Liberal Studies Online Degree Completion Program
Complete Your Bachelor's Degree Online
If you've attended college but haven't finished your bachelor's degree, Sonoma State University's Liberal Studies Online Degree Completion Program may be worth considering.
The program is designed for eligible transfer students who want to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies without having to attend classes on campus.
We know that many students returning to college are working, raising families, or managing other responsibilities. The online program gives students a way to continue their education while remaining in their communities and maintaining their existing commitments.
One of the first things you'll want to know is how your previous college coursework applies toward the degree and which online pathway makes the most sense for your schedule.
About the Liberal Studies Online Program
The Liberal Studies Online Degree Completion Program (LIBS-BA-OL) is an interdisciplinary bachelor's degree offered by Sonoma State University.
Rather than concentrating on one academic subject, students take courses that bring together ideas from the humanities, social sciences, and other fields.
Hutchins courses emphasize reading, writing, discussion, and examining questions from different perspectives.
Although you'll complete your coursework online, you'll be studying with Sonoma State faculty and working toward the same Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies awarded to students in the university's other Liberal Studies programs.
How Do Online Classes Work?
The Liberal Studies Online Program allows students to complete their coursework remotely, without regularly traveling to Sonoma State's campus.
Online courses include academic readings, writing assignments, discussions, and projects. The specific format and weekly expectations depend on the course and instructor.
Before registering, we recommend reviewing the course schedule and confirming whether your classes include scheduled online meetings or other participation requirements.
This is especially important if you're planning to attend while working full-time or managing other responsibilities.
Two Ways to Complete Your Degree Online
Sonoma State offers two pathways for students completing the Liberal Studies degree online.
Both lead to the same Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, but they differ in tuition, course scheduling, and student support.
SSU Stateside
The Stateside pathway is offered through Sonoma State's regular state-supported academic program.
Students follow a coordinated course sequence, with an option to participate in a cohort of students working toward the same degree.
What to Know About Stateside
- Courses are offered fully online.
- Students follow a recommended academic course sequence.
- A cohort-based learning option is available.
- Eligible full-time students may complete the planned coursework over four consecutive semesters.
- Tuition follows the standard CSU structure, including applicable university fees.
- Academic advising is provided through Liberal Studies faculty and university advising services.
Stateside may be a good option if you're prepared to take a consistent course load and prefer following a structured academic plan.
Extended Education
The Extended Education pathway offers a different approach to completing the Liberal Studies degree.
Students can adjust their course load based on their schedules and pay tuition according to the number of units they take.
What to Know About Extended Education
- Courses are offered fully online.
- Tuition is charged by the unit.
- Students have flexibility in the number of courses they take.
- An Adult Learner Concierge is available to help with questions about getting started, applying, and university resources.
- Students can learn about possible credit for prior learning and course substitutions, subject to university approval.
- Completion time depends on the number of courses taken and remaining degree requirements.
Extended Education may be worth considering if you prefer taking fewer classes at a time or need flexibility from one semester to the next.
Comparing the Two Pathways
| Program Feature | SSU Stateside | Extended Education |
|---|---|---|
| Degree | BA in Liberal Studies | BA in Liberal Studies |
| Course Format | Fully online | Fully online |
| Tuition | Standard CSU tuition and applicable fees | Per-unit tuition |
| Course Schedule | Structured course sequence | Flexible course load |
| Completion Timeline | Four-semester option for eligible students | Depends on course load |
| Student Support | Faculty and university advising | Adult Learner Concierge and academic advising |
We recommend comparing both pathways before applying, particularly if you're deciding between full-time and part-time enrollment.
Compare Liberal Studies Online Pathways
What About Your Previous College Credits?
The Liberal Studies Online Program is intended for eligible transfer students who have already completed college coursework.
If you've attended a community college or another university, your previous courses will be evaluated to determine how they apply toward Sonoma State's degree requirements.
The number of courses you'll need to complete depends on your accepted transfer credits, remaining General Education requirements, and Liberal Studies major requirements.
Before applying, it's helpful to review your previous coursework and understand which university admission requirements you've already completed.
Review Sonoma State Transfer Admission Requirements
How Long Will It Take to Graduate?
The time needed to complete your degree depends on several factors, including:
- The number of transferable units you've completed.
- Your remaining major and university requirements.
- Whether you enroll full-time or part-time.
- The availability of required courses.
- Which online pathway you choose.
Eligible Stateside students may be able to complete their planned coursework in four consecutive semesters.
Extended Education students can select a course load that works with their schedules, so completion times will vary.
We recommend reviewing your remaining requirements with an advisor before developing a graduation timeline.
Understanding Tuition and Fees
Because the two pathways use different tuition structures, the total cost of completing your degree will depend on your enrollment.
Stateside students pay standard CSU tuition and applicable mandatory university fees.
Extended Education students pay tuition based on the number of units they take.
If you're planning to attend part-time, the per-unit tuition structure may be worth comparing with Stateside costs.
If you're planning to attend full-time, Stateside may be more cost-effective depending on current tuition rates and fees.
We encourage students to compare the estimated cost of both options before deciding which pathway to pursue.
Review Liberal Studies Online Tuition and Fees
What Can You Do with a Liberal Studies Degree?
Students complete their Liberal Studies degrees for different reasons. Some are interested in advancing in their current jobs, while others are considering graduate school or a change in career.
The interdisciplinary coursework provides experience with academic research, writing, discussion, and examining complex questions.
Depending on your previous experience and professional interests, you may want to explore opportunities in education, administration, community programs, government, nonprofit organizations, or other fields.
Some graduates may also decide to continue their education through graduate or professional programs.
Certain careers require additional coursework, professional credentials, licenses, or graduate education. A Liberal Studies degree alone does not qualify graduates for licensed professions.
Questions About the Online Program?
If you're considering returning to Sonoma State, it's a good idea to review your previous coursework and learn about the differences between Stateside and Extended Education before applying.
You may have questions about transfer credits, tuition, course schedules, or how many semesters you'll need to finish.
Our advising and student support contacts can help you find the information you need.
SSU Stateside
Dr. Stephanie Dyer
Academic Advisor, Liberal Studies Online
Email: dyers@sonoma.edu
Extended Education
Melissa, Adult Learner Concierge
Email: concierge@sonoma.edu
Phone: (707) 664-4169
Interested in Applying?
Once you've reviewed the program requirements and decided which pathway you're interested in, you can begin the application process through Cal State Apply.
Be sure to select Sonoma State University and confirm the appropriate Liberal Studies Online program option before submitting your application.
If you're unsure which pathway to select, we recommend contacting the appropriate advising or student support representative before applying.