Study Liberal Arts in Maryland

A liberal arts education gives you a well-rounded background in multiple disciplines. Not only that, but the varied curriculum of a liberal arts degree enables you to explore many different areas of interest. Best of all, a majority of Maryland’s liberal arts programs offer experiential learning activities to supplement your coursework.

In other words, you can take your learning to the workforce in an internship or practicum setting, study abroad in another country, or participate in research activities relevant to your liberal arts focus. If you love to learn, there’s not a better option!

You have various choices as a prospective undergraduate student in Maryland in terms of the college you attend. You can jumpstart your college search by investigating some of the popular liberal arts programs outlined in this guide.

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

Liberal Arts Bachelor’s Programs in Maryland

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

  • University of Maryland Global Campus
  • Notre Dame of Maryland University
  • Frostburg State University
  • Pierce College
  • St. Mary’s College
  • Goucher College
  • McDaniel College
  • St. John’s College
  • Coppin State University

The University of Maryland Global Campus

Bachelor of Science in General Studies

At the University of Maryland Global Campus, you can complete your degree quickly and completely online so you can enter the workforce sooner. UMGC’s Bachelor of Science in General Studies is a popular option because of the flexibility of the online learning format and the generous transfer policy. In fact, you might be able to utilize up to 90 previous college credits to meet the 120-credit threshold for graduation.

The program design is simple. You must complete the following:

  • 30 credits within the major
    • 6 credits in a single discipline
    • 6 credits in a secondary discipline
    • 15 credits from other disciplines
    • 3-credit General Studies Capstone experience
  • 49 credits of minor and elective courses
  • 41 general education credits

You cannot take more than 21 credits in any one discipline (when applying those credits to the major). This ensures that your studies are as broad-based as possible and that you have a wide range of skills you can draw upon as you enter the workforce or head to graduate school.

You can choose from more than 40 academic minors to develop your unique program of study. For example, you might combine minor studies in Public Safety Administration and Terrorism and Critical Infrastructure as preparation for a career in law enforcement or as a first responder. As another example, you might focus on Human Resource Management and Psychology as preparation for graduate studies in Industrial-Organizational Psychology.

Many other minors are available, though. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Marketing
  • Law for Business
  • Data Science
  • Art History
  • Web and Digital Design

Whatever minors you choose, you will emerge from this program with marketable skills, such as advanced problem-solving skills, analytical capabilities, and improved written and verbal communication.

Generally, a 120-credit program like this requires about four years of full-time study. However, UMGC offers several pathways for earning alternative credit. For example, you might earn credit for past military training or work experience. You can also earn credit for prior learning by developing a portfolio to document your expertise or through examination.

Another interesting benefit of attending UMGC is that the school offers an Accelerated Pathway for this program, which combines your undergraduate studies with a graduate degree in teaching. This accelerated pathway can reduce the time needed to earn both degrees by as much as one year.

You can apply to UMGC online at any time. You must meet one of the following requirements to apply for admission:

  • Be a high school graduate from a state-approved or regionally accredited high school
  • Have passing scores on a high school equivalency exam (e.g., GED)
  • Be a graduate of an alternative high school program or a homeschooling program
  • Submit official transcripts from your high school and any colleges or universities you’ve attended

Notre Dame of Maryland University

Liberal Arts major

Notre Dame of Maryland’s Liberal Arts major is an interdisciplinary program with customization options that allow you to cater it to your particular academic interests and career goals. As a student in this program, you will explore all liberal arts areas while focusing your studies on one, two, or perhaps three fields of inquiry.

You can select from three distinct options for completing this degree: Tracks, MA in Leadership in Teaching, or an Area of Emphasis. The Tracks option focuses your studies in a traditional field, such as political science, computer studies, or music, to name a few. Other options are available if you’re a returning adult student, such as Education, History, or English, among others.

The MA option is the optimal choice if you intend to get a Master of Arts in Teaching. To do so, you will meet with an advisor and develop a course of study that includes coursework in English, science, math, art or music, and history or social sciences. You’ll take an additional two elective liberal arts courses as well.

The third option is to choose an Area of Emphasis. Four areas are available:

  • Natural Sciences and Mathematics
  • Social Sciences
  • Arts and Humanities
  • Professional Studies

Let’s assume you choose the Professional Studies pathway. In that case, you will take courses in business, education, and digital media. Coursework in nonprofit management and communication arts are also part of this pathway.

