Program Overview

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Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts

The Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts (BALA) Degree Completion Program at California State University, Long Beach is designed for working professionals who want to acquire the skills most sought-after by employers, including communication, critical thinking, language and literature, analytical and scientific reasoning, quantitative analysis, and philosophical foundations.

Program Overview

The two-year BALA program is designed to serve the needs of working professionals who are re-entering education with some college credits already completed, and are ready to finally earn their degree. Students receive personalized attention from staff and expert instructors, while gaining access to networking opportunities with fellow professionals.

Program Requirements

• 48 upper-division units, with at least three courses (9 units) in each of the three areas below:
  • Area I: Oral and Written Communication
  • Area II: Global Citizenship and Cross-Disciplinary Knowledge
  • Area III: Cultures, Values and Beliefs
• Three units in CLA 499: Directed Studies: Professional Portfolio. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units.
• Remaining units (12) will be drawn from the three areas below:
  • Area I: Oral and written communication
  • Area II: Global citizenship and cross-disciplinary knowledge
  • Area III: Cultures, values and beliefs

Admission Requirements

• Minimum GPA 2.0 at the time of application
• Completion of 72 baccalaureate-level units by the end of the prior Spring term for Fall entrance
  • A maximum of 70 transferable units from a community college
  • A minimum of 2 units from a university
    • A BALA applicant who meets all admission qualifications, but does not have those 2 units, may be admitted on a provisional admission status.
• Completion of at least 30 units to satisfy the lower-division CSU General Education (GE) requirements, including an Ethnic Studies course, by the end of the prior Spring term for Fall entrance
  • These units must include the Foundation Courses (see below) with a grade of "C" or better
    • Area A1: Written Communication in English
    • Area A2: Oral Communication
    • Area A3: Critical Thinking
    • Area B2: Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning

Application Process

To apply, you must submit the following:

• Attend an online Information Session.
• Online application through Cal State Apply.
• Official academic transcripts from each college/university that you have previously attended before the deadline.
• Admissions essay (approximately 650 words) describing why you are returning to college at this point in your life, and why you want to complete your Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts at California State University, Long Beach.

Program Benefits

• Provides a broad liberal arts education
• One-on-one advising and program counseling
• Financial aid available
• Small classes in a supportive environment
• Professional networking opportunities
• Guaranteed classes with no transfer competition from other CSULB students

Learning Outcomes

In This Program You'll Learn:

• Effective oral and written communication
• Strong interpersonal skills
• A global perspective of liberal arts subjects
• Critical and analytical thinking
• Strong problem-solving skills

Program Structure

The BALA program is offered in a small cohort format and draws on a mix of both online and in-person courses, so that students can find a balance between their personal and professional lives while accomplishing their academic goals.

Financial Aid

Students who apply to the BALA program should complete the FAFSA (Federal Student Aid) application. This application will determine if you are eligible for financial aid. Once admitted to the program, you will be able to consult with a CSULB financial aid advisor.

Cost

The per-term cost is $2,556 (2 courses per term x 3 units per course x $426 per unit). The estimated total cost is $24,496.

Location

In-person on campus in Fall & Spring; Online in Summer & Winter

Application Period

Applications will be available from October 1, 2025 to March 1, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the "liberal arts"?
  • A liberal arts education focuses on breadth of study, exposing students to a variety of subjects.
• What are the program requirements?
  • 48 upper-division units, with at least three courses (9 units) in each of the three areas below.
• What kind of jobs can I get with a liberal arts degree?
  • A bachelor's degree in liberal arts provides graduates with the skills necessary to be successful in nearly any job.
• How is this degree program different than other degree programs?
  • BALA is a degree completion program that offers a high-quality CSU degree.
• Is there a minimum GPA that I need to maintain in the program?
  • Yes. The minimum GPA is 2.0.
• When can I apply for the BALA program? When is the application deadline?
  • Applications for the BALA Program are submitted through Cal State Apply from October 1, 2024 through March 1, 2025.
• Can I get financial aid?
  • Students who apply to the BALA program should complete the FAFSA (Federal Student Aid) application.
• Are there scholarships available?
  • Scholarship opportunities can be found by visiting CSULB's Center for Scholarship Information.
• How can I find out if course credits I've earned at another California college or university can be transferred to California State University, Long Beach?
  • You may utilize ASSIST, the online student-transfer information system.
• If I haven't yet completed the 72 baccalaureate-level course units required to apply for the BALA program, what other options are available?
  • You may be able to earn the course units you need for enrollment in the BALA program through programs offered at CSULB.
• How long is the program?
  • The BALA program may be completed in only 2 years, depending on the number of baccalaureate-level units you have upon entering.
• Will I be allowed to take additional or external courses while enrolled in the BALA program?
  • The Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts (BALA) at California State University, Long Beach is a cohort-based degree completion program designed for full-time working professionals.
• Will I get to graduate and walk in the regular CSULB graduation ceremony?
  • Yes! All BALA degree completion students will receive a degree and be eligible to participate in the graduation ceremony for the College of Liberal Arts.
• How do I connect with someone from the BALA program?
  • Contact the program director for more information or to start the registration process.
• Is BALA the same as CSULB's Liberal Studies major?
  • No, Liberal Studies is a department within the College of Education.
• What types of financial aid are available for this program?
  • Students enrolled in this program are eligible for some forms of financial aid, with the exception of the State University Grant (SUG) and Cal Vet College Fee Waiver.