Liberal Arts Major, Bachelor of Liberal Arts (B.L.A.)

Combine two concentrations, maximize transfer credits and design a degree that fits your goals with the Bachelor of Liberal Arts at UMass Lowell.

Bachelor of Liberal Arts

As a liberal arts major, you’re in control of your education. The Bachelor of Liberal Arts lets you design a customized, interdisciplinary degree that reflects your interests, strengths, and career goals. Instead of being limited to one field of study, you combine two concentrations, giving you the flexibility to build a unique skill set that stands out in today’s competitive job market.

Whether you’re a transfer student aiming to maximize previously earned credits or you're seeking a flexible, engaging path to graduation, the Bachelor of Liberal Arts program offers hands-on learning experiences and clear academic direction.

Career Outlook for Liberal Arts Majors

$98.7K

Median annual salary for bachelor's degree holders in New England
Source: Lightcast, 2025
+3%

Projected job growth in New England (2023–2035)
Source: Lightcast, 2025

What Can You Do With a Liberal Arts Degree?

With a liberal arts degree, you gain versatile skills that open doors across industries and help you adapt as careers evolve. You’ll be prepared for a wide range of roles and well-positioned to pursue graduate school.

A female student smiles at the Career Fair

Careers You Can Pursue with a Liberal Arts Degree

You’ll graduate prepared to thrive in a wide range of fields, bringing strong communication, analytical and problem-solving skills to roles across industries such as:

Education
Government and Public Policy
Human Services and Non-Profit Work
International Business and Global Affairs
Journalism and Media
Law and Legal Services
Museums, Arts and Cultural Organizations
Healthcare

Topics You'll Explore as a Liberal Arts Major

As a liberal arts major, you’ll engage in interdisciplinary learning that helps you connect ideas, sharpen critical thinking and apply your knowledge to real-world issues. Your studies may include topics such as:

The relationship between the environment and society
Legal systems, policy and social impact
Health and wellness in cultural contexts
Gender, identity and social structures
Justice, equity and ethical perspectives in society
Connecting theory and practice for a variety of entrepreneurial, innovative and service opportunities
Unique interdisciplinary approaches to complex problems
World cultures and contemporary global issues

Meet Our Students and Alumni

Leo Giordano sits at a desk with a computer.

Leonardo Giordano '26

Liberal Arts

Leonardo Giordano has twice interned for credit through a new program.

The internships have expanded my network, and they were very career-centered.

Gabrielle Salvatore standing in front of Coburn Hall.

Gabrielle Salvatore '24

Bachelor of Liberal Arts, concentrations in education and psychology

The Bachelor of Liberal Arts program provided Gabrielle Salvatore ’24 with a great foundation for a teaching career.

The longer I was in the program, the more it opened up my eyes to possibilities.

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.

Why Study Liberal Arts at UMass Lowell?

A Transfer-Friendly Path to Graduation

Our BLA makes transferring simple by allowing you to apply more of your previously earned credits. Whether you’re coming from another campus or changing majors, the BLA helps you stay on track and build a degree that aligns with your goals.

Kevin L. Petersen is an Associate Teaching Professor in the English Department and the Director of Bachelor of Liberal Arts (BLA) Program at UMass Lowell.

Built for Your Success

"Not only do [liberal arts majors] get really good jobs coming out of their degree, but they are poised very well for an array of graduate programs because they can think broadly and critically."

Discover the benefits of a liberal arts degree from program director Kevin Petersen, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

A UML faculty member assisting a student on filling out an internship form.

Career Connected Experience: The UMass Lowell Guarantee

At UMass Lowell, you won’t wait until graduation to gain experience. You'll have the opportunity to complete at least one Career Connected Experience, earning pay, credit or both while building your future. Many BLA students take advantage of an internship as part of the liberal arts major.

Take the Next Step

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