Liberal Arts (A.A.)
Liberal Arts Program Overview
This program is eligble for MassTransfer .
The goal of Berkshire Community College's (BCC) Liberal Arts program is to develop
students' foundational knowledge and skills through a wide variety of academic disciplines,
preparing them for a successful transfer to a four-year institution, lucrative opportunities
in the workforce, and informed engagement in their communities. Through the study
of subjects like history, science, languages, mathematics, and the arts, this program
fosters independently motivated, complex thinkers who are able to affect positive
change in the overlapping contexts of community, politics, family life, the workplace
and society.
If you are a student who:
- Wants to prepare for an ever-changing job market: The Liberal Arts program gives you
transferable skills that employers value across many fields.
- Plans to transfer to a four-year institution: Our program gives you the flexibility
to explore your options, focus your interests, and gain foundational knowledge in
a wide range of disciplines.
- Is interested in creating social and political change in your community: The program
gives you the theoretical, historical, civic and social knowledge to impact community
life.
- Isn't sure about a specific career path: This program provides you with a solid foundation
and time to explore courses in the arts and sciences.
- Appreciates interdisciplinary learning: The program provides you with a framework
for developing connections between a wide range of fields.
Learn More
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Suggested Full-time Schedule
Semester 1
- Introduction to Liberal Arts
- Composition I
- World History to 1500
- Mathematics
- Natural/Physical Lab Science
Semester 2
- Composition II
- World History since 1500
- Behavioral / Social Science
- Natural / Physical Science (no Lab)
- Elective
- Environmental Awareness (1-credit)
Semester 3
- Literature
- Communication
- Behavioral/Social Science
- Elective
- Elective
Semester 4
- Liberal Arts Capstone
- Literature
- Humanities/Fine Arts
- Elective
- Elective
- Health Fitness (2 credits or 30 hours)
-
Suggested Part-time Schedule
Semester 1
- Introduction to Liberal Arts
- World History to 1500
Semester 2
- Composition I
- Mathematics
Semester 3
- Composition II
- World History since 1500
Semester 4
- Natural/Physical Lab Science
- Communication
Semester 6
- Behavioral/Social Science
- Natural/Physical Science (no Lab)
Semester 7
- Literature
- Elective
- Health Fitness (1 credit or 15 hours)
Semester 8
- Behavioral / Social Science
- Elective
- Health Fitness (1 credit or 15 hours)
Semester 9
- Humanities/Fine Arts
- Elective
- Environmental Awareness (1-credit)
Semester 10
- Liberal Arts Capstone
- Elective
-
Complete Your Liberal Arts Degree Online
Courses listed below are frequently offered in a fully online format. While most online
courses are fully asynchronous, some may require a limited number of synchronous meetings;
review individual section syllabus or contact instructor for more details.
This liberal arts pathway is eligible for Mass Transfer. If you are planning to transfer to a four-year college or university, you may also
want to check with your transfer institution to ensure all recommended courses will
transfer.
Requirements and Recommended Courses
| Program Requirement |
Credits Needed |
Available Online Pathway Courses |
Alternatives Available |
Semesters Offered |
| Liberal Arts |
6 |
LAR-101: Introduction to Liberal Arts
LAR-285: Liberal Arts Capstone* |
No |
Fall/Spring |
| Composition |
6 |
ENG-101: Composition I
ENG-102: Composition II* |
Yes |
All |
| Mathematics |
3 |
MAT-102: College Algebra
MAT-113: Introductory Topics in Math
MAT-123: Introduction to Statistics |
Yes |
All |
| History |
6 |
HIS-121: World History to 1500
HIS-122: World History since 1500 |
No |
All |
| Communications |
3 |
COM-104: Introduction to Interpersonal Communication
COM-105: Introduction to Oral Communication
COM-107: Oral Communication in Business
COM-108: Communication of the Mass Media |
Yes |
All |
| Humanities and Fine Arts |
3 |
FAS-171: Pre-Renaissance Art History
FAS-172: Renaissance to Modern Art
HUM-121: Introduction to Humanities
MUS-110: American Popular Music
MUS-145: World Music
PHL-102: Introduction to Philosophy
THR-101: Introduction to Theatre
THR-106: Fundamentals of Theatre Design
THR-111: History of Theatre and Drama I |
Yes |
All, Intersession |
| Social/Behavioral Science |
6 |
GEO-125: World Geography
GOV-105: US Government
PSY-107: Introductory Psychology
PSY-204: Human Growth and Development*
PSY-207: Social Psychology*
SOC-105: Introductory Sociology
SOC-136: Sociology of the Family
SOC-219: Gender and Justice* |
Yes |
All |
Natural/Physical Science
(no lab) |
3 |
BIO-175: Brain, Mind, and Behavior
CHM-110: Chemistry in Your Life |
Yes |
All |
| Natural/Physical Lab Science |
4 |
SCI-114: Introduction to Forensic Science (+SCI-114L) |
Yes |
Fall/Spring |
| Environmental Awareness |
1 |
ENV-127: Environmental Awareness |
No |
Fall/Spring |
| Literature* |
6 |
ENG-215: Introduction to Literature
ENG-217: Women's World Literature
ENG-245: Modern Fiction
ENG-255: Multi-Ethnic American Literature
ENG-297T: Science Fiction |
Yes |
All |
| Additional Electives |
15 |
BUS-107: Fundamentals of Business
BUS-139: Personal Finance: Money Management
CIS-102: Fundamental Computer Literacy
ECO-211: Principles of Microeconomics
ECO-212: Principles of Macroeconomics
HIS-118: US History Since 1865
HIS-238: History of the Holocaust
PSY-210: Psychology of the Mass Media* |
Yes |
All |
Health Fitness
(2 credits or 30 hours) |
AHS-103: Nutritional Awareness (1 credit)
PSY-122: Women and Self Esteem (1 credit)
PSY-127: Developing Resiliency (1 credit)
Log 15-hours at any gym (1 credit)
Log 15-hours at BCC gym (1 credit)
Log 30 hours at BCC gym (2 credits) |
Yes |
Fall/Spring |
| Total Credits |
62 |
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Expected Program Outcomes
Information Literacy
- Navigate rapidly growing information environment through use of digital technology,
purpose-driven inquiry, and research.
