Program Overview
A liberal arts and sciences major at the University of Kansas offers students a flexible and interdisciplinary education that prepares them for a wide range of careers. This degree provides a broad foundation in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills. With an emphasis on adaptability and intellectual curiosity, students in this program gain a comprehensive understanding of various disciplines, allowing them to tailor their studies to align with their interests and career goals.
As a liberal studies degree, this program is ideal for students who seek a well-rounded education while developing expertise in multiple fields. Whether you’re interested in the arts, sciences, or social sciences, this degree allows you to explore different disciplines while maintaining a strong academic foundation. Graduates of this program are prepared for careers in education, business, government, and other industries that value analytical and communication skills.
The liberal arts and sciences major is offered as a Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The curriculum is intentionally flexible, enabling students to design a pathway that reflects their professional interests and academic strengths while completing essential university and college requirements. Students complete a combination of core coursework, distribution requirements, and elective credits that may be drawn from a wide range of departments across the College.
Students in the liberal arts and sciences major develop a broad academic portfolio by completing liberal arts classes in areas such as the humanities, behavioral sciences, natural sciences, and social sciences. This interdisciplinary structure encourages intellectual exploration while strengthening analytical reasoning, written and oral communication, quantitative literacy, and ethical decision-making skills.
In addition to the on-campus option, KU offers an online version of the liberal arts and sciences major designed specifically for transfer students who have previously earned college credit. The online program allows transfer students to complete their bachelor’s degree in liberal studies in a flexible, fully online format while maintaining the same academic standards as the on-campus program. Courses are delivered by KU faculty and structured to support working professionals, military-affiliated students, and adult learners seeking degree completion.
The online liberal arts and sciences major is available only to transfer students and is not open to first-time, first-year students. Transfer applicants must meet university admission standards and bring previously earned college coursework that can be applied toward degree requirements. The program emphasizes flexibility, allowing students to build upon prior credits while completing upper-division coursework aligned with their goals.
Whether completing the program on campus or online, students in the liberal arts and sciences major gain a versatile educational foundation that supports career mobility and lifelong learning. This adaptability makes the program attractive to students who want a customizable academic experience within a structured degree framework.
Learn more about KU
Undergraduate
For more information about the program, visit the program page below.
Liberal Arts & Sciences, BGSKU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
The Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts & Sciences is part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, home to a collaborative and creative community making the world better through inquiry and research.Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts & Sciences Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the liberal arts and sciences major will be able to:
- Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving abilities through analysis of complex issues.
- Effectively communicate ideas in written and verbal formats to diverse audiences.
- Apply interdisciplinary approaches to analyze real-world issues using multiple perspectives.
- Conduct research and evaluate evidence using appropriate methodologies.
- Exhibit adaptability and creativity in academic and professional settings.
- Integrate knowledge across liberal arts classes to address civic, ethical, and global challenges.
What Careers are Possible with a Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts & Sciences?
A bachelor of liberal arts degree prepares graduates for diverse career paths in industries that value critical thinking and adaptability. Because the liberal arts and sciences major emphasizes communication, research, and interdisciplinary analysis, students are prepared for a variety of professional roles.
Common job opportunities for liberal arts and sciences majors include:
- Public Relations Specialist
- Marketing Coordinator
- Human Resources Manager
- Nonprofit Program Manager
- Research Analyst
- Government Policy Advisor
Data from Lightcast indicate that graduates with a liberal studies degree often find employment in fields that require strong communication, analytical reasoning, and organizational skills. Many also pursue graduate study, including law school, business programs, public administration, education, and other advanced degrees. The versatility of the degree supports long-term career flexibility across a range of liberal arts and sciences jobs.
Tuition and Financial Aid
KU offers competitive tuition rates and a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans. For details on tuition costs and available financial assistance, visit KU Financial Aid.Admission Requirements
All students interested in the liberal arts and sciences major must meet the standard University of Kansas admission requirements for incoming freshman and transfer students. This includes:
Freshman
- 3.25 high school GPA OR 2.0 GPA and 21+ ACT
Transfer
- Assured admission with 24+ transferrable credit hours with a 2.5+ GPA from a regionally accredited higher education institution.
For detailed admission requirements, visit KU Admissions.
Student Life and Learning Experience
KU encourages hands-on learning experiences for liberal arts and sciences majors. Students can participate in:
- Undergraduate research projects
- Internships in various industries
- Study abroad programs
- Service-learning initiatives
These opportunities allow students to apply knowledge gained in liberal arts classes in practical settings and gain valuable professional experience.
Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts & Sciences Sample Courses
Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies complete coursework across multiple disciplines. Sample courses from the KU catalog may include:
- Communication and Society
- Ethical Issues in the Professions
- Humanities in the Western World
- Principles of Social Science Research
- Scientific Principles and Discoveries
- Interdisciplinary Approaches to Knowledge
Students in the liberal arts and sciences major select coursework in consultation with advisors to ensure alignment with academic and career goals. For a full list of course options and degree requirements, visit the KU Catalog.
Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts & Sciences Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply?
Applications are open and accepted year-round.