Online A.A. in Liberal Studies
Offered through UMaine at Machias
About the Program
The online Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies is a comprehensive liberal arts degree that provides students with a solid academic foundation in English composition, mathematics, science, humanities, and the arts.
While a concentration is not required, the following concentrations are available online:
- Creative Writing (15 credits)
- Digital Media Production (18 credits)
- Mental Health and Rehabilitation (15 credits)*
- Psychology (15 credits)
Contact Us
Have questions about earning your A.A. in Liberal Studies online with UMaine at Machias? Contact a UMaineOnline advisor.
Curriculum
The A.A. in Liberal Studies provides a solid foundation in liberal studies through the core courses. Students who choose to complete a concentration can focus on their unique interests and goals, selecting from concentrations in creative writing, digital media, mental health & rehabilitation, psychology, or additional electives tailored to their specific objectives.
The following courses are required (38-42 credits):
Artistic & Creative Expression
Choose at least two courses from two different disciplines, with one class being studio/performance (4-6 credits):
- ART 106: Art Fundamentals (3 credits)
- CMY 110: Downeast Documentary (3 credits)
OR NMD 208: Digital Video Production (3 credits) - ENG 205: An Introduction to Creative Writing (3 credits)
- MUL 101: The Art of Listening to Music: Elements (3 credits)
- MUL 104: Music in Film: 20th Century & Beyond (3 credits)
- MUS 201: Applied Music Lessons (1 credit)
Cultural Diversity & International Perspective
Choose one of the following courses (3 credits):
- ANT 102: Introduction to Anthropology: Diversity of Cultures (3 credits)
- EDU 217: Working with Culturally Diverse Students (3 credits)
- MGT 343: Introduction to International Business (3 credits)
- MHR 310: Counseling Diverse Populations (3 credits)
- Any world language course (3 credits)
Ethics
Choose one of the following courses (3 credits):
- BIO 240: Introduction to Bioethics (3 credits)
- CRJ 201: Ethics in Criminal Justice (3 credits)
- ENG 117: Introduction to Literature and Ethics (3 credits)
- MGT 327: Business and Society (3 credits)
- PHI 100: Contemporary Moral Problems (3 credits)
- PHI 232: Environmental Ethics(3 credits)
Personal Wellness
The following course is required (3 credits):
- PHE 107: Personal Wellness (3 credits)
Population and the Environment
Choose one of the following courses (3 credits):
- ANT 213: Environmental Anthropology (3 credits)
- ECO 105: Environmental Policy (3 credits)
- EES 100: Human Population and the Global Environment (3 credits)
- ENG 120: Apocalyptic Literature (3 credits)
- GEO 100: World Geography (3 credits)
- PSY 217: The Psychology of Sustainability (3 credits)
- SFR 150: Introduction to Tourism (3 credits)
Quantitative Literacy
Choose at least three credits from the algebra requirements and at least three credits from the other mathematics requirements (3-8 credits):
- Algebra Requirements
Choose at least one of the following courses (3-4 credits):- MAT 103: Elementary Algebraic Models in Our World (3 credits)
- MAT 104: Workshop (1 credit)
Optional workshop for MAT 103 - MAT 111: Algebra for College Mathematics (3 credits)
- MAT 112: Workshop (1 credit)
Optional workshop for MAT 111 - Or establish equivalence by:
- Score a minimum of 530 on the math section of the SAT*
- Score a minimum of 21 on the ACT Mathematics Test*
- Score a minimum of 50 or better on the College Mathematics or College Algebra (CLEP) exam if taken after July 1, 2001, or score a minimum of 500 if taken before July 1, 2001.
- Score a minimum of 61 on the UM Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces (ALEKS) Mathematics Placement Test
- Transfer in a course equivalent to pre-calculus, calculus, or any course with college algebra as the prerequisite.
- Other Mathematics Requirements
Choose at least one of the following courses (3-4 credits):- BIO 215: Applied Statistics for Biologists (4 credits)
- MAT 101: The Nature and Language of Mathematics (3 credits)
- MAT 108: Elementary Numerical Mathematics From A Modern Perspective (3 credits)
- MAT 122: Pre-Calculus (4 credits)
- MAT 126: Calculus I (4 credits)
- MAT 145: Introduction to the History of Mathematics (3 credits)
- SSC 124: Statistics for the Social Sciences (3 credits)
- STS 132: Principles of Statistical Inference (3 credits)
*Note: Credit isn’t awarded, but the requirement is satisfied.