As another example, a Social Sciences pathway focuses your studies on areas like economics, psychology, and criminology. Political science and sociology are additional fields of inquiry you can explore.

The customization options available with this program aren’t just advantageous for preparing you for a career. Instead, a liberal arts undergraduate major is preparatory for law school, other graduate programs, and study abroad opportunities, too. You might also explore internship opportunities in Maryland to further supplement your education.

You must submit a completed application and official high school transcripts (or GED) to be considered for admission as a first-year student. If you’re a transfer student, you must also submit official transcripts from every college and university you’ve attended.

Frostburg State University

Bachelor in Liberal Studies

At Frostburg State University, you can complete a Liberal Studies program that culminates in either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science. The type of degree you get depends on how you develop your program – which you can do freely with the guidance of your academic advisor.

The program includes general education classes that form the basis of the degree. These courses are in introductory-level studies of math, science, history, and other core subjects that all students must complete. You will also take intermediate and upper-level courses in the focus area (or areas) of your choice.

For example, your intermediate and upper-level courses will be in the following five areas:

  • Communication
  • Arts
  • Humanities
  • Natural Sciences
  • Social Sciences

Within each of these fields, you have the freedom to choose the courses required to satisfy the minimum number of credits. Moreover, you can choose a concentration area (or more, if you like) in fields like Pre-Med, Leadership Studies, or Public Relations. Other options include the following:

  • Forensics
  • Game Design
  • Psychology
  • Art History
  • Women’s and Gender Studies

Frostburg State even offers a multidisciplinary track if you prefer to explore a wider range of academic fields. You can even choose to build your degree around a specific minor or certificate program offered at Frostburg State.

The result of all of this flexibility is a degree that speaks to your interests, abilities, and goals. Not only that, you can also tailor your experience at Frostburg State to build upon studies you have already completed at another college or university. With a transfer policy that maximizes how many credits you retain, the university seeks to help you get your degree in the shortest period of time with the smallest output of money.

Admissions requirements for first-year students are as follows:

  • Graduate from high school having completed a curriculum including 4 years of English and math, 3 years of social science and physical sciences, and 2 years of the same foreign language or 2 years of advanced technology
  • Submit official high school transcripts
  • Submit ACT or SAT scores (optional)
  • Submit an admissions essay (optional)
  • Submit letters of recommendation (optional)
  • Provide evidence of English language proficiency (as applicable)

Pierce College

Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies

The Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies program at Pierce College offers a couple of unique features that make it worth your consideration for completing your undergraduate degree.

First, Pierce College allows you to earn up to 22 college credits at no cost. These courses include required on-campus classes as well as many classes offered through the college’s partnership with Coursera. Additionally, you might be eligible to earn one of two certificates for free: the Meta Social Media Marketing Professional Certificate or the Google Career Certificate.

Second, this program has a robust transfer policy. You can transfer up to 102 of the 121 credits needed to graduate, meaning if you have spent time in college in the past but never completed your degree, your diploma might only be a semester or two away.

These benefits are in addition to the flexibility of online learning. You can complete each course on your own schedule without ever stepping foot on campus. However, that doesn’t mean you have to learn alone. Instead, you can meet with your professors on a weekly basis during live virtual class sessions. These sessions are optional, so you can attend if you need help but skip them if you’re making satisfactory progress in the program.

As noted earlier, 121 credits are needed to graduate. Of these, 43 are general education courses and 78 are elective courses focusing on your concentration area. These concentrations include the following:

  • Cloud Computing
  • Criminal Justice
  • Cybersecurity
  • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
  • Human Resource Management
  • Human Services Leadership
  • IT Support
  • Leadership
  • Management
  • Medical Coding
  • Project Management Administration
  • Quality Service Management
  • Supply Chain Management & Logistics

Many of these tracks are accompanied by a certificate that can make you an even more attractive job applicant. For example, if you choose the Cybersecurity option, you can stack it with an IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate. If you choose the IT Support option, you can add a Google IT Support Professional Certificate. Certificates are available in other areas, too, including UX design, Python, and A+, among others.

You can apply to Pierce College online. To do so, you must submit official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended. Though not required, it’s also recommended that you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your qualifications for grants, scholarships, and other forms of aid.

