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Associate Degree in Liberal Arts Online AA Program

Juan Munoz, who earned his degree in 2022, sitting at a table outside typing on his laptop with a glass of ice tea next to him and a pink flower in the foreground.

Cost per credit $342

Total courses 20

Term length 8 weeks

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Program Overview Why get an associate in liberal arts?

Strengthen your communication and critical-thinking skills with an Associate of Arts (AA) in Liberal Arts from Southern New Hampshire University. Ideal for those seeking entry-level employment, this degree could help you gain skills in business, social services and beyond. It can also serve as a meaningful milestone on the journey toward a bachelor's degree.

Plus, the AA in Liberal Arts consists primarily of general education and elective courses, so you can maximize your transfer credits and earn a degree faster.

Learn how to:

  • Communicate using modes of knowledge, inquiry and creative expression
  • Use critical evaluation and analytical reasoning to compile research
  • Create empathetic solutions to complex problems
  • Use cultural knowledge to inform collaboration
  • Apply principles of social justice and civic responsibility
Juan Munoz, who earned his degree from SNHU in 2022, sitting in an office next to a computer, writing in a notebook with a woman with brown hair facing away from him in the background.

Courses & Curriculum Online associate degree courses for developing professionals

The liberal arts associate degree was built to help you find your direction while gaining a solid educational foundation. This program allows you to explore subjects like humanities and history, social and behavioral sciences and science, technology and math. And with 4 elective courses built in to the curriculum, you can tailor the program to your interests along the way.

Degree Courses

Online liberal arts courses

Liberal arts courses offer readings, lessons and assignments that enhance your knowledge, skills and insight in a variety of fields. Many students use their associate degree elective courses to get a head start on their desired bachelor's degree. SNHU offers 100+ on-campus and online bachelor's degree programs to choose from, including an online general studies degree.

Courses May Include:

Course ID: COM 212
This course is designed to help students develop abilities, including organization and delivery skills, for all speaking situations. The evaluation and improvement of voice, diction, articulation and posture also are studied. May not be used as literature elective.
Course ID: ENG 122
English 122 is a college-level writing course that introduces students to the various forms of academic discourse. This course focuses primarily on the basic elements of college composition and writing as a process in both narrative and analytical forms. Students will investigate the importance and promise of effective written communication in various personal and professional contexts and identify effective strategies through critical analysis of written works as well as their own writing. Finally, this course prepares students for more advanced research analysis by connecting students to important avenues of research.
Course ID: ENG 123
English 123 focuses students on the importance of research to advancing knowledge for various purposes. This course will build on the foundations of composition and introduce students to the research process and the analysis and evaluation of various sources. Students will investigate the writing process for research as well as appropriate research methods and skills. Additionally, this course offers multiple opportunities to engage in the important tasks of revision and editing and will ask students to incorporate feedback to improve their writing.
Course ID: FAS 202
This course offers vocabulary, understanding and appreciation of the visual arts in their cultural contexts in history, religion, literature, music and ideas. It focuses on the cultural periods of the Baroque, the Enlightenment, Romanticism and Early Modernism while also exploring related issues in non-European cultures. May be taken independently of FAS-201.
Course ID: HUM 100
Art, literature, and philosophy tell lasting stories. Beyond the intended purpose of the artists and authors, or the shifting interpretations of the audiences, these creations tell us about cultural development, changes in worldview, and common themes that span centuries and continents. How have you come to understand the world? How do you express that understanding through the act of creating? This course investigates the purpose of art, literature, and philosophy across different periods, how its themes represent the cultures that produced it, and how that art still serves society today.
Course ID: HUM 200
What is the purpose of art, literature, and philosophy? Is it enough to create simply for the act of creating, or should a work serve as a deliberate commentary, be it political, social, personal, or derivative of other motivations? In this course, students have the opportunity to select works, collections, or periods within the humanities for research and study. The study is guided by both subjective and objective analyses to differentiate between an artist's or author's intended meaning and a society's interpretation of that meaning.
Course ID: HIS 100
More than just dates, names, and places, history is the study of the human condition. It seeks to understand human behavior through the thoughtful examination of different types of historical sources. The study of history is a living subject, always changing as new discoveries and interpretations are presented. This course examines the process of investigating and writing about history through analysis of sources and the presentation of this analysis as an argument. Through this exploration of historical investigation, students will develop a holistic perspective on the contemporary relevance of history and their responsibility to participate and engage in such discourse.
Course ID: HIS 200
The application of history in our daily lives is not always apparent. However, studying the past is imperative for informing our understanding of society today. Armed with this informed understanding, we are transformed into effective citizens and public agents. In this course, students will explore how history has shaped the role of the citizen in America. Ultimately, historical perspectives will be utilized to understand a topic relevant to American society today.
Course ID: IDS 100
Explore the four general education lenses of academic inquiry: Humanities, History, Social Science, and Natural Science. Apply these lenses as a framework for understanding relevant topics, distinguish opinion from research, and communicate ideas clearly. Develop an awareness for different points of view and how they impact the development of a well-educated individual.
Course ID: SCI 100
This introductory course serves as an entry point into the natural sciences which concentrates on the natural world that both surrounds us and includes us. Students explore the big ideas in natural science as well as the methods that the field employs to solve problems. The course emphasizes and explores empirical modes of study as a way of looking at the world and aims to foster science literate citizens.
Course ID: SCI 200
This applied course actively involves students in the process of science and builds upon foundational natural science concepts in introductory survey courses. Students have the opportunity to engage in inquiry based learning which utilizes natural science methodologies and apply these toward problem solving skills in contemporary topics.
Course ID: SCS 100
How do social scientists examine issues impacting human behavior? This course will focus on the questions social scientists ask in their research of individuals, families, and larger society, as well as how social scientific inquiry has developed over time. This exploration of social science will focus on the ways in which researchers consider behavioral phenomenon and use research to study various concepts. Students will examine the relevance of social science to current issues, develop evidence-based questions about human behavior, and explore basic social scientific research approaches.
Course ID: SCS 200
Social scientists consider a number of factors when deciding to invest time and resources into investigating a problem. Students engage in inquiry based learning by selecting a current issue and exploring it from the perspective of social scientists (psychologist, sociologist, anthropologist etc.). Students use a systematic approach to engage in an evidence-informed investigation pertaining to a current issue.

