As a liberal arts major, you will design a personalized program of study in two disciplines, choosing from over 25 concentrations.

What courses will you take?

Professor and student smiling

UMass Lowell's Bachelor in Liberal Arts (BLA) program uses an interdisciplinary approach to learning to equip you to examine complex topics dealing with the environment, poverty, governance, peace and conflict, education and more.

You will select two of concentrations from an approved list that includes ten in the humanities, five in the social sciences, and thirteen that are interdisciplinary in nature. You must take a minimum of six courses in each concentration. (See Approved Concentrations below for a complete list)

You will also choose courses to meet the Interdisciplinary Focus requirement, which ties everything together. Most students take Foundations in Liberal Studies in their sophomore year and either the Capstone in Liberal Studies or an internship course in their senior year. 

  • The Foundations course uses a case study approach to teach students how to examine complex topics using interdisciplinary methodologies.
  • The Capstone project can be an original research project, creative artwork or community service project. Sample projects include examining the social and political consequences of global warming and exploring the legal responses to genocide in the 20th century.
  • Sample courses for BLA Program

All students in the BLA program must also satisfy the College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (FAHSS) language requirement. 

BLA advisers work closely with each student throughout the program leading to the successful completion of the degree.

Visit the Academic Catalog for a complete course listing. Learn about our online Bachelor's in Liberal Arts degree

Visit the Academic Catalog for all degree pathways, including those from prior enrollment years.

Students who graduate with a degree in Liberal Arts will be able to:

  1. Define the value and unique perspective of Interdisciplinary Studies
  2. Understand the significance and value of a Liberal Arts education 
  3. Explain and use interdisciplinary research methods
  4. Generate a unique capstone project bringing together BLA concentrations and any minors
  5. Synthesize theories and methodologies across disciplines
  6. Produce clear written and oral communication for a broad range of audiences

Why study liberal arts at UMass Lowell?

Allison Dunbar '17 (Exercise Physiology); eNABLE Lowell team member poses with prosthetic hand

Experiential Learning

Build career-ready skills through experiences outside the classroom, including:

  • Research in a faculty laboratory 
  • Co-ops and internships 
  • Paid work on campus 
  • Service learning 
  • Study abroad
Peterson Kevin headshot

Prepare for Future 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 BLA major from Program Associate Director Kevin Petersen, Ph.D.

Edward Morante (left) stands with Benjamin McEvoy in front of their poster at a DifferenceMaker event, talking to a student

Bachelor’s-to-Master's Program

Get on the fast track to an advanced degree with our combined bachelor's-to-master's program.

  • Available to juniors and seniors with a grade point average of 3.000 or better
  • Offers a continuous, coordinated sequence of courses
  • Reduced credit-hour requirements can save you time and money

What can you do with a bachelor in liberal arts degree?

Graduates of UMass Lowell's liberal arts program are prepared for graduate school or careers in a wide range of fields.

Two UMass Lowell UTeach students write equations on a whiteboard.

Our versatile graduates can work in diverse industries, including:

  • Education
  • Government
  • Human services
  • International business
  • Journalism
  • Law
  • Museum sciences

Meet Our Students and Alumni

UMass student Sandi DeRuntz stands in front of Difference Maker sign.
Sandi DeRuntz '25
Bachelor of Liberal Arts: Art and Psychology

Sandi DeRuntz invented ZipperBuddy, an aid for people with disabilities, through an interdisciplinary class and DifferenceMaker.

I’ve found my purpose: I want to create accessible devices.
Read More About Sandi DeRuntz 
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 
Jake Abramowitz filming actors on a movie set
Jake Abramowitz 2023
Bachelor of Liberal Arts

Jake Abramowitz won a statewide pitch contest for his short film.

I was super-excited.
Read More About Jake Abramowitz 
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 
Karina Alves singing with a microphone
Karina Alves '23
Bachelor of Liberal Arts: Criminal Justice and Legal Studies

Karina “K45” Alves wants to combine music with criminal justice reform.

I was always drawn to do what I can about inequality
Read More About Karina Alves