Study Liberal Arts in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has a long and rich history. It was one of the original 13 American colonies and was the home of many important events in American history, not the least of which were the First and Second Continental Congresses, the latter of which produced the Declaration of Independence.

Part of Pennsylvania’s history is its place in American education. The University of Pennsylvania was founded in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin. Moravian College was founded just two years later with the belief that education is essential for all. Today, Pennsylvania has more than 300 colleges, universities, and technical schools.

As a student interested in a liberal arts degree, Pennsylvania has dozens of options. Check out some of the popular choices in the Keystone State below!

Best Accredited Liberal Arts Colleges and Bachelor's Programs in Pennsylvania Online

Liberal Arts Bachelor’s Programs in Pennsylvania

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

  • The University of Pittsburgh
  • Penn State University
  • Mansfield University
  • Saint Vincent College
  • University of Pennsylvania
  • Swarthmore College
  • Bucknell University
  • Southern New Hampshire University Online

The University of Pittsburgh

Bachelor of Arts (B.A) in Liberal Arts

The Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from the University of Pittsburgh is a traditional 120-credit on-campus program that blends the study of many different disciplines into one program.

A non-traditional feature of this program is that it’s designed for adult learners returning to college. The interdisciplinary approach is intended to allow you to tailor your studies to your specific career or educational goals. Whether this is your first or second bachelor’s degree, the skills you will acquire will enable you to advance your career.

You must complete a variety of general education requirements to finish this degree. These requirements are common to most degree programs at the University of Pittsburgh and include coursework in the following areas:

  • Writing
  • Math (Algebra)
  • Quantitative and Formal Reasoning
  • Diversity
  • Language and Oral and Professional Communication
  • Humanities and Arts, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences
  • Global Awareness and Cultural Understanding

The major component of this degree is 36 credits and is theme-based. For example, if your theme is social science, you might take courses in history, economics, and world languages. As another example, your theme might be data science and liberal arts, in which you would take courses in machine learning, advanced data analysis, and big data.

You must get approval for your major plan prior to starting your coursework. You will work with an academic advisor and your professors to devise a plan of study that meets the University’s graduation requirements and fulfills your goals for your education.

This program offers two field learning options that allow you to apply your learning in real-world situations. First, you can participate in an internship at a business or organization that aligns with your educational and career goals. Second, you can choose to study abroad to get an international perspective on your chosen theme.

You can apply to this program as a new adult student, returning student, transfer student, or an international student. The program is also available for non-matriculating students if you’re interested in gaining knowledge and skills without getting a degree.

The admissions requirements vary from one type of admission situation to the next. However, regardless of the type of admission you seek, you will need to provide a $55 application fee when you apply. As a first-year student, you must provide high school transcripts.

As an adult or transfer student, you will need to submit official transcripts from every college or university you have attended. Other materials are optional, such as:

  • ACT or SAT scores
  • A personal statement
  • Letters of recommendation

The University of Pittsburgh is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Penn State University

Bachelor of Arts (B.A) in Liberal Arts

You can start Penn State’s Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies at any Penn State campus in the state. You then have two options for completing the degree: you can transfer to Penn State’s main campus and complete your degree in person, or you can finish the degree through Penn State’s online campus.

In either case, you will need about four years of full-time studies to complete the 120 credits required for graduation, assuming you’re a first-year student. Your timeline for completing the degree as a transfer student depends on how many credits Penn State accepts from previous institutions.

This theme-oriented program puts you in control of the major-area courses you take. Of the 36 credits needed for the major portion of this degree, 12 must come from the following fields:

  • Communication skills
  • Critical analysis
  • Research methods and projects
  • Theory and application

Additionally, 24 credits are required in your theme focus area, 15 of which must be at the 400 level. So, if you choose a world cultures theme, you might take coursework in Southeast Asian Studies, Western Religions, and Global Trade. If your theme focuses on health and wellness, you might take courses in Human Development, Physiology, and Exercise Science.

