Liberal Arts (BA) | Online
At Cairn University, the Liberal Arts BA degree prepares students with a biblically based perspective on critical thinking, a broad base of interdisciplinary knowledge, and engagement with modern culture. This program serves as a solid foundation for students intending to pursue graduate work in the various fields of the liberal arts.
Why Liberal Arts?
The search for truth and the ability to think across disciplines is a major reason to pursue a degree in the liberal arts—mathematics and science, history and literature, philosophy, fine arts, and social sciences—because they provide us with ways to discover truth in the world. Fitted together with theological reflection on God’s Word, these disciplines enable us to formulate a robust understanding of God, the world, and ourselves. The breadth of study provides knowledge and background which are often left underdeveloped in other programs, helping the liberal arts graduate thrive in a wide variety of fields.
Why the Online BA in Liberal Arts from Cairn University?
Biblical Integration
Cairn University is committed to the centrality of Christ and the Word of God and is reflected in the curriculum and instruction.
Prepared to Serve
The Cairn mission statement begins with education and ends with character, because we believe that education should change not only what you know, but who you are and what you do.
Experienced Faculty
Students don’t just have professors, they have mentors who invest in them throughout the program and often remain connected long after graduation.
Flexibility
Complete coursework anywhere through our asynchronous course design, reinforced by substantive faculty engagement.
Affordable Education
$425 per credit with financial aid options; SARA approved meeting nationwide standards and matching the quality of the on-campus program.
A Christian Community
Community is about more than simply taking classes together. It is more than having a similar experience.
more Details
Get an inside look at our Liberal Arts Program
The BA in Liberal Arts program has been designed with input from our expert faculty in the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, ensuring you graduate with the in-demand skills and knowledge that the ministry and workplace needs. The program requires 60 credits from the University Core, 45 credits from the specialization courses, 15 credits from electives.
Learn more:
Required Credits: 120
Core Curriculum Highlights:
- BIB 103 – Biblical Foundations Credits: 3
- BIB 203 – Old Testament I: The Pentateuch Credits: 3
- BIB 204 – Old Testament II: Prophets and Writings Credits: 3
- BIB 303 – New Testament I: The Gospels Credits: 3
- BIB 304 – New Testament II: Acts, Letters, and Revelation Credits: 3
- COM 111 – Introduction to Communications Credits: 3
- ENG 101 – English Composition Credits: 3
- HIS 302 – Global History of the Church Credits: 3
- INT 010 – First Year Experience Seminar Credits: 0
- PHI 301 – Philosophy Credits: 3
- POL 101 – US Government and Civics Credits: 3
- PSY 101 – General Psychology Credits: 3
- SOC 203 – Humanity and Culture Credits: 3
- THE 100 – Introduction to Christian Theology Credits: 3
- THE 302 – Biblical Perspectives on Contemporary Issues Credits: 3
- THE 311 – The Triune God Credits: 3
- THE 401 – Apologetics Credits: 3
A Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Liberal Arts (or General Studies, Humanities, Interdisciplinary Studies, etc.) is one of the most versatile degrees because it builds transferable skills: critical thinking, research, writing, communication, analysis, adaptability, and cultural awareness. Employers in many fields value these “soft skills” highly, even if the degree isn’t tied to one specific discipline.
Business & Corporate Roles
- Marketing Coordinator / Specialist
- Sales / Account Executive
- Human Resources (HR) Generalist or Recruiter
- Business Analyst
- Project Coordinator / Manager
- Customer Success / Client Relations Manager
- Corporate Communications or Public Relations Specialist
- Content Marketing / Copywriter
- Social Media Manager
- Operations Coordinator
Media, Writing & Creative Fields
- Journalist / Reporter
- Editor (book, magazine, web)
- Technical Writer
- Grant Writer
- Content Creator / Blogger / YouTuber
- Digital Content Strategist
- Copywriter / Advertising Creative
- Podcast Producer
- Museum Curator / Exhibit Coordinator (often with a master’s)
Government & Public Service
- Policy Analyst (local, state, federal)
- Legislative Assistant
- City Planner staff / Community Development
- Foreign Service Officer (with competitive exam)
- Intelligence Analyst (entry-level)
- Nonprofit Program Coordinator / Development (fundraising)
Further Education / Professional Pathways
- Master’s in Public Administration (MPA)
- Master’s in Business Administration (MBA)
- Master’s in Education (M.Ed.)
- Master’s in Library Science (MLS)
- Law school (JD)
- Master’s/PhD in a specific humanities field (for academia)
All Cairn University students must have professed a faith in Jesus Christ as Savior as evidenced by providing a personal testimony that details this faith. By submitting an application, students acknowledge the University’s doctrinal position and standards of conduct as outlined in the Foundational Statements. Below are the admission requirements:
- Application: Submit the Application for Admission along with the $25 non-refundable fee. Apply today using code faithmatters and we will waive the fee.
- Transcripts: Order official transcripts for all conferred degrees to be sent to Cairn University.
Cairn University is regionally accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Cairn University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
Additional Accreditation Information is available from this page.
