Program Details
Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts
Associate of ArtsVirginia Western Community College
The Liberal Arts program is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college following their studies at Virginia Western. This degree prepares students for numerous fields of study and career choices. Earning a Liberal Arts degree will demonstrate a student's ability to think critically, communicate well, problem solve and understand his/her multicultural environment.
Program Credit Requirements

Please note that some courses may count towards more than one requirement such as meeting a general education requirement and a major specific requirement. The course will be listed under the first matching requirement. Please contact the institution with questions.
A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
Program Overview & Guidance

Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Is This Degree Right For Me? | Are you interested in transferring to a four-year school and earning a bachelor's degree? Is graduate school in your plan? A liberal arts degree at VWCC prepares you for numerous fields of study and career choices. Earning a liberal arts degree will demonstrate your ability to think critically, communicate well, problem solve and understand our multicultural environment. Employers universally seek these skills in potential employees and will prepare you to work in numerous fields such as human resources, public relations, advertising and marketing, journalism, and education. |
What Should I Consider When Selecting Courses |
Students who have completed at least two years of a high school foreign language with at least a “B� average may take the intermediate level foreign language sequence in the first year. Students who complete the intermediate language sequence in the first year are required to take 8 credits from the following elective list in year two: Humanities/Fine Arts ELE
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Are there other program requirements beyond specific courses? | This program can be completed online. Students who intend to transfer should verify specific program requirements with their four-year institution. |
Do More With Your Degree | Students that graduate from Virginia Western with an associate degree and a minimum grade point average may obtain GUARANTEED admission to more than 30 of the commonwealth's colleges and universities. Please see this list for copies of the current agreements. Virginia Western also has its own agreements with several colleges and universities that can be found on our Transfer Agreements page. Students who intend to transfer should verify specific program requirements with their four-year institution. |
Program Successes & Highlights | https://www.virginiawestern.edu/ie/research/student-goals/ |
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Associate Transfer Degree Completion | To discuss how your previous degree can be incorporated into your new long term goals, please meet with an advisor. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School |
Credit for Prior Learning | Yes |
Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information

