Bachelor in Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies (Bachelor's)

Tuition is Tuition for the 2026-2027 academic year is $385 per credit hour for undergraduate courses.. The deadline to apply for the Jan 2027 intake is Dec 1, 2026.

This programme is designed for students who want to create a custom academic path across multiple fields. It combines general education, two distinct disciplinary emphases, and electives to build a personalized degree. Students work with faculty to select courses that align with their interests and career goals. The programme emphasizes learning through multiple academic methods and cross-disciplinary exploration.

Focus areas include Art and Design, Criminal Justice, Education, English, History, Psychology.

The programme requires a minimum of 120 semester hours. Students complete 42 hours in two disciplinary emphases, 6 hours in required Interdisciplinary Studies courses, and 27 to 31 hours in general electives. At least 45 hours must be upper-level courses, including 15 at the 400 level.

Graduates enter roles in education, public service, nonprofit work, and community development, often in positions requiring broad knowledge and analytical skills.

Students must have a minimum 2.00 GPA to qualify for the major. They must maintain a 2.00 GPA to graduate. No specific test scores or additional documents are required beyond standard application materials.

The programme totals about 120 credit hours. On-campus, full-time or part-time, typical duration is four years. For international students, tuition is around the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 67% of applicants.

Cumberland University's history reaches back to 1842, giving it a long place in the development of private liberal arts education in the South. Its current approach connects traditional liberal arts values with modern practical approaches. Students can choose traditional undergraduate programs, graduate studies, and online offerings, with an education intended to support meaningful careers and personal goals. This combination gives students room to build a broad foundation while preparing for a specific next step.

Academic pathways include preparation for work in teaching, healthcare, and industries expected to shape the future. The university presents college as both intellectually challenging and personal, with attention to leadership, service, and making a difference. Students also have opportunities to connect learning with community service: Cumberland students volunteer nearly 5,000 hours each school year, including work with Habitat for Humanity and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Campus life is based in Lebanon, 25 miles east of Nashville. Five residence halls house more than 500 students, and living on campus provides an all-inclusive college experience. Fifty-five student organizations, honor societies, and interest groups support involvement beyond class, while 31 men's and women's athletic teams provide another point of connection. The Phoenix identity is part of campus culture, from athletic competition to community life. International students join a student body representing 39 states and 48 countries. Cumberland offers daily, group, virtual, and academic-area-focused Discovery Day visits for prospective students exploring the campus and their academic interests.