Perfect for students with a passion for knowledge and diverse interests, a master’s in liberal arts degree represents a fulfilling educational path that can provide opportunities in numerous professions. This degree sharpens critical thinking and analytical skills and improves communication, preparing graduates for several roles.Its versatile nature makes this degree ideal for positions such as instructor of philosophy, with a median salary of $79,930; technical writer, earning a median salary of $80,050; and education administrator, with a median salary of $102,610.
Typically, completing this degree takes 18 months to two years with full-time study — although many programs offer part-time enrollment options for working professionals. With an average tuition cost of $19,749, pursuing a master’s in liberal arts is an investment in a career that values intellectual versatility.
How to Choose a Master’s in Liberal Arts Program
Choose your area of study
With a degree as inherently versatile as a master’s in liberal arts, choosing an area of study is essential. Specializing will allow you to customize your education to your interests and career goals, helping you make the most of your academic career.
For instance, focusing on cultural studies will suit those seeking careers in multicultural organizations or international relations. Literary studies is ideal for future writers or educators, enriching their understanding and analytical skills. Meanwhile, a concentration in philosophy could benefit future ethicists or academics, fostering significant analytical and critical thinking skills.
Research schools and programs
Now that you have a specialization in mind, you can begin researching schools and programs that support your interests. You may come into this process with questions of your own, but here are a few you can use to help focus your research:
- What specializations does the program offer?
- How do the program’s curriculum and faculty align with my career goals?
- What networking and internship opportunities are available?
- Does a recognized accrediting body accredit the program?
You can usually find most of this information on the program’s website, but many students benefit from attending an information session or speaking with an admissions counselor.
Prepare for tests and applications
Preparing for graduate school applications effectively requires two things: early organization and attention to detail. Begin by gathering recommendation letters and transcripts well in advance, as these can take time to collect. Then, allocate ample time to writing your personal statement and focus on illustrating your goals and qualifications for each program.
Since some programs may require GRE scores while others may have moved to test-optional policies, verify this early on. Consider enrolling in a test prep program to improve your performance if needed.
Select your program
The arrival of acceptance letters is always an exciting time, but it can quickly become overwhelming if you receive more than one. After all, how can you be sure you choose the right one? Fortunately, you can make this decision significantly easier by revisiting your initial research criteria. Focus on what matters most in your education — such as specialization availability, the faculty you’ll learn from, and the program’s structure.
It’s also an excellent time to reassess each school’s total tuition costs and compare these against any offered financial aid. This helps gauge the investment required and ensures that your selected program aligns closely with your academic goals and economic realities.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
With appropriate planning, you can successfully pay for your degree without going into debt. This may include researching scholarships, as these do not require repayment and can significantly reduce education costs. Don’t forget grants; although these are more common for undergraduates, some may also be available for graduate students.
If you’re seeking part-time employment, consider applying for assistantships, which usually provide tuition waivers or stipends in exchange for research or teaching responsibilities. For those who are currently employed, ask your employer about tuition reimbursement programs, especially if your degree aligns with your job.
Lastly, federal loans can bridge any remaining financial gaps, offering relatively low interest rates and flexible repayment plans.
