Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts

Degree Program

Have you ever wondered if you should finish your bachelor’s degree? According to a recent study, job seekers who had a bachelor’s degree were hired for nearly 50% more of the jobs that were available in the post-recession economy than those who only had some college education.* In addition, 4 out of 5 employers agree that all students should acquire broad knowledge in the liberal arts and sciences.**

The AAC&U survey of Employers shows liberal arts skills are valued and sought out in the workplace. It also suggests that individuals with higher levels of education earn more and are more likely than others to be employed. Having a college degree is also associated with a healthier lifestyle, more active citizenship, more active parental involvement, and increased socioeconomic status.

So, why should you specifically earn a liberal arts degree? One reason is that the wide-ranging subject matter can prepare you for careers in a wide variety of industries. In fact, Forbes magazine reports that one-third of Fortune 500 CEOs have liberal arts degrees.

The Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts (BALA) Degree Completion Program at CSULB assists students who want to acquire the skills most sought-after by employers, including communication, critical thinking, language and literature, analytical and scientific reasoning, quantitative analysis, and philosophical foundations. The two-year BALA program is designed to serve the needs of working professionals who are re-entering education with some college credits already completed, and are ready to finally earn their degree. Students receive personalized attention from staff and expert instructors, while gaining access to networking opportunities with fellow professionals.

The BALA program is offered in a small cohort format and draws on a mix of both online and in-person courses, so that students can find a balance between their personal and professional lives while accomplishing their academic goals. The BALA program’s past success is evidenced by a nearly perfect graduation rate. The program is broad enough to support a wide variety of transferable units, as well as students with many different career interests. The convenient BALA schedule includes both synchronous and asynchronous classes, one evening face-to-face class per week, and face-to-face classes every other Saturday, in order to meet the demands of busy work and family lives.

Please note: Applicants should have already completed 72 baccalaureate-level course units.

*Source: Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce

**Source: “Liberal Arts Graduates and Employment: Setting the Record Straight” by the Association of American Colleges and Universities

Please Note:

  • Students enrolled in this program are eligible for financial aid, with the exception of the State University Grant (SUG) and Cal Vet College Fee Waiver.  
  • GI Bill benefits can be used for this program. Click here to learn more about eligibility, rates, and other details.
  • Working professionals who wish to complete their degree with a convenient schedule
  • Working professionals with some college experience who want to advance in their career
  • Job seekers who want access to a wider variety of career options in different industries
  • Provides a broad liberal arts education
  • One-on-one advising and program counseling
  • Financial aid available
  • Small classes in a supportive environment
  • Professional networking opportunities
  • Guaranteed classes with no transfer competition from other CSULB students
  • Effective oral and written communication
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • A global perspective of liberal arts subjects
  • Critical and analytical thinking
  • Strong problem-solving skills

I chose BALA because I wanted to receive an education that focused on making me a more well-rounded person and aligned with my career goals. I acquired the skills that employers are looking for, like communication, critical thinking, and cultural competency.

Melanie Fuller Interview Specialist, Public Safety Division, City of Los Angeles Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts (BALA)

I wanted to thank everyone involved in the BALA program for creating such an inclusive and collaborative program in which I was able to really thrive. The skills and life lessons I gained from the BALA program have been life-changing, and are the reason I am able to pursue my dream of becoming a teacher.

Karli Barrett Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts (BALA)