Why earn an Associate of Liberal Studies at Washburn? 

Do you have lots of college credits but no degree? The Associate of Liberal Studies can help you turn your hard work into a credential. This program is built around your interests, needs, and goals. With the help of a personal academic advisor, Washburn will work with you to make the most of any perviously earned credits.
Career Forecast Growing OutlookAverage Salary $40,000 to $60,000 depending on fieldon campus
A student smiles while in the library.

What sets Liberal Studies at Washburn apart?

  • Flexibility -- this program helps you make the most of the classes you've already taken.
  • Learn from professors, not graduate students.
  • Opportunity -- you can design this program as online-only, in-person only, or a mix of the two. That means you can learn in your own space or get the four-year college experience, from on-campus housing options to student organizations, events, and activities. What's most important to you is important to us.
  • Scholarships are available for first-time students, transfer students, and continuing students in this program.
  • Receive free tutoring and access to student support services -- including student health, student counseling, the student recreation and wellness center, library resources and more -- throughout campus.

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Scholarships
Admission scholarships

Tuition and fees

Courses in this degree program are offered at the Traditional Undergraduate Rate.

Financial aid

Washburn University offers generous undergraduate financial aid, including scholarships and grants.

Tuition waiver programs

If you don’t currently live in Kansas, learn about our Tuition Waiver programs that may qualify you for in-state tuition.

Associate of Liberal Studies

General Education Requirements

  • 3 credits - EN 101 First year writing
  • 3 credits - MA 112 Contemporary College Mathematics or 116 College Algebra (with grade of C or better)
  • 6 credits – Humanities, Creative and Performing Arts (from two different areas)
  • 6 credits – Natural Sciences (from two different areas)
  • 6 credits – Social Sciences (from two different areas)

Individualized Plan of Study

In addition to your general education requirements, you’ll work with an academic advisor to determine what courses are best for your goals. Together you will develop a plan that includes electives and either Plan A or Plan B explained below.

Plan A
  • 12 credits in one discipline from the College of Arts and Sciences
Plan B
  • 12 credits selected from the general education disciplines within the College of Arts and Sciences (Creative and Performing Arts: art, mass media, music, and theatre; Natural Sciences and Math: biology, chemistry, computer information sciences, math, and physics; Social Sciences: anthropology, history, political science, psychology, and sociology)

Electives

Additional coursework to reach a minimum of 60 total credits.

Associate of Arts in Humanities and Arts

If you already have credits in art, music, or theatre, your fastest path to graduation may be the Associate of Arts in Humanities and Arts. Your advisor will help you make this determination.

General Education Requirements

  • 3 credits - EN 101 First year writing
  • 3 credits - MA 112 Contemporary College Mathematics or 116 College Algebra (with grade of C or better)
  • 6 credits – Humanities, Creative and Performing Arts (from two different areas)
  • 6 credits – Natural Sciences (from two different areas)
  • 6 credits – Social Sciences (from two different areas)

Area of Concentration

In addition to your general education requirements, you’ll work with an academic advisor to determine what courses are best for your goals. Together you will develop a plan that includes courses from all of the creative and performing arts areas: Art, Music, and Theatre.

  • 24 credits that include at least six hours from each of the three areas
  • At least 12 credits will be from one area
  • 12 hours outside of the area of concentration

Fill out the Undergraduate Admissions Application and enroll to pursue an Associate of Liberal Studies. You can declare your major right away.

Remember: Your advisor will work with you to determine what you need to do to earn this degree based on any credits you are transferring.

Get involved in student clubs and organizations to make the most of your short time on campus.

As you complete your coursework and begin thinking about your next step, Washburn support services can help. Career Engagement offers resume help, practice interviews and more.

You may be ready for the workforce, or have a new goal. If you want to continue to a bachelor’s degree, Washburn has options for you in a variety of health fields and the sciences.

Set for Success

CAREER FORECAST: growing outlook
Depending on your field of interest, occupational opportunities are growing as fast, faster, or much faster than average according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Qualities for success

Critical-thinking

Problem-solving

Communication and collaboration 

Ready for what's next

This program is designed to help turn the credits you've earned into the credential you've worked so hard for.

Apply now

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