Degree Overview
Build Your Foundation. Shape What's Next.
Batten's online Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts is designed for students beginning their college journey or returning to higher education after time away. The program provides a flexible, affordable liberal arts foundation through fully online coursework built for working adults.
As a 60-credit undergraduate degree, it can serve as a standalone credential for students seeking to strengthen their resume and educational background, or as the first step toward a bachelor's degree. Up to 64 credit hours may transfer into a qualifying baccalaureate program, making it a practical pathway for students planning to continue their education.
Coursework includes writing, mathematics, natural sciences, social sciences, arts and humanities, Batten Seminars, and foreign language or cultural proficiency—providing the broad academic foundation expected of a well-rounded liberal arts education.
Students may transfer in up to 32 credit hours through prior college coursework or approved prior learning credit, and the fully online format is designed to fit the schedules of working adults.
Course Information
The Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts requires 60 credit hours. Because individual courses carry different credit values, the total number of courses needed will vary by student. At least 32 credit hours must be completed at Batten University. Up to 32 credit hours may be applied from transfer credit or prior learning assessment.
Core Requirements
Breadth Requirements
(two courses; must include at least one creative arts course and one upper-level humanities course)
(any Mathematical Science breadth course)
(any Natural Sciences with laboratory breadth course)
(two courses; must include at least one traditional social sciences course)
Electives
A cumulative GPA of 2.0 is required for graduation. Consult your advisor or view the full catalog for course listings and advisor-approved selections.
Career Outcomes
The Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts most commonly serves as either a transfer credential for continued education or a practical academic credential for entry-level professional advancement. Its broad curriculum supports flexible use across educational and workplace settings.
Pathway to a Bachelor's Degree
This program is built to support transfer into a four-year degree program. Students complete foundational coursework in writing, mathematics, sciences, humanities, and social sciences while earning a credential that can stand on its own or serve as the first step toward a bachelor's degree.
Administrative and Office Support Roles
Graduates may apply their communication, organization, and analytical skills in administrative, customer service, office coordination, and entry-level business support positions across a variety of industries.
Community and Service-Oriented Work
The program's broad liberal arts foundation also supports entry-level roles in community organizations, nonprofit settings, and service-focused environments where interpersonal communication and cultural awareness are valuable.
Healthcare and Organizational Support
Graduates may pursue support roles in healthcare, education, and other organizational settings that value strong communication, administrative ability, and a well-rounded academic background.
Why Batten Online
92%
Successful Graduates
Of our graduates receive job offers or go on to graduate school within one year of graduation.
Free & Rolling
Apply Anytime
Rolling admissions means you can start when you're ready. Our application is free — no fee standing between you and your degree.
Princeton Review
Top Colleges 2026
Named by The Princeton Review as one of the top colleges in the nation for 2026.
Top 6%
Arts & Sciences Designation
Carnegie Classification recognizes Batten among only 6% of higher-education institutions nationwide designated as Arts & Sciences Focus.
How to Apply
Admission Requirements
- Complete our online application.
- Applicants who have not yet completed 12 semester hours of college work must submit an official high school transcript and SAT/ACT score, and an official college transcript from all colleges and universities previously attended. Applicants who have not taken an SAT or ACT may be admitted on the basis of an evaluation of high school coursework. Applicants who are not high school graduates may be admitted on the basis of GED test results.
- Applicants who have successfully completed 12 or more semester hours of college work must submit official college transcripts from all institutions previously attended. Generally, individuals transferring to Batten University must present a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
Financial Aid
There may be financial aid options available to you when you apply for an online program at Batten University.
Explore Financial Aid Options