Bachelor’s

Degree

Liberal

Arts

Design Your Dream Degree

The Liberal Arts BA/BS is the largest and most flexible path of study within the Bachelor's Program for Adults and Transfer Students at The New School. You have the freedom to design your own course of study and complete your degree in a rich and challenging academic environment. Students enter our program with a wide range of academic and life experience. Most are returning to school after a break in their education. Many transfer directly from a community college, four-year college, or conservatory. Some began working right out of high school and have never attended college. Whatever path you've taken to college, we're ready to welcome you.

Ready to take the next step and apply?

Start Designing Your Degree Today.

BA and BS

Degree Options

Liberal Arts majors have the freedom to design their own program of study, choosing from among the hundreds of interesting and timely courses offered at The New School. Your advisor helps you choose which degree type to pursue—a BA or a BS—depending on your prior education and the subject areas that interest you.

Bachelor of Arts

To earn the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts, you take at least 90 of the total 120 credits in courses designated liberal arts.

Bachelor of Science

To earn the Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts, you take 60-90 of the total 120 credits in courses designated liberal arts.

Design A Degree With Courses Like:

The Seven Steps to

Fearless Speaking

Creating Online Content:

Writing for the Web

Introduction to Statistics and

Research Design

Social Justice in Sustainable

Food Systems

Directing Actors for

Film & Television

Honeybee Colonies:

Art, Design, Science and Culture

Why Leadership Matters:

Power or Potential

Development and Psychopathology

(Dis)Order and (In)Justice

Intro Social Entrepreneurship

Plan Your Program

You are assigned a Core Faculty Advisor in your first semester who will work with you throughout your studies. Additionally, you take the Pathways to Learning course in your first semester. During the course, you develop a comprehensive, individualized plan for your program of study that expresses your personal educational philosophy, assesses your prior educational accomplishments, and outlines how you plan to achieve your educational goals. The course is taught by Core Faculty Advisors on a rotating basis.

Designing a Degree Plan

Because you may either self-design your liberal arts curriculum or select a more structured major, the Degree Plan is an essential part of your educational experience. The Degree Plan identifies core competencies and establishes a practice of self-reflection as part of your ongoing educational process. The Degree Plan is intended as a guide, not a contract, for you and your advisor. It can be revised as goals, circumstances, and resources change and may serve as a tool for self-assessment. Core Faculty Advisors work with students on perfecting and polishing this plan throughout their academic career at The New School.

Core Faculty Advisors

Core Faculty Advisors are instructors who have a nuanced understanding of the curriculum, policies, and structures of the Bachelor's Program for Adults. Core Faculty Advisors are the primary point of contact for students who have any concerns related to their academic program. The core philosophy of Core Faculty Advising is grounded in the following principles:

  • Self-determination: Students have the freedom to control their individual educational pathways.

  • Personalized and purposeful: We create an atmosphere that fosters an education and experience that is informed, purposeful, individualized, and tailored to each student's needs and goals.

  • Ongoing support: Core Faculty Advising is an essential element of this program, particularly in supporting the further development of informed citizens who see education as a critical part of their career path and lifelong growth.

Why choose The New School As Military-affiliated student?

100% Yellow Ribbon

Each year, The New School awards Yellow Ribbon Scholarships to qualifying students.

We offer 100% match for students who qualify, making it that much simpler to cover the costs of your education.

Military Advisors

The New School boasts a dedicated team of advisors and counselors focused solely on military-affiliated students.

Military Community

From an on-campus Military Student Lounge, to in-person networking and events, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to connect with other military-affiliated students.

Military student Services

  • We provide 1:1 coaching to military-affiliated students from the moment they are admitted. Leveraging our team’s deep understanding of the steps required to receive military/veterans benefits and related services, we ensure our students are connected to all the benefits they’ve earned.

  • We work to ensure our students receive ongoing, holistic support from professional academic and career advisors, who work with them as they design their unique degree pathways and prepare to effect change in the world after graduation.

  • We assist students in finding meaningful employment as they transition to the civilian workforce. Through 1:1 career counseling, students can leverage robust professional development resources and networking opportunities to advance their careers.

Interested in Learning More?

Complete our contact form to get in touch with our team and learn more about our programs.