The Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies (AALS) is a flexible degree program that provides the learner with an opportunity to explore and build an academic foundation in liberal arts and general studies and to define their potential career goals. It’s designed to provide learners with an initiation into the liberal arts and general studies tradition with a selection of courses from the Humanities, English, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences. It enables learners to better understand and relate to the world around them from a liberal studies perspective and helps them prepare for entry into a bachelor program at the junior level.
Quick Facts:
- Credits required: 60
- Cost per credit: $425
- Program length: 2 years (full-time status)
- Max transfer credits: 45 credits
Time to degree completion can be shortened by accelerating completion of courses and through credits accepted in transfer.
Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible for transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
What you’ll study
Interact with others using written communication resulting in understanding and being understood.
Demonstrate competence in utilizing oral communication skills appropriately given the purpose and the context of the communication.
Evaluate evidence and apply reasoning to discriminate among degrees of credibility, accuracy, and reliability to evaluate the strengths and relevance of arguments and determine what conclusions or consequences are supported by that information.
Possess an awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the social and cultural dimensions within global communities and assess the impact that social institutions have on individuals and culture–past, present, and future.
Demonstrate competency in information literacy by determining the nature and extent of the information needed, evaluating information technology, and incorporating it into their knowledge base to effectively accomplish a specific purpose.
Integrate formal academic learning with personal experiences so that learning is meaningful, personalized, and relates to personal or professional goals.
Possess the skills and knowledge necessary to apply the use of logic, utilize mathematical reasoning, and interpret mathematical formulas and models.
Adheres to a self‑correcting system of inquiry (the scientific method) and relies on empirical evidence to generate an evidenced and logical argument, distinguish a relevant argument from a non‑relevant argument, and reason by deduction, induction, and analogy.
Behaves and makes decisions that demonstrate ethical behavior as it relates to the specific discipline, recognize ethical issues, and apply and evaluate ethical perspectives/concepts.
Potential career paths may be found in the following industries:
Banking and Finance
Information Technology
Retail Sales and Distribution
CalSouthern cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement.
Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies Degree Requirements
| Degree Requirements | Credits |
|---|---|
| University Success Online | 3 |
| General Education | 21 |
| Elective Courses | 36 |
| TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED FOR THE AALS | 60 |
Courses + Credits
The following courses comprise the curriculum of CalSouthern’s Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies (AALS) degree program. If you have questions regarding any of these courses or about CalSouthern’s AALS program, please contact an Admissions Representative today.
University Success Online
- UNIV 1000 University Success Online — 3 credits
General Education Courses and Credit Distribution
| Category | Credits |
|---|---|
| English (Communication) | 9 |
| Humanities | 9 |
| Mathematics | 6 |
| Natural Sciences | 6 |
| Social Sciences | 6 |
| TOTAL GE CREDITS REQUIRED | 36 |
English (Communication)
- ENG 1101 English Composition I (Required) — 3 credits
- ENG 1102 English Composition II (Required) — 3 credits
- ENG 1200 American Literature — 3 credits
- ENG 1400 Introduction to Public Speaking — 3 credits
- ENG 1406 Professional and Technical Writing — 3 credits
- BUS 3414 Business Communications — 3 credits
- LDR 1490 Nonverbal Communications in Leadership — 3 credits
Humanities
- HU 1104 The Art of Wondering — 3 credits
- HU 1120 Introduction to Humanities I — 3 credits
- HU 1130 Critical Thinking (Required) — 3 credits
- HU 1205 Introduction to Theater — 3 credits
- HU 1410 World Religions — 3 credits
- HU 1421 Introduction to Humanities II — 3 credits
Mathematics
- MATH 1105 Mathematics for Business — 3 credits
- MATH 1110 College Mathematics — 3 credits
- MATH 1115 Pre-Calculus — 3 credits
- MATH 1200 Algebra — 3 credits
- MATH 1215 Calculus — 3 credits
- MATH 1305 Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences — 3 credits
- BUS 3413 Business Statistics — 3 credits
Natural Sciences
- NS 1103 Introduction to Geology — 3 credits
- NS 1105 General Biology — 3 credits
- NS 1106 Health and Nutrition — 3 credits
- NS 1107 Environmental Science — 3 credits
- NS 1203 Physical Geography — 3 credits
- NS 1205 Introduction to Oceanography — 3 credits
- NS 1400 Anthropology — 3 credits
Social Sciences
- SS 1102 United States Government — 3 credits
- SS 1103 United States History to 1877 — 3 credits
- SS 1104 United States History 1877 to Present — 3 credits
- SS 1107 African American History to 1877 — 3 credits
- SS 1108 African American History 1877 to Present — 3 credits
- SS 1200 Sociology — 3 credits
- SS 1203 Cultural Geography — 3 credits
- SS 1205 Women’s History in America — 3 credits
- SS 1217 Cultural Anthropology — 3 credits
- SS 1220 Women, Culture and Society: Study of Gender — 3 credits
- PSY 2300 Introduction to Psychology — 3 credits
Download the University Catalog for full course descriptions, prerequisite information, and program details.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies (AALS) degree program?
An Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies (AALS) degree program is designed to introduce students to the field of liberal arts and general studies to define potential career paths. It is the first step for many students who may be interested in entering a bachelor program at the junior level upon completion of their AALS degree.
What will I study in the Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies (AALS) degree program?
Students will study a diverse range of courses from Humanities, English, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences. Students will focus on these subjects using a liberal arts perspective to include reading, writing, and drawing conclusions from the subject matter.
When and where can I begin my Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies (AALS) degree program?
You can begin your online education at CalSouthern now. Classes at CalSouthern begin monthly. Completion of the CalSouthern admissions process will depend on how quickly you complete the steps in the application process. You may speak to an Admissions Advisor over the phone (1-800-477-2254, ext. 47822) or request information online. Once you’ve completed the online request, you may hear from an advisor within 24 hours to discuss the next steps toward starting your degree program.
How many credits are required to complete the Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies (AALS) degree program?
CalSouthern’s Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies (AALS) degree program requires a total of 60 hours. You may be eligible for transfer credit with provided official transcripts. CalSouthern accepts up to 45 hours of the qualifying credits you need toward your degree.*
*Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
Why should I pursue an Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies (AALS) degree program?
CalSouthern’s Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies (AALS) degree program is designed for learners interested in working to develop a strong base in liberal arts to help them prepare for the next steps in their education. CalSouthern offers flexible courses in a curriculum tailored to skills and training utilized in the education industry today. In addition, it was developed for working adults. Degree candidates can pursue this degree online, allowing the flexibility to study on their own schedules.
At CalSouthern, you are not alone. The University has very competent mentors that are readily available, quite helpful, and very supportive for online learners like us. In the same way, the University’s academic support team is equally available whenever help is needed, and our dean has personally demonstrated to me a commitment to help you succeed.
– Omari G., DBA Program, 2019
Accreditation
California Southern University is a member of the American InterContinental University System. The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Please visit the Accreditation & Licensure page to learn more.
CalSouthern cannot guarantee employment, licensure, salary, or career advancement. Not all programs are available to residents of all states. CalSouthern does not accept applications from residents of Massachusetts, New York, and certain foreign countries.
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