Liberal Arts Degree

Contact Information

Anne Devlin, MA – Chairperson

Phone: (518) 438-3111, ext. 243

Email: anned@mariacollege.edu

Download: Liberal Arts/General Studies Student Handbook

Download: 2012-2013 Liberal Arts Degree Fact Sheet

Options for Your Future!

The Liberal Arts Degree is a multipurpose degree providing students the opportunity to pursue a well-rounded education by exploring courses in a wide range of areas, such as psychology, English, science, etc.; to sample various disciplines to determine their educational futures; or to prepare themselves for continued study towards a baccalaureate degree.

Explore courses in a wide range of areas, where you will discover…

How to think for yourself…

  • Exercise your mind and develop thinking habits
  • Make your mind stronger by concentrating and grasping ideas
  • Develop, examine, evaluate and support arguments with critical thinking
  • Develop your own opinions, attitudes, values and beliefs

How to learn…

  • Exercise the mind to develop the skills of learning itself
  • Learn how to organize and understand new material
  • Develop the ability to learn through research
  • Expand understanding of the familiar to understanding of something new

How to see the world as a whole…

  • Connect the dots between ideas and areas of study
  • Learn how one thing is dependent on another
  • See what is associated with or caused by something else
  • Explore the cultures that make up our planet
  • Learn valuable lessons about the nature of the human experience

How to enjoy life…

  • Open your mind to material that can make you smarter
  • Discover the happiness that education can provide
  • Feel confident about your opinions and ideas

How to be prepared for your future occupation…

  • Learn problem-solving skills and written and verbal communication
  • Learn to conceptualize, coordinate, and analyze information
  • Develop a broad knowledge base of information

Did you know?

The term liberal arts really means studies that provide general knowledge and intellectual skills rather than more specialized occupational or professional skills. You can become a well-rounded person who can fit in anywhere!

Facts that may surprise you…

Who has degrees in the liberal arts? Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Matt Groening, creator of The Simpsons, comedian Robin Williams, and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice have all received college degrees in the liberal arts.

Where can Maria’s degree in Liberal Arts or General Studies take you?

To a bachelor’s degree and beyond! Financially speaking, a four-year degree is a costly endeavor. Earning an associate degree in Liberal Arts or General Studies is a cost-effective route to a bachelor’s degree, as many of the course credits can be transferred to four-year institutions. Maria graduates have completed four-year degrees locally at the University at Albany, The College of Saint Rose, Sage College of Albany and Siena College, to name a few.

To the workforce with marketable skills!

With the skills you develop in your courses, you will be able to write and communicate, plan and execute research, and organize ideas and solutions. You will also cultivate an open mind to new ideas and approaches, as well as disciplined work habits, and a critical eye and ear.

“The teachers and staff made college a very positive experience.”
– 2009 LA Graduate
 
“I love Maria College…the extra support is excellent.”
– 2008 LA Graduate

Day and Evening Divisions, and Weekend College

The Liberal Arts student must successfully complete 64 credits as follows:

  1. 48 credits of liberal arts (including the College requirements of three credits in Religious Studies and an additional three credits in Religious Studies or Philosophy, plus six credits in English, including English 111) distributed as follows:
    12 credits in each of three of the following four areas, to total 36 credits:

    • Religious Studies/Philosophy
    • Social Science (Sociology, Psychology, Economics, etc.)
    • Natural Science (Mathematics, Science, etc.)
    • Humanities (English, Nonstudio Art and Music, etc.)

    12 additional credits in any liberal arts course offerings

  2. 16 credits, not necessarily in liberal arts areas, which must be approved by an academic advisor

To find out more about course options and what courses are all about,  you can access our Maria College Academic Catolog for all the details!


  1. English Concentration

    The Liberal Arts Degree with an English concentration allows the student to focus on an interest in writing and literature by taking a variety of english courses. These will provide an in-depth study of language through composition classes and various classes in literature, such as the short story and drama. Upon completion of the degree, a student will have a strong background to transfer to a four-year college to study English, leading to possible careers in teaching, journalism, publishing, public relations, and law, just to name a few. Additionally, employers today consistently note that the top skill they seek in hiring employees is communication, especially in writing.

    The Liberal Arts—English concentration student must successfully complete 64 credits as follows:

    1. 48 credits of liberal arts (including the College requirements of three credits in Religious Studies and an additional three credits in Religious Studies or Philosophy, and six credits in English, including English 111) distributed as follows:
      12 credits in each of three of the following four areas, to total 36 credits:

      • Religious Studies/Philosophy
      • Social Science (Sociology, Psychology, Economics, etc.)
      • Natural Science (Mathematics, Science, etc.)
      • Humanities (English, Nonstudio Art and Music, etc.)

      12 additional credits in any liberal arts course offerings

    2. 16 credits, not necessarily in liberal arts areas, which must be approved by an academic advisor

    To find out more about course options and what courses are all about,  you can access our Maria  College Catalog for all the details!

  2. Psychology Concentration

    The Liberal Arts Degree with a Psychology concentration explores the science of behavior and mental processes. The concentration features a core curriculum that emphasizes the scientific and empirical bases of psychology. The goal of the program is to produce graduates with critical thinking skills based on their knowledge of the principles and methodology in psychology. The concentration will provide the background necessary to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology or related social or behavioral science, and to seek employment in the mental health, counseling or personnel fields.

    The Liberal Arts—Psychology concentration student must successfully complete 64 credits as follows:

    1. 48 credits of liberal arts (including the College requirements of three credits in Religious Studies and an additional three credits in Religious Studies or Philosophy, plus six credits in English, including English 111) distributed as follows:
      12 credits in each of three of the following four areas, to total 36 credits:

      • Religious Studies/Philosophy
      • Social Science (Sociology, Psychology, Economics, etc.)
      • Natural Science (Mathematics, Science, etc.)
      • Humanities (English, Nonstudio Art and Music, etc.)

      12 additional credits in any liberal arts course offerings

    2. 16 credits, not necessarily in liberal arts areas, which must be approved by an academic advisor

    To find out more about course options and what courses are all about,  you can access our Maria  College Catalog for all the details!

  3. Religious Studies/Philosophy Concentration

    The Liberal Arts Degree with a Religious Studies/Philosophy concentration engages students in the study of life’s most fundamental ethical questions and the quest for ultimate meaning. As a result of this concentration, students will investigate varieties of religious experiences and philosophical perspectives, and demonstrate competency in the skills of problem solving, organizing information logically, critical thinking, researching, writing, and gaining aesthetic awareness. The concentration is especially recommended for students seeking further study in religious studies, Philosophy and/or Theology.

    The Liberal Arts—Religious Studies/Philosophy concentration student must successfully complete 64 credits as follows:

    1. 48 credits of liberal arts (including the College requirements of three credits in Religious Studies and an additional three credits in Religious Studies or Philosophy, plus six credits in English, including English 111) distributed as follows:
      12 credits in each of three of the following four areas, to total 36 credits:

      • Religious Studies/Philosophy
      • Social Science (Sociology, Psychology, Economics, etc.)
      • Natural Science (Mathematics, Science, etc.)
      • Humanities (English, Nonstudio Art and Music, etc.)

      12 additional credits in any liberal arts course offerings

    2. 16 credits, not necessarily in liberal arts areas, which must be approved by an academic advisor

    To find out more about course options and what courses are all about,  you can access our Maria College Catalog for all the details!

  4. Helpful Links

    What can I do with my liberal arts degree? (PDF)
    From Occupational Outlook Quarterly (Winter 2007-08)

    Getting Hired: What Can I Do With a Liberal Arts Degree?
    From Career Builder.com (October 2009)