed through a liberal arts education, are essential for entrepreneurship and innovative roles.
  • Networking and Continuous Learning: Success often depends on building a strong professional network and continuously acquiring new skills. Liberal arts graduates are typically well-equipped for lifelong learning which is a key component of career success.
  • Real-World Experience: Combining a liberal arts degree with internships, volunteer work, or other practical experiences can significantly enhance career success.
  • High Achievers with Liberal Arts Backgrounds: Many successful individuals in various fields, from business leaders to artists to politicians, have liberal arts backgrounds, demonstrating the degree’s versatility and potential.

Success is not solely determined by your field of study but also by how you apply your skills, your work ethic, your ability to adapt, and your willingness to seize opportunities. A liberal arts degree provides a solid foundation upon which you can build a successful career.

Can I Become a Licensed Accountant in Virginia With a Liberal Arts Bachelors?

Yes, you can become a licensed accountant i.e. a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) in Virginia with a liberal arts bachelor’s degree, but there are specific educational requirements you must meet.

Educational Requirements

In Virginia, to qualify for the CPA exam, you must have at least 120 semester hours of college coursework and a bachelor’s degree. To be licensed, you need 150 semester hours. The key requirements include:

  • Accounting Courses: At least 24 semester hours in accounting courses, including at least 12 hours of upper-level coursework.
  • Business Courses: At least 24 semester hours in business courses.

Pathway with a Liberal Arts Degree

If you have a liberal arts degree, you will need to take additional accounting and business courses to meet these requirements. Here is a potential pathway:

  • Evaluate Your Transcripts: Review your college transcripts to determine how many accounting and business courses you have already completed.
  • Additional Coursework: Enroll in additional accounting and business courses at a college or university to fulfill the 24-hour requirement in both categories. These courses can be taken at an undergraduate or graduate level.
  • 150 Semester Hours: Ensure you complete a total of 150 semester hours. This can be achieved through additional coursework, including obtaining a master’s degree in accounting or an MBA with an accounting concentration.

Practical Experience

In addition to the educational requirements, Virginia requires CPA candidates to have at least one year (2,080 hours) of relevant accounting experience, which can be completed before or after passing the CPA exam. This experience must be verified by a licensed CPA.

Ethics Exam

Before obtaining your CPA license, you must also pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam with a score of at least 90%. 

CPA Exam

All CPA candidates must pass the Uniform CPA Exam, which is the same across all states.

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