Associate in Arts Degree (AA): Liberal Arts Degree Overview

Research Associate in Arts in Liberal Arts degree programs. Get information on program courses, popular career options and continuing education opportunities to make an informed decision about your education.

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Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts

An Associate of Arts (AA) degree program in liberal arts is designed to expose students to a wide variety of subjects and perspectives at the postsecondary level. Rather than preparing students for a specific career, liberal arts programs focus on cultural literacy and hone communication and analytical skills. They often cover various disciplines, ranging from the humanities to social sciences. Liberal arts associate's degrees are available at many colleges, and admission typically requires students having a high school education.

Course Topics

Some subjects that are emphasized in a liberal arts associate's degree program include literature, sciences, history, foreign languages, mathematics and philosophy. Some liberal arts associate degree programs may allow or require students to select a concentration in one of several liberal arts disciplines such as fine arts, business administration or psychology. Typical coursework includes:

  • Writing
  • Computer skills
  • Life science
  • English
  • Foreign language
  • Math
  • Public Speaking
  • U.S. History

Popular Career Choices

Graduates of a liberal arts associate's degree program may qualify to enter into various career fields that require a generalized college education. Employers seeking candidates with a broad knowledge, strong communication capabilities and critical-thinking skills may find the right employee in one with an associate's degree in liberal arts. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) suggests that liberal arts students prepare for their careers by taking courses in job-specific subjects (www.bls.gov). Possible career options include:

  • Management trainee
  • Sales associate
  • Writer
  • Public service employee
  • Tutor

Continuing Education

An Associate of Arts degree program in liberal arts lays the foundation for students to enter a baccalaureate program. Because of the expansive subjects studied, students are typically prepared to enter into any field they wish. Those who chose a concentration while earning their associate's degree can continue their undergraduate studies by majoring in that same concentration. Master of Liberal Arts degree programs are also available and may allow students to customize their coursework.

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6 Popular Schools

  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Applicants must be 22 years of age or have active military status
    School locations:
    • Online Learning

    Online Programs

    • Associate
        • AA in Liberal Arts

    What is your highest level of education?

  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
    School locations:
    • Online Learning

    Online Programs

    What is the highest level of education that you have completed?

  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
    School locations:
    • Online Learning

    Online Programs

    What is your highest level of education?

  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
    School locations:
    • Colorado (3 campuses)

    Classroom-Based Programs

    What is your highest level of education?

  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
    School locations:
    • Online Learning

    Online Programs

    Do you prefer online or campus based learning?

  • Minimum eligibility requirements:
    • Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
    School locations:
    • Online Learning

    What is your highest level of education?

Other Schools:

  • School locations:
    • Florida (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at University of South Florida include:
      • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
      • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
    • Liberal Arts and Humanities
      • Cultural Studies
      • Ethnic and Gender Studies
      • Geography and Cartography
      • Human and Social Services
      • Liberal Arts, Humanities, and General Studies
        • General Studies
        • Humanities
        • Liberal Arts and Sciences
      • Philosophy
      • Political Science
      • Public Administration
      • Religious Studies
      • Social Science and Studies
      • Social Studies and History
  • School locations:
    • Florida (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at University of Florida include:
      • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
      • Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate
      • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
    • Liberal Arts and Humanities
      • Cultural Studies
      • Ethnic and Gender Studies
      • Geography and Cartography
      • Human and Social Services
      • Liberal Arts, Humanities, and General Studies
        • Liberal Arts and Sciences
      • Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
      • Philosophy
      • Political Science
      • Religious Studies
      • Social Science and Studies
      • Social Studies and History
  • School locations:
    • Ohio (3 campuses)
    Areas of study you may find at University of Cincinnati include:
      • Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
      • Undergraduate: Associate
    • Liberal Arts and Humanities
      • Human and Social Services
      • Liberal Arts, Humanities, and General Studies
        • General Studies
        • Liberal Arts and Sciences
      • Social Science and Studies
  • School locations:
    • New York (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at Syracuse University include:
      • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
      • Non-Degree: Certificate
      • Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate, Postbaccalaureate Certificate
      • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
    • Liberal Arts and Humanities
      • Cultural Studies
      • Ethnic and Gender Studies
      • Geography and Cartography
      • Human and Consumer Sciences
      • Human and Social Services
      • Liberal Arts, Humanities, and General Studies
        • Liberal Arts and Sciences
      • Philosophy
      • Political Science
      • Public Administration
      • Religious Studies
      • Social Science and Studies
      • Social Studies and History

Popular Schools

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Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics