Liberal Arts AA

This two-year program will help you lay the foundation to pursue several different paths.

Our Associate of Arts (AA) in liberal arts is a great start to pursue higher education. Students will have the opportunity to discover their interests and passions by taking courses in various subject areas.

Alongside electives of your interest, you will be completing all prerequisites that allow for a seamless transition into any four-year degree programs if you wish to continue your education. If you’re looking to go into the workforce, the Associate of Arts curriculum at Maria highlights the skills employers look for – critical thinking and analysis, problem solving, written and verbal communication, and more.

Areas of Concentration

English. You will focus on writing and literature to strengthen your communication skills. After completion, you can pursue a Bachelor’s in English to prepare for careers in teaching, journalism, publishing, law, and beyond.

Psychology. You will explore the science of behavior and the empirical bases of psychology. Upon completion, you can pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology to seek employment in mental health and counseling.

Religious Studies/Philosophy. You will learn about life’s fundamental and ethical questions on the journey to find meaning by studying various religious and philosophical perspectives. After the program, you can further your education in theology, philosophy, or religious studies.

College Factual badge - Top Ranked Liberal Arts - Associate
College Factual has ranked Maria College in the top 12% nationally for 2022 Best Liberal Arts Associate Degree Schools. The ranking score is based on a total of 714 colleges and universities; Maria’s ranking is #85 on the list.
  • Program Learning Outcomes

    By their completion of the Associate in Arts Degree in Liberal Arts Program, students will be able to:

    • Demonstrate the skill of problem solving, use scientific reasoning, perform specific calculations, and/or apply logical organizational skills.
    • Critically analyze written and oral material.
    • Demonstrate basic knowledge of human needs, values, ethical decision-making frameworks, and diverse cultures.
    • Speak and write technically correct English in order to express oneself with clarity and purpose.
    • Access a variety of information resources (e.g. computer, library, databases), evaluate the quality of the information, and effectively use the information.
  • Course Overview

    The Liberal Arts student must successfully complete 60 credits as follows:

    48 credits of Liberal Arts including the following:

    • six credits in Religious Studies or Philosophy, including RES 201-Contemporary Moral Issues;
    • six credits in English, including ENG 111-Composition I, and ENG 211-Critical Inquiry and Writing;
    • three credits in Mathematics and
    • three credits in Science.

    12 credits in each of three of the following four areas, to total 36 credits:

    • Religious Studies/Philosophy
    • Social Science (History, Sociology, Psychology, Economics, etc.)
    • Natural Science (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, etc.)
    • Humanities (English, non-studio Art and Music, etc.)

    12 additional credits in any liberal arts and sciences offerings

  • 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 60 credits as follows:

    48 credits of liberal arts and sciences, including the following: six credits in Religious Studies or Philosophy, including RES 201, Foundations in Social Justice; six credits in English, consisting of ENG 111, Composition I, and ENG 211, Critical Inquiry and Writing; three credits in mathematics and three credits in science.

    12 credits in each of three of the following four areas to total 36 credits:

    • Religious Studies/Philosophy
    • Social Sciences (Sociology, Psychology, Economics, etc.)
    • Natural Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, etc.)
    • Humanities (English, non-studio Art and Music, etc.)

    12 credits of English courses

    12 credits of free electives

  • 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 60 credits as follows:

     48 credits of liberal arts and sciences, including the following: six credits in Religious Studies or Philosophy, including RES 201, Foundations in Social Justice; six credits in English, consisting of ENG 111, Composition I, and ENG 211, Critical Inquiry and Writing; three credits in mathematics; three credits in science.

    The 48 liberal arts and sciences credits must also be distributed as follows:

    12 credits in each of three of the following four areas to total 36 credits:

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

    12 credits of Psychology courses

    12 credits of free electives

  • 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 60 credits as follows:

    48 credits of liberal arts and sciences, including the following: six credits in Religious Studies or Philosophy, including RES 201, Foundations in Social Justice; six credits in English, consisting of ENG 111, Composition I, and ENG 211, Critical Inquiry and Writing; three credits in mathematics; three credits in science.

    The 48 liberal arts and sciences credits must also be distributed as follows:

    12 credits in each of three of the following four areas to total 36 credits:

    • Religious Studies/Philosophy
    • Social Sciences (Sociology, Psychology, Economics, etc.)
    • Natural Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, etc.)
    • Humanities (English, non-studio Art and Music, etc.)

    12 credits of Religious Studies/ Philosophy courses

    12 credits of free electives

Maria Stories
Click here to watch a video about HserDay Moo, a Liberal Arts student at Maria College.

HserDay Moo, a Liberal Arts student at Maria College, painted a 5-foot landscape mural that was installed in the library. HserDay shares about his journey from Thailand and how he became interested in art.

Tracy Ciufo, Liberal Arts AA

Tracy Cuifo attends Maria College to pursue a customized career path in the Liberal Arts AA program with a concentration in Psychology.