You may also be interested in the following programs:
Connect With Us
An Affordable Education
Cairn University strives to keep tuition costs affordable despite providing a rigorous education. Courses are taught by faculty not TAs. The tuition rates are posted on this page.
Cairn University also partners with many organizations and offers tuition discounts. Tuition discounts are also available for those working in Christian schools. Please contact us to find out if your organization has a partnership with Cairn University.
Additional information on scholarships, grants, and loans is available from this page.
Featured Faculty
Matthew McAlack, PhD
Professor, School of Divinity
Dr. Matt McAlack teaches Bible, theology, psychology, and youth and family ministry.
Since 1996, Dr. McAlack has also directed JAM (Junior High Adventures in Ministry), a ministry and evangelism training event for middle schoolers at Cairn University.
In addition to serving at Cairn, Dr. McAlack has also served as a youth pastor and pastor of English ministry, as well as a speaker at conferences and retreats. Currently, he and his wife Michele lead the Youth Ministry and Outreach at Calvary Baptist Church in Bristol Pennsylvania.
Victoria Bradley Aquilone, PhD
Associate Professor, School of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Dr. Aquilone has always loved learning. She started attending Cairn for her undergraduate degrees in social studies education and Bible while she was a senior in high school. Her studies took her to graduate school where she has spent two degrees—a master’s degree in liberal studies from Villanova University and the better part of a PhD in English from the University of Delaware—studying human relationships with the natural environment in the context of contemporary American literature.
At the forefront of Tori’s academic work is the God of the Bible, whose general revelation of Himself in creation, namely His “invisible attributes” of “eternal power and divine nature” (Romans 1:20), drives her desire to learn about and care for that very creation, as well as study literary works that celebrate it. In particular, Tori’s work engages sustainable agriculture, tree community, and plant-thinking. Even with such rich scholarly studies, Tori’s heart is in the classroom and thoroughly enjoys teaching English Composition, Literature and Arts in Historical Context I & II, and other literature courses.
Cairn Online Frequently Asked Questions
Currently there are over 6 million online learners in the United States, and those numbers are growing every day. Online degrees that have regional accreditation are held to the same standards as traditional universities, ensuring that students earn a valuable degree that will prepare them with the skills and credentials for their career. Do research to find an online degree that is accredited and reputable, such as those offered at Cairn University.
Cairn Online courses based on Cairn’s 100+ years tradition of excellence in biblical education. Our on faculty has carefully designed them taking into consideration what works best for the online learner. The modular design and asynchronous delivery enable you to complete your studies while you pursue your career, ministry and spend time with your family.
Courses typically contain seven units and are delivered in 7-week terms*. Each unit contains 5-7 modular activities. Each learning activity includes instructional videos accompanied by reflections, quizzes, discussion forums and other assessments. Courses also utilize adaptive learning technologies such as Cerego for long-term retention of concepts and VoiceThread for enhanced collaboration.
The asynchronous delivery provides flexibility around your daily busy schedule. In most courses, interactive activities are typically due by Wednesday while the rest of the unit’s work is due by Sunday night. The MBA, M.A. in Music and Criminal Justice programs use the 7RD2 process and require the completion of certain activities daily to optimize learning.
Our own Cairn faculty intentionally participate in the course throughout the week to provide you with an incarnational experience.
*Few capstone courses are intentionally offered in 14 weeks to optimize student learning.
All courses are developed by one or more course developers and taught by our own faculty. The instructors are also intentionally involved in the course throughout the week by providing direction in the course activities, participating in the forum discussions, grading the student work and providing substantive feedback. Most courses also offer optional office hours weekly via Zoom or similar video conferencing tools.
The course transfer depends on where you are transferring from, and what program you are transferring to. If you are coming to Cairn Online from another institution, it is very likely you will have some credits that will transfer. Because there are so many options, we encourage you to talk to an enrollment counselor. If you are transferring out, Cairn is a regionally accredited school and some credits should transfer with relative ease. Each college sets their own transfer criteria, so be sure to check their policies for specifics.
Cairn is approved to offer financial aid because of its regional accreditation. There are many options available and typically students qualify for at least one type of federal aid. Many students receive scholarships and grants that make earning their degree even more affordable. Cairn offers a variety of scholarships and discounts in addition to options for loans and grants. Please refer to this page for details.
Cairn University delivers an intentionally biblical and Christ-centered education that upholds the authority of Scripture, the importance of truth, and the faithful following of Christ. Faculty and staff teach and serve biblically, personally invest in students, and cultivate an authentic Christian community marked by faithfulness, discipleship, and love. At Cairn, the students’ education, experience, and relationships shape Christian character, cultivate wisdom, and prepare them to think, live, and serve biblically in an ever-changing world.
Cairn University Ranks #2 in Glanzer’s Guide to Christian Colleges and Universities. At Cairn University, we work hard to ensure that everything we do inside and outside the classroom aligns with our commitment to Christian education, clearly articulated in our University mission statement.
All undergraduate programs integrate 30 credits of Bible and theology as part of the core curriculum. Except for those pursuing a BS in Bible, anyone who earns a bachelor’s degree from Cairn has a Bible Minor listed on their transcript.