Liberal arts studies encompass a broad
spectrum of academic disciplines, including the sciences, arts and
literature. Most programs provide a foundation of general education
courses but permit students to choose a concentration within the program
to focus on as a major. Associate, bachelor and masters degree programs
in liberal arts are available online.
Online Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts Overview
Students in a liberal arts associate degree program receive
instruction in researching, analyzing and presenting historical and
current humanities topics. Such programs are associated with a college's
arts and sciences departments.
A liberal arts associate's degree program requires two years of
study. Generally, programs consist of reading assignments, writing
papers and tests. All work is completed online and by email.
List of Common Liberal Arts Courses
Students in a liberal arts program study social and behavioral
sciences and humanities. On average, 64 course credit hours are
required, usually separated into thirds among general education courses,
a major and electives. A student can major in a topic of his or her
choice within the liberal arts curricula.
Government and Politics Course
This course provides an introduction to the formation and operation
of modern democratic governments throughout the world. The impact of
cultural differences on the relationship between the state and society
is discussed.
American Literature Course
Students in this course examine 19th and 20th century American
literature within the context of the social and political climate when
written. Typically, this course contains a writing component requiring
students to author several papers analyzing course texts.
Biology Course
This course focuses on the composition and functions of living
organisms. Students learn about the development, growth and death of
cells as well as abnormal cell mutation. No in-person laboratory work is
required.
A graduate of an associate's degree program could take his or her
education in a number of directions; an office manager position is one
example, but there are many. An office manager oversees office staff,
assigns workloads and manages office operations. A 2008 report of the
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that office managers earned an
average yearly salary of $45,000 (
www.bls.gov).
Graduates of an associate's degree program can transfer earned
credits to a 4-year college or university and continue their studies.
Because of the general nature of liberal arts studies, students will be
able to choose from a number of bachelor degree programs, including
pre-med or law, history or the sciences.
Online Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Arts Overview
A liberal arts bachelor's degree program provides students with
critical thinking, verbal and written communication skills and problem
solving capabilities for general humanities subjects. Most programs
allow students to develop their own degrees by concentrating on one or
two areas of their choice during the last two years of the program.
Because these programs encompass several fields of study, they are part
of a college's art, humanities and social science departments.
Bachelor's degree liberal arts programs require four years of study.
However, if a student transfers credits earned in an associate's degree
program, a bachelor's program will only take two additional years to
complete. Most programs require approximately 120-course credit hours, a
minimum of 60 of which must be dedicated to upper-level coursework. An
entire bachelor's degree can be earned online, but in certain majors it
is possible in-person work might be required.
List of Common Liberal Arts Courses
The first half of coursework in a liberal arts bachelor degree
program is dedicated to general humanities studies. Remaining coursework
is committed to extended studies in a particular field, such as art
history, computers, women's studies or psychology.
Psychology Course
Students in this course use the scientific method to investigate the
functions of the human mind. Logic, methods of learning, morality, and
relationships are analyzed. Students also debate whether nature or
nurture is the main influence on human behavior.
Microeconomics Course
This course introduces students to economics as it impacts consumers,
businesses and the government. Students analyze the decision making
process and resource allocation.
Renaissance Art Course
This course discusses the religious, cultural and social influences
on the paintings and sculpture created by artists such as Raphael and
Michelangelo. Materials used and methods of creation are included in
coursework.
Graduates of a liberal arts bachelor's degree program can choose to
go in multiple directions in government, non-profits or corporate
careers. Graduates can also pursue teaching with the right mix of
courses. In 2008 a teacher earned an average yearly salary of $48,000.
To work as a teacher, the student will need to be certified.
Continuing Education for Graduates
A liberal arts degree is a broad educational foundation, so a student
with a bachelor's degree in the liberal arts can choose to pursue
graduate studies in math, science, law or many other subjects. Master's
degree programs usually require two years of study and may also be
available online.
Online Master's Degree in Liberal Arts Overview
Master degree programs in the liberal arts provide students with
extremely advanced coursework in the humanities. Most programs require
students to choose one or more concentrations and write a thesis paper
in that concentration. For admission to a program, a student must
possess a bachelor's degree.
A typical master's degree program lasts two years. Programs are
research and writing intensive. Aside from defending a thesis paper, the
majority of programs are completely online, but some require two or
more semesters on campus. Additionally, a few programs permit students
to become faculty aides to gain teaching experience. Being a faculty
aide requires working on-campus as needed.
List of Common Liberal Arts Courses
As a whole, master degree programs in the liberal arts consist of 20
hours of general coursework on subjects such as architecture, math, the
arts, philosophy, psychology and literature. Any remaining credits are
dedicated to the student's chosen concentration and thesis paper. The
diverse range of subjects possible under the umbrella of liberal arts
could include courses such as those listed here.
Modern Communication Course
This course introduces students to the benefits and drawbacks of
using the Internet, email and cellular phone in human communication.
Students also analyze the alteration in face-to-face communication,
language changes and the movement away from office-centric business in
the last decades.
French Literature
This course analyzes the motives, morals, values and portrayals of
18th Century French society in literature by authors such as Voltaire
and Rousseau. The works are analyzed for how they display the beliefs of
the time and the application of those beliefs to today's world.
Cultural Health Issues
Students in this course investigate how social, economic and
political climates influence health care. The advantages and possible
complications caused by the forms of health care found throughout the
world are discussed.
Graduates of a master's degree program can teach the subject of their
concentration or in another liberal arts subject at the elementary,
secondary or post-secondary level. In 2008, college and university
professors earned an average of $54,000 per year. Graduates also find
employment as scientists, journalists or web developers.
A master's degree student can continue his or her education by
earning a Ph.D. or attending law or medical school. Each of these
options requires at least three years of additional studies and - in a
Ph.D. program - writing and defending a thesis. These degrees are not
offered online.
No comments:
Post a Comment