Best 50 Accredited Master’s in Liberal Arts Programs
intelligent score 99.98
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Rankings
#2 College Factual
#6 Master's Programs Guide
#15 Best Value Schools
School Information
Baltimore, MD
Graduation Rate: 93%
Admission Rate: 8%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
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Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,167
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
844-417-0874
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 98.63
Award
Rankings
#5 Master's Programs Guide
#11 Best Value Schools
School Information
Kent, OH
Graduation Rate: 60%
Admission Rate: 87%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $572
Non-Resident: $1,066
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
330-672-2444
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 98.57
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Rankings
#8 Master's Programs Guide
#9 Best Accredited Colleges
#10 Best Value Schools
School Information
Stony Brook, NY
Graduation Rate: 76%
Admission Rate: 48%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
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Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
33
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $471
Non-Resident: $1,020
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
631-632-7050
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
33
intelligent score 95.90
Award
Rankings
#1 Master's Programs Guide
School Information
Hays, KS
Graduation Rate: 57%
Admission Rate: 90%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
31
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $261
Non-Resident: $670
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
785-628-5424
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
31
intelligent score 94.76
Award
Rankings
#7 Master's Programs Guide
School Information
Tempe, AZ
Graduation Rate: 68%
Admission Rate: 88%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
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Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $897
Non-Resident: $1,472
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
480-727-1568
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 90.78
Award
Rankings
#9 Master's Programs Guide
School Information
Camden, NJ
Graduation Rate: 70%
Admission Rate: 79%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
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Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $826
Non-Resident: $1,361
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
856-225-6149
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 89.72
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Rankings
#1 College Factual
School Information
West Chester, PA
Graduation Rate: 75%
Admission Rate: 89%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
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Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,300
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
215-898-7326
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
intelligent score 89.37
Award
Rankings
#13 Master's Programs Guide
School Information
Toledo, OH
Graduation Rate: 49%
Admission Rate: 97%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
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Delivery Format
Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
33
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $640
Non-Resident: $1,123
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
419-530-4723
Delivery Format
Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
33
intelligent score 89.24
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Rankings
#14 Master's Programs Guide
School Information
Memphis, TN
Graduation Rate: 53%
Admission Rate: 9500%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
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Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
33
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $532
Non-Resident: $755
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
901-678-3685
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
33
intelligent score 87.35
Award
Rankings
#4 College Factual
School Information
Washington, DC
Graduation Rate: 95%
Admission Rate: 12%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
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Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,208
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
202-687-6299
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 87.06
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Rankings
School Information
Brockport, NY
Graduation Rate: 68%
Admission Rate: 76%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Medium
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Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $942
Non-Resident: $1,130
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
585-395-2525
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 86.70
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Rankings
School Information
Fort Worth, TX
Graduation Rate: 81%
Admission Rate: 54%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
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Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,235
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
817-257-4429
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 85.54
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Rankings
School Information
Evanston, IL
Graduation Rate: 95%
Admission Rate: 7%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$888
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
312-503-2579
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
intelligent score 85.34
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Rankings
School Information
Stanford, CA
Graduation Rate: 96%
Admission Rate: 4%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
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Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
33
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$990
accreditation
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
650-725-0061
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
33
intelligent score 85.16
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Rankings
School Information
Flint, MI
Graduation Rate: 51%
Admission Rate: 74%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
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Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $744
Out-of-State: $1,113
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
810-762-3171
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 85.06
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Rankings
School Information
Raleigh, NC
Graduation Rate: 82%
Admission Rate: 47%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
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Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $526
Non-Resident: $1,635
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
919-515-2872
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 83.84
Award
Rankings
School Information
Durham, NC
Graduation Rate: 96%
Admission Rate: 6%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,436
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
919-684-3222
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 83.73
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Rankings
School Information
Nashville, TN
Graduation Rate: 94%
Admission Rate: 7%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
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Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,140
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
615-875-5831
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 81.83
Award
Rankings
School Information
Dallas, TX
Graduation Rate: 80%
Admission Rate: 53%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$725
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
214-768-4273
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
intelligent score 81.32
Award
Rankings
School Information
Philadelphia, PA
Graduation Rate: 73%
Admission Rate: 72%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $1,053
Non-Resident: $1,449
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
215-204-1380
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 80.87
Award
Rankings
School Information
Mitchell, SD
Graduation Rate: 56%
Admission Rate: 76%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Small
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Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,133
accreditation
New England Commission of Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
860-685-2900
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
intelligent score 80.14
Award
Rankings
School Information
Murfreesboro, TN
Graduation Rate: 49%
Admission Rate: 68%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30-33
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $536
Non-Resident: $1,483
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
615-494-8801
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30-33
intelligent score 79.72
Award
Rankings
School Information
Chicago, IL
Graduation Rate: 70%
Admission Rate: 69%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
32-34
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$758
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
773-325-7315
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
32-34
intelligent score 79.14
Award
Rankings
School Information
Villanova, PA
Graduation Rate: 88%
Admission Rate: 25%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$925
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
610-519-7090
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 78.47
Award
Rankings
School Information
University of Richmond, VA
Graduation Rate: 84%
Admission Rate: 29%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$721
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
804-289-8133
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 78.09
Award
Rankings
School Information
Bloomington, IN
Graduation Rate: 79%
Admission Rate: 85%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
34-36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $342
Non-Resident: $815
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
219-980-6729
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
34-36
intelligent score 74.31
Award
Rankings
School Information
Houston, TX
Graduation Rate: 62%
Admission Rate: 98%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30-36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$470
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
713-525-3500
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30-36
intelligent score 74.00
Award
Rankings
School Information
Coral Gables, FL
Graduation Rate: 81%
Admission Rate: 28%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$2,421
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
305-284-8783
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 73.34
Award
Rankings
School Information
Mahwah, NJ
Graduation Rate: 72%
Admission Rate: 70%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$852
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
201-684-7270
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Discover More Options
How we rank schools
Almost all of our chosen programs lead to a master of arts in liberal studies. They feature either on-campus classes or remote, online learning pathways — some offer both — so you can choose the option that works best for you and your schedule.
