Associate of Liberal Arts

Degree Overview

A liberal arts education is designed to give you an introduction to arts, culture, business, and more to help you better understand and find your place in the world.

The online Associate of Liberal Arts from Virginia Wesleyan University offers you the general education and career skills you need to prepare for a bachelor’s degree or seek an entry-level job in business, social services, administration and management positions, and much more. It is a stackable credential that can make you more valuable in your current job or open the door to many future options.

Professionally focused, as opposed to research focused, the Associate of Liberal Arts program is geared toward working adults. This is an opportunity to study at a national liberal arts institution in a student-centered, highly supportive environment. The coursework will empower you to become a strong thinker, communicator, innovator, and global citizen.

You will be exposed to a variety of perspectives and approaches that will prepare you for the complexities of the global marketplace as you gain a foundation that will help you adapt as fields and jobs shift to follow market trends.

When you complete the online Associate of Liberal Arts program, you will be able to:

  • Make critical use of a variety of perspectives.
  • Create your own perspectives informed by thoughtful analysis.
  • Make effective oral presentations.
  • Participate actively in critical dialogue

As an online student, you’ll receive the quality curriculum Virginia Wesleyan University is known for, plus the flexibility to learn at your pace as you complete your degree in as little as 24-48 months.

Program Details

  • 10/23/2024
    Next Start Date
  • 60
    Total Degree Credit Hours
  • Program Length
    2 - 4 years
  • $399
    Cost Per Credit Hour

Course Information

General Education is the component of the degree that all students share. The requirements include both a scholarly core experience and a broad array of courses from across the university. The core provides students a common sequence of courses that form a foundation for their education and that will serve them throughout their lives. The breadth requirement ensures a well-rounded education.

The online Associate of Liberal Arts program requires the completion of 60 credits. Because courses can carry different numbers of credits, course selection by each student will determine the total number of courses required for the degree.

Requirements (60 Credits)

  • English Composition
    ENG 105: The Art of Writing, 4 credits
  • Foreign Language/Cultural Proficiency
    Any Foreign Language/Cultural Proficiency course, 4-12 credits
  • Wesleyan Seminar I
    Any WES 100, 3-4 credits
  • Wesleyan Seminar II
    Any WES 200, 3-4 credits
  • Wesleyan Seminar III
    Any WES 300, 3-4 credits
  • Arts and Humanities
    Must include at least one creative arts course and one upper-level Humanities course, 6-8 credits
  • Mathematical Sciences
    Any Mathematical Science breadth course, 3-4 credits
  • Natural Sciences with Laboratory
    Any Natural Sciences with laboratory breadth course, 3-4 credits
  • Social Sciences and Professional Studies
    Must include at least one course in the traditional social sciences, 6-8 credits
  • Electives
    Any course listed above or any other course that is not being used to satisfy another requirement may also be counted as an elective, 19-28 credits

Note: Completion of a minimum of 60 credit hours. Up to 32 credit hours may be brought in through transfer credit or credit for prior experience and up to 64 credit hours may be earned in the Associate of Liberal Arts program prior to transferring to a Baccalaureate program.

Career Outcomes

Graduates will be prepared to take their career paths in a wide variety of directions, whether by getting preparation for a bachelor’s degree or becoming more valuable in their employment and organization, or making new and different opportunities.

  • Enhance Your Career

    Get the skills and knowledge that can help you move up in your current job or change your career entirely.

  • Prepare for a Bachelor’s Degree

    The online Associate of Liberal Arts from Virginia Wesleyan University offers the core courses you need to prepare for a bachelor's degree and complete it more quickly.

Why VWU Online

Successful Alumni

More than 90 percent of our alumni are working or in graduate school within 1 year of graduation.

Highly Qualified Faculty

90 percent of our professors have attained the highest degree in their fields.

Military-Friendly

Virginia Wesleyan University is a Yellow Ribbon school, and we have a dedicated Veterans Service Team.

Streamlined Admission

Admission decisions are made on the basis of a review of the applicant's undergraduate transcript. No SAT, ACT, or GMAT required!

How to Apply

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the online Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts program at Virginia Wesleyan University, students must:

  1. Complete our online application.
  2. Provide high school diploma.
  3. Present a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher if transferring.

Financial Aid

There may be financial aid options available to you when you apply for an online program at Virginia Wesleyan University.

Explore Financial Aid Options

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