Learn how to approach complex topics such as the environment, poverty, governance, peace and conflict and education. 

The Bachelor of Liberal Arts (BLA) program at UMass Lowell is an exciting interdisciplinary program that offers students the opportunity to design a personalized program from more than two dozen possible concentrations.

Meet Our Students and Alumni

Sammy Santana poses in front a board describing his project to create an educational nonprofit called “Shared Vision/Vision House” at the UMass Lowell Difference Maker Idea Challenge.
Sammy Santana '24
Liberal Arts

With an unbridled passion for learning, Sammy Santana is pursuing his numerous interests through the BLA program.

The best thing I've experienced at UMass Lowell is finding myself through ... every class I've taken.
Read More About Sammy Santana 
Chummeng Soun performs with Flying Orb, a group of younger Cambodian-American dancers in Lowell
Chummeng Soun '19
Asian Studies, Digital Media

Chummeng Soun is documenting the traditional dances of his native Cambodia with support from the Center for Asian American Studies and the Southeast Asian Digital Archive.

That's where my passion lies - in filmmaking and storytelling about my heritage.
Read More About Chummeng Soun 
Warren Wartman works on a laptop.
Warren Wartman '26
Liberal Arts (Theatre Arts and Economics)

At 59, Warren Wartman is embracing a second act as a college student, trading his construction tools for textbooks to study theatre arts and economics at UMass Lowell.

I like to think I add something to the mix, but my younger classmates teach me just as much.
Read More About Warren Wartman 
James Joutras poses with a group of students in Japan
James Wilson Joutras '19
Liberal Arts – Digital Media and Theatre Arts

James Joutras came to UMass Lowell to discover himself. His experiences instilled confidence – and took him to Japan, where he plans to work after graduation.

I discovered I was good at editing – taking a bunch of different elements that don’t necessarily make sense and putting them together in a way that creates a coherent story.
Read More About James Wilson Joutras 
Lana Bashir sits at a colorful desk with a notebook, various equipment and flags.
Lana Bashir '23
Liberal Arts

Lana Bashir fell in love with UMass Lowell when she toured the campus.

I liked the homey feel, and I talked to a couple of different students and they really liked it here.
Read More About Lana Bashir