Each of these colleges and universities is approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the Middle States Commission on Higher Education or the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Regional accreditors look for evidence of strong, relevant curricula and highly qualified professors.
We evaluated each program on the basis of flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score for each program on a scale from 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out our ranking methodology.
What Can You Expect From a Master’s in Liberal Arts Program?
A master’s in liberal arts offers a broad, interdisciplinary education that fosters critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills. As a student, you’ll explore subjects ranging from literature and philosophy to social sciences and history, gaining a versatile knowledge base.
This degree covers various disciplines, preparing you for career paths in education, writing, public service, and beyond. Its generalist nature means you can customize your studies to your interests while preparing for various professional opportunities.
These degrees take 18 months to two years to complete and traditionally culminate in a thesis, demonstrating mastery of a specific topic.
Potential courses you’ll take in a master’s in liberal arts program
- Comparative Literature: In this course, students explore texts from several cultures and historical periods, examining themes, narratives, and literary techniques across literary traditions. This analysis helps develop a more significant understanding of how literature reflects and shapes the human experience across different societies.
- Cultural Anthropology: Through this course, students investigate human cultures, social structures, and their evolution. It includes fieldwork methods and theoretical approaches to understanding how societies develop and function, providing students with tools to analyze cultural differences and similarities.
- Ethics and Leadership: This course focuses on moral philosophy and ethical decision-making in leadership roles. It encourages students to examine case studies from business, politics, and public administration. Participants learn to apply ethical theories to real-world situations, improving their ability to lead responsibly.
- Political Theory: This course analyzes political theories and ideas from the Enlightenment to today. Students assess the works of key thinkers and the historical context of their ideas, gaining insight into the evolution of political ideologies and their impact on contemporary political systems.
Master’s in Liberal Arts Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to a master's in liberal arts degree program?
While specific requirements can vary by institution due to the program’s versatility, many of these admissions processes share similar criteria. Generally, you’ll need to provide:
- Official transcripts from all undergraduate institutions attended
- Letters of recommendation
- A statement of purpose
- GRE scores, if required
Given the diversity in program specifics, it’s crucial to consult an admissions counselor before applying. They can offer advice and insights, ensuring your application is aligned with your chosen program’s specific requirements and expectations.
How much does a master's in liberal arts degree cost?
The cost of a master’s in liberal arts degree varies depending on the school you attend, with the average graduate tuition being $19,749 for the 2020-2021 academic year.
Besides tuition, you should also budget for additional expenses not typically covered by tuition fees. Depending on your situation, these can include commuting costs, housing, textbooks, and course materials. It’s important to factor in these costs when planning your budget, as they can add up over time and significantly impact the overall cost of your degree.
How long does it take to earn a master's in liberal arts degree?
Earning this degree typically takes 18 months to two years for full-time students, while part-time students may need three to four years, depending on their course load. Even with these figures in mind, completion timelines can vary significantly by institution due to differences in total required credits for the degree. Before applying, carefully review each program’s credit requirements, as this can significantly influence the duration of your studies.