Is University of Maryland a Liberal Arts School?

The University of Maryland (often referred to as UMD or University of Maryland, College Park) is not classified as a liberal arts school in the traditional sense. It is a public research university known for a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines.

While the University of Maryland offers liberal arts education within its diverse academic portfolio, it is more appropriately described as a comprehensive public research university. It provides a wide array of educational opportunities beyond the scope of a traditional liberal arts college.

Within its array of programs, UMD does include departments and courses that align with liberal arts education, such as humanities, arts, and social sciences. This means students can pursue a liberal arts-oriented education within the larger context of the university.

Is Loyola Maryland a Liberal Arts School?

Yes, Loyola University Maryland is considered a liberal arts school. Loyola Maryland emphasizes a liberal arts curriculum, offering a wide range of undergraduate majors and minors in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

While Loyola Maryland offers graduate programs, its primary focus is on undergraduate education, providing a broad-based and well-rounded educational experience. The university is also known for its small class sizes and close faculty-student interactions, which are hallmark features of liberal arts colleges.

What is the Difference Between a Liberal Arts University and a Regular University?

he distinction between a liberal arts university and a regular university (often a research or comprehensive university) primarily lies in their educational approach, curriculum focus, size, and the scope of programs offered. Here’s a comparison of key aspects:

Liberal Arts University

  • Curriculum Focus: Liberal arts universities focus on providing a broad-based education in the arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics. They emphasize a well-rounded intellectual foundation.
  • Class Size and Faculty Interaction: These institutions typically have smaller class sizes, which allows for more personalized attention from faculty and a greater focus on undergraduate teaching.
  • Undergraduate Focus: Liberal arts universities usually prioritize undergraduate education, with fewer graduate programs and less emphasis on professional or technical training.
  • Holistic Education: The education at liberal arts universities is aimed at developing critical thinking, communication skills, and a broad knowledge base, rather than preparing students for a specific career.
  • Community Environment: Often, they have smaller campus communities, fostering a close-knit environment among students and faculty.

Regular University

  • Curriculum Focus: Regular universities offer a wider range of programs, including specialized and professional courses in fields like engineering, business, medicine, and law, alongside the liberal arts.
  • Research Emphasis: These institutions often have a significant emphasis on research, with substantial resources allocated to graduate education and research activities.
  • Graduate and Professional Programs: They typically offer a variety of graduate and professional degree programs and may have a larger graduate student population.
  • Diversity of Opportunities: Regular universities often provide a broader range of extracurricular activities, resources, and facilities due to their larger size.
  • Class Size: Class sizes can be larger, especially in introductory courses, which may lead to less personalized attention from faculty in those settings.

It’s important to note that these distinctions can vary, and some regular universities also offer strong liberal arts programs within their broader range of disciplines. The choice between the two types of institutions often depends on a student’s educational goals, preferred learning environment, and career aspirations.

What are the Liberal Arts Career Opportunities in Maryland?

The great thing about a liberal arts degree is that you can use it for many different pursuits. You can build on your undergraduate studies to pursue a master’s degree. You can also use a liberal arts degree to help you advance in your existing job. Of course, a degree in liberal arts can help you switch careers, too.

For example, let’s assume you already work in the customer service field, but you want to expand your skills to qualify for a managerial position. If that’s the case, you can tailor your program of study to focus on topics like business, management, and human resources to help you prepare for a position as a customer service manager for one of the large corporations based in Maryland.

A completely different example is this: let’s assume you work as the manager of a restaurant, but you want to explore another field of work. You can use a liberal arts degree focusing on psychology, criminology, and criminal justice to start a career as a probation officer, a corrections officer, or a law enforcement officer with the Maryland State Police.

Of course, your liberal arts degree can lead to many other careers, too. You can focus on business and marketing and go to work for yourself as a marketing consultant or business trainer. Perhaps you concentrate on education and use your degree to help you find a job as a preschool teacher or middle school classroom aide. Yet another option is to concentrate your studies on organizational leadership and use your training to start a career as a nonprofit organizer or fundraiser.

Your degree is just one component of making your career goals come to life – Maryland’s vibrant and diverse economy is the other. With job opportunities in hundreds of fields in cities and towns across the state, you should have no problem using your liberal arts education to build a solid career for yourself!

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