Temple University’s College of Liberal Arts is the ideal learning environment in which to earn your bachelors of arts in Liberal Studies degree. The curriculum and courses are flexible enough for you to complete your college degree quickly while still employed, and the skills and lessons you learn will prepare you to take the next big step in your career.

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies was developed to meet the needs of working adults. You will progress through a challenging curriculum of your own design while enhancing the analytical, reading, writing and research skills crucial to any academic or professional career. As a liberal studies major, you will also benefit from flexible course scheduling through classroom and online offerings, credits for work experience, and the opportunity to apply credits already awarded to your Temple degree.

Online Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies

The online Bachelors of Arts in Liberal Studies degree is a 123-credit program with the same core curriculum as the on-campus Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies degree program. However, all courses are completely online, allowing the program to fit seamlessly into the busy work and life schedules of working adult students.

The program is only for nontraditional transfer students (freshman students are NOT eligible to enroll). You can transfer up to 78 eligible transfer credits previously completed at Temple or another accredited institution(s). And because your professional experience is as valuable as your academic experience, you may also submit a portfolio to receive up to six additional credits for prior professional work experience. That means all the hard work you’ve done in the classroom and on the job will count towards your Liberal Studies bachelor’s degree, expediting your timeline to graduation.

Please contact Keith Gumery at [click-for-email] to get started. To learn more about the degree requirements visit the Liberal Studies Undergraduate Bulletin.

Curriculum and Courses

Students must select a track, either Humanities or Social Sciences and follow the requirements of that track. Critical Thinking (either Philosophy 1055 for Humanities students or Psychology 1004 for Social Science majors) is the foundations-level course for this major.

Ambler and Center City Campuses Liberal Studies Degree

You’ve got options when it comes to earning your Temple bachelor of arts in liberal studies degree, that includes where you study. Taking courses at our Ambler or Center City campus might be a more convenient option for you. You can complete your entire liberal studies degree from start to finish at either campus, both of which feature smaller class sizes and a different type of campus experience. At Ambler, you’ll be a part of a close-knit academic community that is only 18 miles from Main Campus. Temple also has generous transfer agreements with many community colleges. Head to the Ambler or Center City websites for more information.

Academic Advising and Professional Development

Take full advantage of the College of Liberal Arts’ flexible curriculum with the help of our award-winning advisors. We’ll help you select a major or minor and graduate on time. Beyond academics, our advisors ensure that you have a rich experience at Temple by complementing your academic work with study abroad programs, internships and other experiential learning opportunities.

• Learn more about Temple’s award-winning advisors.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

At Temple, we believe that students from all walks of life should have access to an outstanding college education. If you need help paying for your education, you aren’t alone. Most students receive some form of financial aid to fund their education. About 69% of first-year Temple students receive need-based financial aid, and the average first-year financial aid package is about $15,000. Eligible students receive financial assistance from federal, state, private and university sources. Explore all available funding and apply early to make your college education an affordable experience.

• Student Financial Services

Fly in 4

Take charge of your future and limit your debt. The Fly in 4 partnership allows you to complete your degree on time—or Temple will pay for your remaining coursework. Graduating on time means your path to success starts sooner. We provide you with the resources you need to graduate in four years, like academic advising and classes offered when you need them. You commit to doing what it takes to blaze your career path in four years.

• Learn how to Fly in 4

Undergraduate Tuition

No Added Tuition Costs. That’s the promise the College of Liberal Arts makes (and keeps) to all of our incoming students. We know deciding to attend college is a big one, both in life and financially, so we're committed to keeping costs down. We're one of only three schools/colleges at Temple University that do not charge a tuition differential, so what you see is what you pay. Our priority is helping you graduate with less student debt. 

We understand that, at this phase, you are weighing all your options, and you should be! It's crucial to find the right fit for YOU and YOUR PASSIONS.

For more information, visit Temple's costs, aid and scholarships page and Temple’s tuition calculator. To see tuition rates for all Temple schools and colleges, visit Temple’s 2023–2024 tuition rates page.