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Bachelor of Arts

Understanding the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Degree

A Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) is an undergraduate degree that emphasizes humanities, social sciences, and liberal arts education. It develops critical thinking, communication, and cultural literacy skills, often preparing students for diverse professional or academic paths.

This category includes terminology used in advising, curriculum design, and degree planning for liberal arts and social science programs.

Glossary Terms
Term
Description
Bachelor of Arts

An undergraduate degree focused on the humanities, arts, and social sciences.

Liberal Arts

A broad-based education approach emphasizing analytical thinking, communication, and ethical reasoning.

Minor

A secondary area of study requiring fewer credits than a major, often paired with a B.A. program.

Capstone Seminar

A culminating academic course that integrates learning from a student’s major or area of focus.

Writing Intensive Course

A course emphasizing the development of writing skills, common in liberal arts curricula.

Interdisciplinary Program

A degree pathway that combines courses from multiple academic disciplines.

Evolving Liberal Arts Education

B.A. programs are increasingly including digital literacy, global perspectives, and experiential learning. Many institutions integrate career preparation and civic engagement into liberal arts curricula.