These are just two thematic examples, though. Working with your advisor, you will develop a thematic course of study that could lead to any number of specialties and careers. In fact, Penn State notes that this degree can be tailored to employment in any of the following fields:

  • Education
  • Human resources
  • Government agencies
  • Non-profit organizations
  • For-profit organizations
  • Business
  • Health care

Starting this program requires more than just declaring it as your major. Instead, you are required to submit a proposal for your studies after consulting with a Multidisciplinary Studies Advisor. Your proposal must demonstrate that your chosen theme is from at least three different subject viewpoints. Your theme also cannot duplicate an existing major at Penn State.

Of course, before you can even submit a proposal, you must be admitted to Penn State. To do so, you must fill out the online application form and submit the following:

  • A $65 application fee
  • A Self-Reported Academic Record
  • ACT or SAT scores are optional

Penn State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Mansfield University

Bachelor of Arts (B.A) in Liberal Arts

The Liberal Studies program at Mansfield University results in a Bachelor of Arts degree. Like other liberal arts programs, Mansfield’s is a design-your-own-degree program that enables you to customize your studies to your specific needs. In fact, the University offers more than 50 undergraduate minors, giving you a wealth of choices to build your bachelor’s degree curriculum as you see fit.

For example, you can explore themes related to quantitative reasoning, inquiry, and research or a study of fine arts and aesthetics. You might design your degree to focus on education, social justice, or sustainable living. However, your focus in these or other fields can be highly specific, and must be – the purpose of a self-designed curriculum is to provide you with a program of study that is not already offered by Mansfield.

This program requires you to complete a capstone experience. This experience allows you to reflect on what you have learned throughout your course of study and synthesize the knowledge you have gained. Likewise, you must complete one of two program options: finish one or more academic minors or earn a second-year proficiency in a foreign language.

Whatever your chosen concentration, you will gain crucial skills for higher learning and competent on-the-job performance. These skills include the following:

  • Critical thinking
  • Problem-solving
  • Ethics and integrity-based decision-making
  • Communication
  • Research

This program offers several benefits to you as a learner. First, it’s available on campus or online, which gives you the flexibility you need to complete your degree on your own terms. Second, it fosters the development of broad-based skills and knowledge critical to success in our increasingly globalized world. And third, you will exit the program with the expertise required to be an effective citizen and leader in your community.

First-year students are not required to submit ACT or SAT scores. You will, however, need to submit high school transcripts. The admissions team then evaluates your application using a holistic approach. Factors taken into consideration for your admission include the following:

  • Strength of Curriculum
  • High School Class Rank
  • Grade Point Average
  • High School Profile
  • Recommendations
  • Extra-Curricular Activities

Mansfield University is also accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Saint Vincent College

Bachelor of Arts (B.A) in Liberal Studies

Saint Vincent College is another excellent option for completing your Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies. As is typical of liberal arts degrees, you will need about four years to complete the requirements of Saint Vincent’s B.A. program.

Roughly half of the credits required to graduate are general education courses that give you a solid foundation in various academic studies. These studies range from math and science to history and language arts. You might also take courses in communications, business, art, and physical education, among others.

The major concentration for this program is a 61-credit liberal arts curriculum. While the bulk of these credits are customizable, you are required to take the following classes:

  • Physics
  • Fine Arts
  • Introduction to Anthropology or Cultural Anthropology
  • Introduction to Psychological Science
  • Methods and Techniques of Research
  • Seminar:  Readings for Liberal Arts Majors
  • Senior Seminar for Liberal Arts Majors

The remaining 36 credits in the major are split between an 18-credit minor and 18 credits within your chosen concentration area. This concentration is designed collaboratively between you and your academic advisor. You can choose to design your concentration in a vertical or horizontal format:

  • A vertical concentration includes studies in traditional academic fields, such as biology, history, or modern languages (though there are many other options).
  • A horizontal concentration focuses on interdisciplinary work. You can blend courses from a variety of disciplines for a well-rounded curricular experience.

