Liberal Arts
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The Bachelor of Liberal Arts is all about flexibility and customization and is an excellent option for first-time college students and students who are returning to complete their degrees. Students are not limited to a single area of study. Instead, they choose from a wealth of engaging classes within the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. The program draws upon resources, courses and faculty from across UMKC to provide scientific literacy, an understanding of the social sciences and appreciation of the humanities. Coursework focuses on developing students' skills in critical thinking and problem-solving, written and oral communication, teamwork, adaptability to change, and multicultural awareness.
While this program can be beneficial to students pursuing many different paths, it is particularly useful to students in the six-year medical program and those applying to the UMKC School of Law through the 90+ program.
- Program Type: Major
- Academic Unit: School of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Liberal Arts
- Standard credit hours: 120
- Delivery Mode: In-person, Hybrid
- Typical Program Length: 4 years
- Typical Course Load: 4-5 per semester
- Estimated Program Cost: $49,344
- * All rates or costs are for illustrative purposes only. Estimated cost is calculated by multiplying the appropriate 2025/2026 UMKC academic year resident rate by standard credit hours. Fees are NOT included in the calculation. Your hours and total costs may differ, depending on transfer hours, course choices, academic progress, program- and university-specific fees, and your qualified tuition rate. Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
Why UMKC
Kansas City is our classroom
Our university is deeply integrated into the community, providing students with exclusive opportunities to connect with area employers, gain hands-on experience and make an impact in their areas of interest.
Find career success
From academic and career advising to employment services and community partnerships, our award-winning faculty and staff deliver direction and support to help you succeed in your careers.
Contribute to world-changing research
UMKC faculty and students break ground in key areas of science, technology, healthcare, education, law, the arts and the humanities — bringing in millions in funding in the process. If you want to work on the cutting edge of these fields and set yourself up for a career in innovation, there aren’t many better places to be.
After Graduation
A liberal arts degree empowers you to choose from a broad range of careers, including opportunities in public policy, media, academia and more. You will also be prepared to pursue further graduate-level studies in a variety of subject areas.
Potential careers
- Human resources specialist
- Lawyer
- Journalist
- Insurance professional
Where our students work
- Blach & Veatch
- The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City
- Garmin
$72,872
Median salary/year
* Based on data from Lightcast.io for Human Resources Specialists (13-1071.00)
Potential Courses
Professional and Technical Writing
This writing intensive course focuses on the rhetorical principles of professional and technical writing, providing students with opportunities to analyze complex rhetorical situations, study various …
Ethics
This course covers the nature of ethical ideas and the development and history of ethical theory.
Persuasive Communication
A study of the rhetorical, psychological and ethical principles of influencing and controlling individuals and groups, and of the methods of adapting to various attitudes and audiences through the pre…
Visit the Academic Catalog for a full listing of courses and descriptions.
Related Programs and Pathways
My goal overall is to be a face for what is possible and to use my privilege to help those who are not as privileged.
Dumebi Okocha
Chemistry Minor, Liberal Arts B.A. '21, M.D. '24
How to Apply
- Gather your materials
- Official transcripts
- Names and locations of previous college(s) or high school(s) and dates you attended
- Citizenship, residency and visa information (if applicable)
- ACT/SAT test scores (optional). Required if you would like to be considered for applicable scholarship opportunities
- Complete the online application
- No application fee for domestic undergraduate students — $75 for international students
- Check admissions requirements
Some programs have specific admission requirements. Request information to have an admissions counselor contact you about the requirements for this program.
Application Dates
To Start Classes in Fall
Apply by: June 15
Classes begin in August
To Start Classes in Spring
Apply by: Nov. 15
Classes begin in January
Estimated Tuition Per Semester
$6,168
Resident Rate
(per semester)
$9,063
Heartland Rate
(per semester)
$16,090
Nonresident Rate
(per semester)