Scientific Inquiry
Choose at least one of the following courses (4 credits):
- BIO 117: This is Life! (4 credits)
- CHY 121: General Chemistry I (4 credits)
- AND CHY 123: General Chemistry Laboratory I (1 credit)
- GIS 102: Our Digital Earth (4 credits)
- PHY 111: General Physics I (4 credits)
- PHY 121: Physics for Engineers and Physical Scientists I (4 credits)
- SMS 103: Oceanography (4 credits)
Social Contexts and Institutions
Choose at least one of the following courses (3 credits):
- CRJ 114: Survey of Criminal Justice (3 credits)
- EDU 112: Foundations of Education (3 credits)
- MGT 111: Introduction to Small Business Management (3 credits)
- PSY 100: General Psychology (3 credits)
- SOC 101: Introduction to Sociology (3 credits)
Western Cultural Tradition
Choose at least one of the following courses (3 credits):
- ANT 221: Introduction to Folklore (3 credits)
- ARH 111: Art History I (3 credits)
- ENG 226: Literary Classics: A Wish List (3 credits)
- HTY 115: World History to 1500 (3 credits)
- HTY 116: World History since 1500 (3 credits)
- REM 110: Foundations of Recreation and Parks (3 credits)
Writing Competency
The following courses are required (6 credits):
- ENG 101: College Composition (3 credits)
- ENG 111: Composition & Presentation II (3 credits)
The following courses are required (15 credits):
- ENG 205: An Introduction to Creative Writing (3 credits)
- ENG 255: Studies in the Graphic Novel (3 credits)
OR ART 255: Studies in the Graphic Novel (3 credits) - ENG 372: Intermediate Creative Writing Workshop (3 credits)
ENG 372 must be taken twice for a total of 6 credits. - ENG 472: Advanced Creative Writing Workshop (3 credits)
The following courses are required (15 credits):
- ART 106: Art Fundamentals (3 credits)
- MUL 101: The Art of Listening to Music: Elements (3 credits)
- MUL 104: Music in Film: 20th Century & Beyond (3 credits)
- NMD 101: Digital Audio Production and Podcasting (3 credits)
- NMD 104: New Media Design (3 credits)
Choose one of the following courses (3 credits):
- ART 213: Introduction to Graphic Design (3 credits)
- COE 201: Cooperative Education I (3 credits)
- NMD 208: Digital Video Production (3 credits)
The following courses are required (15 credits):
- MHR 200: Behavioral & Community Mental Health Systems (3 credits)
- MHR 205: Introduction to Counseling Skills (3 credits)
- MHR 210: Vocational Aspects of Disability and Psychiatric Rehabilitation (3 credits)
- PSY 100: General Psychology (3 credits)
- PSY 212: Abnormal Psychology (3 credits)
Students seeking to receive Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician/Community (MHRT/C) certification must also complete (12 credits):
- MHR 300: Case Management (3 credits)
- MHR 305: Trauma, Crisis, and Recovery (3 credits)
- MHR 310: Counseling Diverse Populations (3 credits)
- MHR 315: Substance Use and Dual Diagnosis Counseling (3 credits)
The following courses are required (15 credits):
- MHR 200: Behavioral & Community Mental Health Systems (3 credits)
- PSY 100: General Psychology (3 credits)
- PSY 102: Personal Growth (3 credits)
- PSY 230: Social Psychology (3 credits)
- PSY 420: Learning and Memory (3 credits)
In addition to completing the Core Courses (38-42 credits), you’ll choose elective courses to complete the 60 credits required by the program.
To learn more about elective options, contact a UMaineOnline advisor.
Admissions
UMaine at Machias makes it easy to apply — on your terms. Apply online at machias.edu/admissions/apply.
Careers
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of 2025, occupations that require education beyond a high school diploma for entry are projected to grow faster than average. The need for employees with an associate’s degree is expected to grow by over 6% from 2023 to 2033.
Not only are employers looking for higher entry-level education, but opportunities requiring at least an associate’s degree have a median annual wage of $63,280 as of 2024. That’s 30% more than those with just a high school diploma.