A student majoring in Liberal Arts through Personalized Learning will study broadly from history, philosophy, literature and the arts. The student will learn how to analyze, interpret and evaluate important cultural artifacts of diverse cultures. This is a fresh, contemporary take on Liberal Arts in that each exercise in understanding important works of art and letters is immediately connected to relevant skills.
Core competencies for this degree are based on the qualities that employers value most and look for in leaders, including critical thinking and collaborative communication skills. Students in this program study broadly from history, philosophy, literature and the arts.
To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally include a major, the liberal studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.
The full policy can be viewed here.
You may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your faculty mentor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 120 |
| Highest Mathematics Required | MATH 115 |
| Additional Admission Requirements | Required |
| Foreign Language | Required |
| Some online/blended coursework | Required |
| Progression Plan Link | Not Available |
Liberal Arts Personalized Learning Graduates will be able to:
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
Admission requirements to Personalized Learning include NAU's undergraduate admission standards as well as the completion of a Readiness Assessment. Prior to admission to the University, a Personalized Learning admission specialist guides prospective students through a series of steps to determine admissibility, applicable prior credit, preparedness via the Readiness Assessment, and degree selection. After these steps are complete, admissible students are directed to complete an account information form. This form replaces the traditional NAU application.
Students may demonstrate competency through performance on pre-tests. Some courses may have departmental prerequisites required by students in other majors. Any prerequisites not fulfilled with transfer credit may be met by successfully completing a pretest; however, credit will not be granted for the completion.
This degree is offered only through the Personalized Learning program. Work with a faculty mentor for any questions regarding the applicability of coursework completed through Personalized Learning to any other plan of study at NAU.
See the following sites for additional information.
Grading and Transcripts
Personalized Learning Competencies for the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts
Completion of these competencies will result in the awarding of credit for NAU classes.
C.1 Work in a team structure
C.2 Communicate with diverse populations
C.3 Solve complex problems
C.4 Analyze complicated materials
C.5 Write about culture effectively
C.6 Compose academic essays in various rhetorical styles
C.7 Demonstrate knowledge of potential and limitations of technology's advances
C.8 Practice an examined or self-reflective life
C.9 Describe ethical theories
C.10 Apply ethical theories to education
C.11 Formulate and substantiate theses
C.12 Formulate and test hypotheses in humanities and social science
C.13 Demonstrate knowledge of leadership in the working of organizations
C.14 Demonstrate knowledge of the significance of the humanities
C.15 Demonstrate knowledge of the significance of the social sciences
C.16 Demonstrate effective transfer of competencies to workplace
Course Credit Earned (54 units)
Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.
You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or liberal studies requirements.
We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.