Visit the course catalog to view the full AA in Liberal Arts curriculum.

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Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts!

Upcoming term starts: October 27, 2025 | January 5, 2026

Next term starts:
September 1, 2025

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Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?

Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 91.6% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2024 survey with 8,000+ respondents.

What to expect:

8-week terms

Learn around your schedule

24/7 online support

Faculty Profile

Matthew DiPirro, SNHU associate dean of liberal arts.Developed and taught by supportive faculty

Our faculty is united by a mission of student success. Your instructors will share their experience, knowledge and insights to inspire your studies and help you grow as a person and professional.

Featured Faculty

Matt DiPirro

In his decade of experience at Southern New Hampshire University, Matt DiPirro has been hands-on in areas of outcomes and assessment, curriculum design and teaching. He is passionate about experiential learning and the employability of students. Since 2021, DiPirro has served as chairperson of both the SNHU online ethics committee and liberal arts advisory board.

Position
Associate Dean, Liberal Arts

Joined SNHU
2014

Education

  • MA in English from SNHU
  • BA in English and Philosophy from the University of New Hampshire

What our instructors have to say

Dr. Priscilla Hobbs, senior associate dean of general education at SNHU

Hear what some of our SNHU instructors have to say about our liberal arts associate degree: 

"More and more employers require a degree for eligibility for career advancement opportunities. Having an associate degree helps you start in your career."

Dr. Priscilla Hobbs, senior associate dean of general education at SNHU

5 ways SNHU makes the admission process "easy-peasy" #shorts

Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free

No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.

All it takes is 3 simple steps

It's easy, fast and free.

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Whether you're applying for an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll fill out a form to verify your previous education experience. As part of our admissions process, we'll help you request transcripts from your previous school(s) to see if you can transfer any credits into your SNHU program! (Also for free!)

After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.

Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu

Accreditations

SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.

This program and its concentrations are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Student achievement data can be found on the ACBSP accreditation page.

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Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think

As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.

Online undergraduate tuition

Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 120-credit degree*
Full- and part-time students
$342
$1,026
$41,040
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$250
$750
$30,000

*before previously earned credits are applied

Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.

**Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.

Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.

Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

$4,104 $8,208 $12,312 $15,390
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

If 12 of your prior learning credits ($342/credit) are accepted toward your associate degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $16,416

If 24 of your prior learning credits ($342/credit) are accepted toward your associate degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $12,312

If 36 of your prior learning credits ($342/credit) are accepted toward your associate degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $8,208

If 45 of your prior learning credits ($342/credit) are accepted toward your associate degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $5,130

How we estimate your tuition cost:

We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for an associate degree. Most associate degrees require 60 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 45 credits, requiring a minimum of 15 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.

Career Outlook What can I do with a liberal arts associate degree?

Earning an associate degree can make an impact on your career and finances by opening doors to new opportunities. Whether you need a degree to go further at a job you love or you're looking to expand your horizons, the online liberal arts associate degree is a great next step in your education.

Through the AA liberal arts degree program, you'll also develop in areas like critical thinking and decision making — crucial and versatile skills needed to succeed in any profession.

Occupations

The online liberal arts associate degree provides a broad, flexible foundation, preparing you for entry-level positions in a variety of roles and industries. Some jobs you could consider pursuing include:

Keep business operations organized by assisting with paperwork, scheduling meetings and being the office's first point of contact.

Help customers virtually, over the phone or in person by answering questions and responding to complaints.

Manage the daily operations of a bar, restaurant, hotel or cafeteria. This is a great option if you've worked in the service industry.

Perform clerical tasks such as preparing routine reports, bills, claims, payments or orders. You'll be the go-to when someone needs to know where to find information.

18%

Higher median weekly earnings nationally for associate degree holders when compared to those with a high school diploma, according to 2023 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1

 

Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, not on SNHU graduate outcomes, and do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.

What SNHU students are saying

Autumn Jones-Cox '21
Autumn Jones-Cox '21

What initially attracted me to this program was the ability to explore different subjects with different perspectives.

Autumn Jones-Cox '21

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can. An associate degree in liberal arts allows you to explore a variety of possible career paths and provides solid preparation for more advanced degrees. If you’ve already completed some college coursework, a liberal arts associate degree can be the fastest path to earning a college credential.

If you know you need to continue your education but aren't sure where to start or how much you can realistically commit to, the associate in liberal arts program is a good option.

"The AA in Liberal Arts program helps you get a jump-start on college while also earning a degree along the way," said Priscilla Hobbs, SNHU’s associate dean of general education and interdisciplinary studies.

At SNHU, the 60-credit associate degree in liberal arts focuses on general education courses. You’ll explore everything from writing and public speaking to humanities and social sciences. And you can gain key career skills like communication, critical thinking and problem solving that will serve you well in any field.

The associate degree in liberal arts also includes 12 elective credits, so you can dig deeper into an area of interest, explore potential careers or get a head start on courses that could apply to a bachelor’s degree.

If you have transfer credits, this general studies associate degree can be a fast track toward graduation. SNHU’s generous transfer policy allows you to apply up to 45 transfer credits to a 2-year degree. With the maximum transfer load, you could turn your existing coursework into a degree with just 15 credits, or 5 courses.

Earning an associate degree can also help you get a head start on a bachelor’s degree. Because you’ll already have your general education requirements done, you can jump right into your major courses and be ready to graduate sooner.

Liberal arts often describes a category of university majors, including literature, mathematics and humanities. Liberal arts subjects are designed to give you general knowledge on a subject, rather than technical skills.

Sometimes called a general studies associate degree, an associate degree in liberal arts offers a broad base of liberal arts education in subjects like social sciences, natural sciences and history.

These general education courses will help you develop important career skills that are in high demand across many industries. These skills include critical thinking, problem solving and communication.

Learn more about liberal arts degrees.

An undergraduate course is typically worth 3 credits, so a 60-credit degree usually translates into 20 courses. The actual number of courses can vary, however, based on the specific degree program and its learning requirements. If a degree requires an internship for credit, for example, the total number of required courses may be lower.

At SNHU, an associate degree in liberal arts consists of 48 credits – or 16 courses – of general education subjects. Topics include English composition, mathematics, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences and history.

Another 12 credits – or 4 courses – consist of elective courses, allowing you to explore a variety of subjects that interest you or to specialize your degree in a specific subject.

Yes, you can. Pursuing an associate degree in liberal arts is an efficient way to leverage previous college credits to earn a degree.

SNHU accepts up to 45 transfer credits toward an associate degree program. This means you could take as few as 5 courses (or 3 terms) to finish your degree. 

