Liberal Arts

This interdisciplinary program helps you build strong critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills that can be applied across many career fields.

While the Liberal Arts degree offers broad academic preparation, we encourage you to explore majors that more closely match your interests and long-term goals. By meeting with a counselor and completing career or interest assessments, you can make informed decisions about your educational pathway.

What is Liberal Arts?

Liberal arts is a broad field of study that includes the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics. Rather than focusing on one technical discipline, a liberal arts education builds a strong foundation of general knowledge along with skills in analysis, communication, and reasoning. These skills transfer to a wide range of professions and support future academic or career exploration.

Is Liberal Arts Right for Me?

A Liberal Arts major may be a good fit if you:

• Enjoy learning across many subjects
• Want to build versatile academic and professional skills
• Are exploring possible majors or career paths
• Plan to transfer and specialize later
• Value creativity, critical thinking, and understanding diverse perspectives

Liberal arts is especially helpful for students who want a flexible degree while they clarify long-term academic or career goals.

Degree

Liberal Arts Associate of Arts

The Liberal Arts AA provides an interdisciplinary curriculum that develops broad academic abilities and prepares students for transfer or entry-level employment. Skills gained through this program apply to numerous occupations and fields of study.

Paying For Education

You CAN Afford BC

Don’t let finances get in the way of your goals. Get help paying for college costs like tuition, books, or sometimes even the rent with a variety of financial aid options to help you reach your educational and career goals.

I Can Afford College

Careers

An Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts can lead to positions in fields such as:

• Education
• Social services
• Public administration
• Journalism and communication
• Business and customer relations

Common job roles may include:

• Administrative assistant
• Customer service representative
• Teacher assistant
• Writer or editor
• Public relations or social media assistant
• Sales representative

Many students continue their education at a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree in a more specialized area.

Beyond BC

Transfer to a University

Graduates with an Associate Degree from Bakersfield College may choose to continue their education at a university to earn a 4-year degree. See your Counselor and/or a Transfer Specialist for specific questions, options, and opportunities.

Transfer Pathways

Academic Department: none

Career & Learning Pathway: Personal and Career Exploration Pathway