Liberal Studies, B.A.
Mercer University's Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies provides a self-designed degree program tailored for students who want a bachelor's degree based upon a strong liberal arts foundation. This program provides each student the opportunity to design a degree program that is both professionally relevant and intellectually challenging. Using an interdisciplinary model of learning, students increase their ability to read and think critically, and to write and communicate effectively – essential competencies in today’s workplace.
The Liberal Studies program allows students to make the best use of previous course work. Many students use this degree to improve their current employment status, or to prepare for new career opportunities or further academic study.
The B.A. in Liberal Studies program is offered at Mercer's Atlanta, Douglas County, Henry County and Macon locations, and students are admitted five times per year in August, October, January, March, and May.
There are four options for program emphases to meet your professional goals:
- Historical Studies
- Religious Studies
- Literary Studies
- Communication Studies
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon completion of the program, students will be prepared to:
- Think critically and creatively as they interpret texts, ideas, and issues associated with their program of study
- Confront ideas and issues of diversity in our global and cross-cultural world
- Engage in research and critical analysis within and across disciplines
Individuals who successfully complete the program can go on to work as professionals in positions including archivist, editor, educator, legislative assistant, minister, non-profit organization manager, urban planner, and writer.
Students have the opportunity to map their program of study* based on their career track and personal interest. Degree concentrations include:
- American Studies
- Communication Studies
- Education Studies
- Historical Studies
- Humanities
- Literary Studies
- Religious Studies
- Social Science
- Women’s and Gender Studies
- Writing
*In consultation with an advisor and approval of the respective departments, individualized study options are available in math, science, and informatics concentrations.
Students may also propose a program of study in a concentration not included above.
The Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies requires a total of 120 semester hours to complete including general education studies. Many students transfer in credits. If you have an associate degree or course credits from a regionally-accredited community or technical college, you may transfer qualifying credits toward a degree at Mercer University where we offer a comprehensive credit transfer policy.
Applicants for the B.A. Liberal Studies program should have a minimum 2.25 cumulative grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale and must be in good standing with the most recent regionally accredited college or university attended.
Application Checklist
Submit all of the following items to complete your application to the program:
- Application for Admission. Begin application now>
- $25 Non-refundable Application Fee ($50 for International Applicants)
Submit the required fee in the form of a check or money order made payable to Mercer University. Do not sent cash. The application fee is nonrefundable and cannot apply toward tuition. -
College Transcripts
Applicants must submit one official transcript from every postsecondary institution previously attended, regardless of length of stay or if the grades are listed on another school's transcript. Official electronic transcripts should be submitted to enroll@mercer.edu.
If you are transferring from another institution, you may use the Transfer Equivalency Estimator to measure how your coursework will be credited towards your degree. Mercer will accept 64 credits from a two-year institution and 96 credits from a four-year institution. This tool provides an unofficial report of transferable courses. Upon submission of official college transcripts and acceptance, an official report will be completed by the University Registrar.
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High School or General Educational Development (GED) Transcript
An official high school or GED transcript for applicants who have not attempted or have earned less than 30 hours of college credit. -
Joint Services Transcript
An official Joint Services Transcript is suggested, but not required, for individuals who have military experience. Additional information regarding how to request a transcript is available at https://jst.doded.mil/official.html.
Submit all application supporting materials to:
Fall Session I (August): July 15
Instructions for Undergraduate Transient Applicants
To enroll as an undergraduate transient student, applicants need only submit the following as a complete application packet:
- Application
- $25 non-refundable application fee
- Letter of authorization completed by the home institution that certifies good standing, grants permission to take Mercer University courses, and specifies which course(s) may be taken.
The Enterprise Learning Partnership program (formerly known as the Preferred Provider Partnership program) provides affordable opportunities for employees of partner companies to attend an approved degree program of study at Mercer University. This unique program allows Mercer to establish relationships with corporations, government agencies, and organizations that are committed to supporting their employees' educational goals and ongoing professional development. Incentives include tuition benefits, military benefits, waived application fees, convenient credit transfer policy, and a streamlined process to learn more about an employee’s program of interest.
Employees of the following Mercer partners are able to use these benefits when enrolled in the B.A. Liberal Studies program:
| AT&T | The Kroger Company |
| City of Atlanta Fire Rescue Department | Robins Air Force Base |
| Georgia Department of Corrections | WellStar Health System |
Learn more about Mercer’s Enterprise Learning Partnership program >
We understand that you may have questions about your educational journey with Mercer University. Browse our FAQs and get answers to some of our commonly asked questions.
| PROGRAM NAME | 1 credit | 3 credits | 6 credits | 9 credits |
| B.A. Liberal Studies | $459 | $1,377 | $2,754 | $4,131 |
Facilities/Tech Fees
B. Official Translations Documents submitted in a language other than English must be accompanied by official translations.
