Explore how the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences have shaped much of our daily lives. Through online courses you will investigate four modes of critical thought: scientific inquiry and reasoning, insights into contemporary society and culture, critical perspectives on history, and academic writing. This general BA degree program will help you develop adaptable skills for any career path or life activity, or further education.
Program Plan
The Bachelor of Liberal Studies program plan consists of 90.0 units. 60.0 of these units are electives which can be taken from any subject, at any level and in any order, as long you have (or obtain) the prerequisites for any 200 or 300-level courses. The other 30.0 units must be taken as described below.
Note: Courses may not be offered every term.
Core courses (9.0 units)
- LIBS 100 (3.0 units): Origins and Practices of Liberal Arts
- LIBS 300 (6.0 units): The Liberal Arts in the Contemporary World
Option courses (21.0 units)
Select option courses from each of four modes of critical thought:
- 6.0 units from Scientific Inquiry and Reasoning (e.g. Math, Biology, Computing, Psychology, etc.)
- 6.0 units from Insights into Contemporary Society and Culture (e.g. Film, Sociology, Philosophy, etc.)
- 6.0 units from Critical Perspectives on History (e.g. History, Religious Studies, Classics, etc.)
- 3.0 units from Academic Writing (Writing courses)
Note: At least 12.0 units of option courses must be taken at the 200 level or above.
Electives (60.0 units)
60.0 additional units selected from all course offerings.
How do I apply?
Admission Requirements
Queen's Arts and Science Online has several admission categories for students with diverse educational backgrounds. Choose the right one for you here.
Application Periods
There are three application periods each year - Fall, Winter and Summer. View the dates and deadlines for each one here.
Submit an Application
To apply for a Queen's online program, simply submit an online application directly through our website.
How Online Learning Works
Click here to learn more about when to access your course, time commitments, exams and more.
What can I do with my degree?
Can I apply to Grad School?
Admission requirements for graduate programs vary by institution and program. If your education goals include attending grad school, we recommend that you speak to the receiving institution and compare our programs to their admission requirements. It is currently not possible to complete an Honours degree in Liberal Studies online at Queen's.
Possible Career Fields
Your BA in Liberal Studies can lead you to a wide variety of career fields, which may include:
- Communications
- Consumer services
- Copywriting
- Cultural affairs
- Editing
- Education
- Entrepreneur
- Fundraising
- Human rights
- Human resources
- Immigration services
- International development
- Journalism
- Libraries
- Non-governmental organizations
- Public service and administration
- Publishing
- Training, recruitment, and development
Note: Students who are interested in pursuing graduate studies are encouraged to contact the programs directly to find out if our ASO 3-year 90.0-unit general degree will meet admission requirements.
Student Spotlight
Meet Heather (BA Liberal Studies)
My name is Heather, and I am a wife, mother to two, runner, and introvert. I have also been a self-employed hair stylist for ten years. I mention that after the fact because my family is the most important thing to me, and if the only thing I contribute to the world is two good people, then I have succeeded! Secondly, running and competing keeps me sane and that is my outlet and joy. My 2017 and 2019 Boston Marathon medals hang in my study space and remind me I can do hard things. I am studying Liberal Arts at Queen’s online. The variety of courses appeals to me, and my introvert tendencies make online studies much more enjoyable than in class. I really want to develop my writing, critical analysis and vocabulary skills and this program has challenged me in these areas, as well as piqued new interests. The discipline, focus, and time management skills needed for online studies is a skill I have been able to transfer over from my focus on training and competing. I live in Ajax, Ontario and travelling to a University for in class studies meant daycare for my kids, loss of income as well as the additional stresses involved with commuting. While studying online, I can still be there for my children, book clients in slots that work for my studies, and still be able to complete my assignments and readings during the day. I am so grateful that Queen’s offers all the courses I need to be able to complete my Bachelor of Arts. I am even more excited about the fact that my children can see that making time for academics, personal endeavours, and passions is not only manageable, but entirely worth it!