- Locate, evaluate, and effectively use information from a broad range of discipline-appropriate
sources.
Scientific Literacy
- Comprehend, interpret, and present scientific data and draw conclusions based on scientific
reasoning and evidence.
- Engage in lab and field work to understand experimental design and analyze and interpret
data.
- Develop environmental awareness through an understanding of our place in nature as
a species, our effect on the environment and the renewable and non-renewable resources
we rely on, and the ecological services we need to protect.
Critical, Creative, and Strategic Thinking
- Form relevant, focused, grounded, and challenging questions that guide academic inquiry.
- Consider, analyze, synthesize, and respond to diverse viewpoints in a variety of academic
settings.
- Develop innovative strategies for problem solving using original and predictive thinking.
- Work independently and collaboratively to solve problems.
- Extrapolate from known material to predict outcomes and create scenarios.
Quantitative Reasoning
- Use and develop formulas to analyze data in a variety of fields and real world situations.
- Translate English into mathematical expressions, equations, and inequalities.
- Solve equations for an unknown quantity in order to understand complex situations.
- Analyze and interpret the relationships among data sets via graphs, tables, and equations.
Written and Oral Communication
- Write with clarity and purpose, demonstrating an awareness for rhetorical context
and audience.
- Present clearly reasoned and persuasive academic arguments with effective use of evidence
in a variety of discipline-specific formats.
- Effectively and constructively communicate ideas in individual, small, and large group
settings.
Global Awareness and Historical Context
- Demonstrate knowledge of world cultures and histories.
- Cultivate familiarity with major artistic, philosophical, and literary movements throughout
history.
- Understand roots and causes of contemporary issues and cultural and social structures.
- Develop a sense of personal awareness in the context of historical movements and structures
and their influence on contemporary life.
- Develop an awareness and understanding of community needs and problems, both locally
and globally.
- Develop a foundational understanding of physical, emotional, psychological, and intellectual
wellness.
-
Job Growth and Wages
According to a survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers
(NACE), students who major in Liberal Arts reported a median starting salary of $41,800,
with potential job titles including fundraiser, editor, secondary school teacher,
public relations specialist, human resources manager, broadcaster, writer, and many
more.
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Transfer Schools and Degrees
Transfer Schools
- MCLA (Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts)
- Westfield State University
- University of Massachusetts at Amherst
- Mildred Elly School
- University of Massachusetts at Lowell
- Elms College
- University of Colorado Denver
- Amherst College
- University of Vermont and State
- Agricultural College
- Williams College
- Keene State College
- Smith College
- Mount Holyoke College
- Northeastern University
- New York University
- Salve Regina University
- Cornell University
- Wentworth Institute of Technology
- Michigan State University
- Fordham University
- Haverford College
- Clark University
- Warren Wilson College
- Oberlin College
- The New School
- University of Oregon
- University of Michigan-Law
- Massachusetts College of Art
Transfer Degrees
- Anthropology
- Area Studies
- Behavioral and Social Sciences
- Communications
- Economics
- Education
- English
- Foreign Languages
- General Studies
- Liberal Arts
- Geography
- Geology
- History
- Linguistics
- Mathematics
- Media
- Music
- Nursing
- Peace Studies
- Philosophy
- Physical Education
- Physics
- Psychology
- Radio and Television
- SciencevTheatre Arts
Pathways
The Liberal Arts program at BCC offers flexible pathways designed to help students
discover their interests, build essential skills, and prepare for their next steps.
With options in Arts & Humanities, Communications, English, Economics, Global & Cultural
Awareness, History, Psychology, Sociology, and more, you can tailor your education
to match your goals. These pathways provide room to explore, while developing critical
thinking, creativity, and communication skills that employers and universities value.
Testimonial
As a young student having recently graduated high school, I chose the Liberal Arts
Program because I did not have a specific academic or career path in mind for my future.
The thing I love most about the program is that it has allowed me to take all different
sorts of electives that peak my interest. From there I was able to discover a passion
for things I had never taken classes in before, like sociology and American Sign Language.
Now I plan to pursue a bachelor's in sociology upon transfer to a four-year school.
Overall, the Liberal Arts Program has enabled me to discover my perfect educational
path while simultaneously strengthening such interdisciplinary skills as critical
thinking, time management and communication.
Carly Holmes, Class of 2019
