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

Melodie Armand '22

Bachelor of Liberal Arts

Melodie Armand turned a setback into greater success.

I’m on a different path, but I’m on the right path.

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.

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.

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

Visit UMass Lowell

Launch virtual tour

Visit campus, meet our people and picture yourself here. Find in-person and virtual tours and events.

Life on Campus and Beyond

Residence Halls

Take a virtual tour to see where you could live.
Clubs and Activities

Choose among 200+ clubs, intramural sports, outdoor adventures and events.
Study Abroad

Travel, experience another culture and meet people from around the world.