You have time to work with your advisor to develop your concentration – the type of theme and the focus of your major studies occurs in the fall semester of the third year of your studies. If you have difficulty choosing a concentration of your own design, you can choose to focus on one of the University’s pre-defined liberal arts concentrations. These include:

  • Cultural Studies
  • American Studies
  • Quantitative Studies
  • Media Studies
  • Business Studies
  • Pre-Health Studies

For example, let’s say you choose the American Studies option. As such, you will complete 18 credits of coursework by taking courses like Topics in U.S. History to 1865, American Literature: Civil War to Present, and Religion in America. You would also take courses in Institutions, Race and Ethnicity, and Ethical Problems.

As another example, you might choose the Cultural Studies option and take courses like Linguistic Anthropology, World Religions, and Multi-Ethnic Literature in the U.S. You’d also take six credits of a modern language and a history course focusing on that language.

So, even if you don’t design your own curriculum, you can still benefit from a wide range of courses that help you build the skills you need to be a critical thinker, effective communicator, and problem-solver.

You can apply to Saint Vincent online. As a first-year student, you will need to provide the following with your application:

  • Official high school transcripts
  • ACT or SAT scores
  • An essay or writing sample (this is optional)
  • Letters of recommendation (this is also optional)

Saint Vincent College is also accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

What is a Liberal Arts Major For?

A liberal arts major is designed to provide you with a well-rounded, interdisciplinary education, emphasizing critical thinking, effective communication, and a broad understanding of various academic disciplines.

This type of major is distinct for its focus on developing versatile skills and insights rather than training for a specific technical or vocational career path.

Key aspects of a liberal arts major include:

  • All Sorts of Subjects: You will study things like English, where you might read and talk about cool books; history, where you learn about what happened in the past; psychology, which is all about understanding how people think and behave; and sometimes even a little bit of science and math.
  • Thinking and Problem Solving: In a liberal arts major, you learn to think critically. That means looking at problems or questions from different angles and coming up with smart solutions.
  • Talking and Writing Skills: You will get really good at sharing your ideas, both by talking and writing. This is super useful no matter what job you end up doing.
  • Understanding Different Cultures: You will learn about people from different parts of the world, their cultures, and different ways of thinking about right and wrong. This is great for helping you see the big picture of the world.
  • Career Choices: With a liberal arts degree, you can go into lots of different jobs. For example, you could become a teacher and share your knowledge with others, work in a business and use your problem-solving skills, or be part of a charity that helps people. You could even go into something creative like writing or making art.
  • Growing and Learning More About Yourself: Besides getting ready for a job, this major helps you become a more curious, thoughtful, and well-rounded person.

A liberal arts major is fantastic if you love learning about a whole bunch of things and want to get better at thinking, communicating, and understanding the world. It prepares you for many kinds of jobs and helps you grow as a person in lots of exciting ways.

What are the Liberal Arts Career Opportunities in Pennsylvania?

The beauty of a liberal arts degree is that you can tailor it to your specific academic interests. As a result, you’ll graduate with a specific set of knowledge and skills that you can apply to a career area of your choice. And with liberal arts, there are many choices!

For example, let’s say you’re especially interested in communication and languages and devised your degree to focus on studying a particular language, like Arabic. You might use your expertise in this language to pursue a career as an interpreter. You might work as an independent contractor or perhaps work for a government or private organization in Pennsylvania.

As another example, your studies might have focused on child development and juvenile justice, a perfect combination for starting a career in the juvenile justice system. You might work as a probation officer for teen offenders or as a residential officer in a juvenile detention facility.

Alternatively, you might use your undergraduate studies as a stepping stone for completing a master’s program in a field that allows you to provide higher-level services, like a Master of Social Work or a Master of Science in Counseling.

You can also use your liberal arts education to be an effective salesperson. For example, let’s say your undergraduate concentration was in business, marketing, and economics. Perhaps you use your knowledge of these fields to work for a pharmaceutical sales company in one of  Pennsylvania’s large cities, like Philadelphia or Pittsburgh. Or maybe you are interested in retail sales and use your undergraduate experiences to get a job as a sales manager at a boutique shop.

These are just a few possibilities for finding employment in Pennsylvania. Between your multidisciplinary degree and Pennsylvania’s diverse economy, the world is your oyster!

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