Chase Thomas, a 2021 graduate of SNHU's MS in organizational leadership program who has also earned a certificate in HR management"You have the ability to transfer in credits from other schools, exams like CLEP and prior learning experiences," said Chase Thomas, who finished his associate degree at SNHU in 2018 before putting his credits toward a bachelor's.

Since the associate degree in liberal arts is mostly made up of general education courses, applying previous college coursework to your program is an efficient way to get your degree quicker. Your admission counselor can help make sure no transfer credits are left behind.

An associate degree in liberal arts offers a solid foundation of general education and career skills that can help you find success across many fields. 

SNHU instructor Lindsey Ranstrom."Liberal arts majors can often be seen in unique, off-the-beaten-path roles that help fill a void, or in up-and-coming departments that don't have clearly defined duties and responsibilities," said Lindsey Ranstrom, an instructor at SNHU.

A growing number of employers require a college degree for career advancement opportunities and even entry-level positions.1 Earning an associate degree in liberal arts can help you earn this key credential faster.

Some of the careers that are possible with a liberal arts associate degree include:

  • Customer service representative: Support customer needs face-to-face, over the phone or online, solving problems and ensuring a positive experience.
  • Administrative assistant: Manage the day-to-day work of an office, including organizing files, preparing documents and scheduling appointments.
  • Advertising sales agent: Sell advertising space to businesses and individuals, contact potential clients, make sales presentations and maintain client accounts.
  • Insurance sales agent: Contact potential customers, explain various insurance policies and help clients choose plans that suit them.

Earning a liberal arts associate degree could also help boost your earning potential. In 2023, workers with an associate degree had median weekly earnings of $1,058, compared with just $899 for people with a high school diploma alone.1

The abbreviation for an associate degree in liberal arts is an AA, or Associate of Arts, degree. A liberal arts associate degree may also be called an associate in general studies or a general education degree.

Going from an associate degree into a bachelor’s program can save you time and money and help you graduate with your 4-year degree faster.

With an associate degree in liberal arts, you’ll start your bachelor’s degree having already completed your general education requirements. This means you can get started on your major courses right away and graduate sooner.

"Immediately after graduating with my associate degree in 2018, I moved straight into a bachelor's program in human services," said Chase Thomas, who went on to complete both a bachelor's and a master's at SNHU.

And if you end up stopping or pausing your education after finishing your liberal arts associate program, you’ll still have a degree. This means you'll have a credential in hand that provides more benefits than if you entered a bachelor’s degree program and took a break halfway through.

Workers with associate degrees have better employment opportunities and higher earnings than workers who have taken some college courses but didn’t complete a degree.1

An online associate degree in liberal arts is an ideal choice if you've already earned a significant number of college credits but don't have a degree.

At SNHU, you have the option to transfer up to 45 credits toward your associate degree, so you could turn your existing coursework into a degree with just 15 credits or 5 courses.

The degree can also be very beneficial if you're aiming to earn more money. In fact, the BLS reported in 2023 that people with high school diplomas made median weekly earnings of $899 while those with associate degrees made $1,058.1

If you want to maximize your time and money, we recommend pursuing a single bachelor's degree. While an associate degree is very valuable, many of the requirements are general education courses, so pursuing two associate degrees wouldn't specialize your education as effectively as a bachelor's degree could.

There are many benefits to earning your online associate degree at SNHU. Here are just a few:

  • Transfer-friendly programs: You can transfer up to 45 previously earned credits toward your associate degree.
  • Convenient: You'll have 24/7 access to coursework online, so you can study when and where it's convenient.
  • Affordable: You can take advantage of some of the most affordable online tuition rates in the nation.
  • Expert instruction: Your courses will be taught by professors with relevant, real-world experience.

Yes, you can enroll directly into a bachelor's program once you've earned a high school diploma. However, some students prefer to use an associate degree (typically 60 credit hours) as a "halfway" marker in their journey toward a bachelor's degree (typically 120 credit hours).

You should absolutely include your associate degree on a resume, as it can help you stand out among job seekers. According to the BLS, workers in 2023 with only a high school diploma had an unemployment rate of 3.9%, while workers with an associate degree had an unemployment rate of just 2.7%.1

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at https://www.bls.gov/emp/chart-unemployment-earnings-education.htm (viewed April 19, 2024). Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.