Liberal Studies (Online)

  • BA
  • Major
A group of Montclair State University graduates is seated at a commencement ceremony

Finish What You Started – On Your Terms

Empower your future with a flexible, fully online degree designed for busy adults ready to complete their undergraduate journey. The Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies is specifically for students who've already completed two years of college (60 or more credits), have paused their college journey and are now ready to complete their degrees.

  • Personalized Support: Receive dedicated guidance tailored to your individual needs, whether you’re returning to Montclair State University or transferring from another institution.
  • Flexible Learning: Take advantage of 7-week online courses that fit your schedule, allowing you to balance work, family and education.
  • Accelerated Completion: Finish your degree in as little as 18 months, moving forward at a pace that works for you.
  • Broad Skill Development: Study a dynamic curriculum that fosters critical thinking, communication and problem-solving – skills highly valued in today’s workforce.
  • Career Advancement: Earn a respected degree that opens doors to new opportunities, higher earning potential and personal fulfillment.
  • Supportive Community: Join a network of motivated adult learners and experienced faculty committed to your success every step of the way.

The Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies is more than a degree – it’s a pathway to personal and professional growth. Designed for adults over 25, this program recognizes your life experience and ambitions, helping you achieve your goals with the flexibility and support you deserve. 

See the curriculum.

Is This Program Right for You?

The Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies is designed for:

  • Adults returning to college after a break
  • Readmitted Montclair students seeking degree completion
  • Transfer students with 60 or more college credits
  • Working professionals balancing career and family responsibilities
  • Individuals interested in education-related careers or future teacher certification pathways
  • Non-traditional students completing their degree after time away from school

Expand Your Horizons with Versatile Skills

The Humanities concentration empowers adults 25 and over to build adaptable skills for today’s evolving world while taking courses in literature, history, language, and cultural studies. This program offers a flexible, in-depth path to prepare graduates for a wide range of career options, including library science, business, communications, health care, law, social work and education. What You’ll Gain:

  • Valuable Skill Development: The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, analytical reasoning and effective communication – skills highly valued across industries.
  • Interdisciplinary Learning: Learn to interpret complex information, compare cultural perspectives and synthesize knowledge from diverse sources.
  • Persuasive Communication: Engage in coursework and collaborative projects to practice constructing logical arguments and expressing your ideas clearly, both in writing and speech.

See the curriculum.

The Education concentration is designed for adults 25 and over who want to explore education as a transformative force across society and throughout life. This program offers a flexible, in-depth path for those interested in becoming educators who understand students, communities and the broader context of teaching – ready to make a meaningful impact in schools and society. What You’ll Gain:

  • Comprehensive Perspective: Examine education as a social, cultural and political endeavor, exploring its impact on individuals and society at every stage of life.
  • Interdisciplinary Foundations: Take foundational courses that introduce you to diverse disciplinary viewpoints – learning not only about schooling, but also how knowledge is constructed for educators, researchers and policymakers.
  • Human Development Focus: Study topics such as human growth, social systems, families, and communities to gain a holistic understanding of the educational landscape.
  • Pathway to Teaching: Prepare to apply for the Master of Arts in Teaching at Montclair State University, opening doors to further study and professional advancement.

Relevance for School Professionals

This concentration is often chosen by paraprofessionals, instructional aides and other school support professionals who want to earn a bachelor’s degree while continuing to work in a school setting. The flexible online format supports working adults balancing professional responsibilities. The Education Studies concentration can also support continued study in education. In New Jersey, teacher certification requires a bachelor’s degree along with additional state requirements, which may include a Certificate of Eligibility (CE) and completion of an approved teacher preparation program. Depending on individual eligibility and state requirements, graduates may pursue alternate route teacher certification pathways. 

See the curriculum.

Turn Previous Credits Into a Bachelor’s Degree.

Empowering Adults to Achieve Their Ambitions

Montclair’s online degree completion program is designed for adults ready to finish what they started. With personalized support and flexible, fully online courses, Montclair emp

owers students to balance life’s responsibilities while reaching their educational goals. Whether returning to school for career advancement or personal fulfillment, you’ll find encouragement and guidance from application to graduation. The program is a testament to Montclair’s belief in the power of education to transform lives and drive purpose.

Taking Charge of His Future

Ready to advance his career, Chris Taite knew completing his degree was the next step – and Montclair made it possible. Choosing to study online gave Chris the flexibility to balance work, life and education on his own terms.

Chris Taite smiling while being interviewed
Click to play the video
Coming back to school for me was the best decision. I was doing something I committed to, that I wanted to see through. It helped me put myself out there, market myself, and reach for things I didn’t think I could reach for at that time.

Chris Taite

Program: Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, 2023:

Career: Con Edison, manager and electrical engineer:

hawk icon

Tuition & Financial Aid for Your Bachelor’s Degree

Completing your bachelor’s degree can create new opportunities for career advancement, professional growth and personal achievement. Montclair’s online Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies is designed to help adult learners, transfer students and returning students complete their degree through a flexible online format.

We’re committed to making a high-quality education accessible and affordable. Combined with personalized support, flexible online learning and a respected Montclair degree, your investment can help you achieve your academic and career goals.

Financial Aid and Affordability Options

Eligible students may qualify for a variety of funding opportunities, including:

  • Federal financial aid (FAFSA)
  • Scholarships and grants
  • Payment plans
  • New Jersey state financial aid programs
  • Montclair affordability initiatives

Explore Cost, Aid and Scholarships

Emblem for Best Online Bachelor's Programs from U.S. News and World Report

Among the Nation’s Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees

For the first time, Montclair’s online bachelor’s degrees have been ranked among the top programs in the country in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs rankings.

Meet Some of Our Liberal Studies Faculty

1/

Related Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

I previously attended Montclair State University but did not graduate. Is this program a good fit for me?

Yes. The program is an excellent option for readmitted students who previously attended Montclair and are ready to return to college and complete their degree. Advisors work with returning students to review prior coursework, maximize applicable credits and develop a personalized plan toward graduation.

Is the Liberal Studies degree fully online?

Yes. The Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies is offered fully online, allowing students to complete coursework from anywhere while balancing work, family and other commitments.

How long will it take to complete my degree?

The time to completion depends on the number of transferable credits you bring into the program and your course load. Many students are able to complete the degree in as little as 18 months.

Will my previous college credits transfer?

Many students enter the program with credits earned at other colleges and universities. Advisors work individually with students to evaluate transfer credits and identify the most efficient path toward degree completion.

Can this program help me pursue a teaching career?

The Education Studies concentration can support continued study in education and serve as a stepping stone for individuals who choose to pursue alternate route teacher certification pathways.

What skills will I gain through the Liberal Studies program?

Students develop highly transferable skills in critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, collaboration and leadership. These skills are valued across a wide range of industries and professions.

What career opportunities can a Liberal Studies degree support?

Graduates pursue careers in education, business, nonprofit organizations, government, human services and other fields. The program's interdisciplinary curriculum helps students develop versatile skills that support professional growth, career advancement and lifelong learning.

What support is available for adult learners?

Students receive personalized advising, enrollment support and academic guidance throughout their educational journey. The program is specifically designed to help adult learners successfully balance their studies with work, family and personal commitments.

Finish Your Bachelor’s Degree—On Your Terms.

Questions? Find the right contact below.

Connect with our enrollment teams for personalized guidance on admission requirements, the application process, key dates, and your next steps toward enrollment.