College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
---|---|
Is This College Right For Me? | Virginia Western Community College's service region includes the cities of Roanoke and Salem, along with Roanoke County, Craig County, Franklin County, and southern Botetourt County. Virginia Western was the first college established in the VCCS, in 1966, and has grown from an initial enrollment of 1,352 to its current annual enrollment of more than 9,000 students in credit courses and more than 1,400 enrollments in fast-track career training and continuing education courses. |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | A student's catalog year is determined by their first semester of attendance in the major. |
First Year Student Catalog Year | A student's catalog year is determined by their first semester of attendance in the major. |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | https://www.virginiawestern.edu/transfer/transfer-agreements/ |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level |
---|---|---|---|---|
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts - American Sign Language/Deaf Studies Specialization | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Science Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences with a major in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Science - General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Arts & Science | 2-Year |
Eastern Shore Community College | General Studies | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year |
Eastern Shore Community College | Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year |
Germanna Community College | Liberal Arts Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year |
Germanna Community College | General Studies Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year |
Northern Virginia Community College | Liberal Arts, A.A. | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year |
Northern Virginia Community College | General Studies, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Rappahannock Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences in Arts and Sciences | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in Social Sciences | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Science in Social Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Science - Social Sciences | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Northern Virginia Community College | Social Sciences, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Rappahannock Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences in Psychology/Social Work | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year |
Northern Virginia Community College | Liberal Arts: International Studies Specialization, A.A. | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in Social Sciences - Pre-Social Work Specialization | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Northern Virginia Community College | Social Sciences: Geospatial Specialization, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Northern Virginia Community College | Social Sciences: Political Science Specialization, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts - Teacher Preparation Specialization | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts/Music | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts/Theatre Performance | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year |
Piedmont Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year |
Northern Virginia Community College | Liberal Arts: Communication Studies Specialization, A.A. | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year |
Northern Virginia Community College | Liberal Arts: English Specialization, A.A. | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year |
Northern Virginia Community College | Liberal Arts: Art History Specialization, A.A. | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year |
Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate in Applied Science Degree in Human Services | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Human Services | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Human Services | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Human Services - Pre Social Work Specialization | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Human Services | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
New River Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Human Services | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Administration of Justice | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Rappahannock Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Administration of Justice | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Rappahannock Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences in Criminal Justice | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Administration of Justice | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science with a major in Administration of Justice | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences with a major in General Studies-Administration of Justice | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Criminal Justice | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Criminal Justice (Forensic Science) | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Wytheville Community College | Associate in Applied Science Degree in Administration of Justice | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Paul D. Camp Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Administration of Justice - Corrections Science | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Paul D. Camp Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Administration of Justice - Police Science | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Germanna Community College | General Studies - Specialization in Administration of Justice Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year |
Northern Virginia Community College | Administration of Justice, A.A.S. | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year |
Northern Virginia Community College | Criminology and Criminal Justice, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in Social Sciences - Teacher Preparation Specialization | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Science in Social Science/Education | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Science in Science/Education | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Science in Science/Math Education | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Northern Virginia Community College | Social Sciences: Teacher Education Specialization, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Northern Virginia Community College | Social Sciences: Deaf Studies Specialization, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
---|---|---|---|
11-9199.11 | Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers | Plan and direct cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties for reuse. Does not include properties sufficiently contaminated to qualify as Superfund sites. | Management Occupations |
11-9199.02 | Compliance Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards. | Management Occupations |
11-9199.08 | Loss Prevention Managers | Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures. | Management Occupations |
11-9199.00 | Managers, All Other | All managers not listed separately. | Management Occupations |
11-9199.01 | Regulatory Affairs Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures. | Management Occupations |
11-9199.10 | Wind Energy Development Managers | Lead or manage the development and evaluation of potential wind energy business opportunities, including environmental studies, permitting, and proposals. May also manage construction of projects. | Management Occupations |
11-9199.09 | Wind Energy Operations Managers | Manage wind field operations, including personnel, maintenance activities, financial activities, and planning. | Management Occupations |
25-1062.00 | Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses pertaining to the culture and development of an area, an ethnic group, or any other group, such as Latin American studies, women's studies, or urban affairs. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
19-3041.00 | Sociologists | Study human society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions that people form, as well as various social, religious, political, and business organizations. May study the behavior and interaction of groups, trace their origin and growth, and analyze the influence of group activities on individual members. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
25-2031.00 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
19-4061.00 | Social Science Research Assistants | Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
19-3091.00 | Anthropologists and Archeologists | Study the origin, development, and behavior of human beings. May study the way of life, language, or physical characteristics of people in various parts of the world. May engage in systematic recovery and examination of material evidence, such as tools or pottery remaining from past human cultures, in order to determine the history, customs, and living habits of earlier civilizations. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
25-1061.00 | Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in anthropology or archeology. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
19-3093.00 | Historians | Research, analyze, record, and interpret the past as recorded in sources, such as government and institutional records, newspapers and other periodicals, photographs, interviews, films, electronic media, and unpublished manuscripts, such as personal diaries and letters. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
25-1125.00 | History Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in human history and historiography. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
25-1067.00 | Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in sociology. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
25-1126.00 | Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in philosophy, religion, and theology. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
11-9151.00 | Social and Community Service Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers. | Management Occupations |
25-1065.00 | Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in political science, international affairs, and international relations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
19-3094.00 | Political Scientists | Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decisionmaking, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
39-7011.00 | Tour Guides and Escorts | Escort individuals or groups on sightseeing tours or through places of interest, such as industrial establishments, public buildings, and art galleries. | Personal Care and Service Occupations |
25-1069.00 | Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other | All postsecondary social sciences teachers not listed separately. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
19-3099.00 | Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other | All social scientists and related workers not listed separately. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
19-3099.01 | Transportation Planners | Prepare studies for proposed transportation projects. Gather, compile, and analyze data. Study the use and operation of transportation systems. Develop transportation models or simulations. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
25-1199.00 | Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | All postsecondary teachers not listed separately. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
21-1099.00 | Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other | All community and social service specialists not listed separately. | Community and Social Service Occupations |
43-4061.00 | Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs | Determine eligibility of persons applying to receive assistance from government programs and agency resources, such as welfare, unemployment benefits, social security, and public housing. | Office and Administrative Support Occupations |
11-9121.01 | Clinical Research Coordinators | Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data. | Management Occupations |
25-1022.00 | Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses pertaining to mathematical concepts, statistics, and actuarial science and to the application of original and standardized mathematical techniques in solving specific problems and situations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
15-2021.00 | Mathematicians | Conduct research in fundamental mathematics or in application of mathematical techniques to science, management, and other fields. Solve problems in various fields using mathematical methods. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
11-9121.00 | Natural Sciences Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields. | Management Occupations |
11-9121.02 | Water Resource Specialists | Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues. | Management Occupations |
19-3092.00 | Geographers | Study the nature and use of areas of the Earth's surface, relating and interpreting interactions of physical and cultural phenomena. Conduct research on physical aspects of a region, including land forms, climates, soils, plants, and animals, and conduct research on the spatial implications of human activities within a given area, including social characteristics, economic activities, and political organization, as well as researching interdependence between regions at scales ranging from local to global. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
25-1064.00 | Geography Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in geography. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
17-3031.00 | Surveying and Mapping Technicians | Perform surveying and mapping duties, usually under the direction of an engineer, surveyor, cartographer, or photogrammetrist, to obtain data used for construction, mapmaking, boundary location, mining, or other purposes. May calculate mapmaking information and create maps from source data, such as surveying notes, aerial photography, satellite data, or other maps to show topographical features, political boundaries, and other features. May verify accuracy and completeness of maps. | Architecture and Engineering Occupations |
19-3051.00 | Urban and Regional Planners | Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
25-1063.00 | Economics Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in economics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
19-3011.00 | Economists | Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
19-3011.01 | Environmental Economists | Conduct economic analysis related to environmental protection and use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable energy resources. Evaluate and quantify benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of alternative options using economic principles and statistical techniques. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
19-3022.00 | Survey Researchers | Plan, develop, or conduct surveys. May analyze and interpret the meaning of survey data, determine survey objectives, or suggest or test question wording. Includes social scientists who primarily design questionnaires or supervise survey teams. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
11-1011.00 | Chief Executives | Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers. | Management Occupations |
11-1011.03 | Chief Sustainability Officers | Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy. | Management Occupations |
19-3039.03 | Clinical Neuropsychologists | Assess and diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Recommend treatment after diagnosis, such as therapy, medication, or surgery. Assist with evaluation before and after neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
25-1111.00 | Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in criminal justice, corrections, and law enforcement administration. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
11-1021.00 | General and Operations Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors. | Management Occupations |
11-1031.00 | Legislators | Develop, introduce, or enact laws and statutes at the local, tribal, state, or federal level. Includes only workers in elected positions. | Management Occupations |
19-4099.00 | Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other | All life, physical, and social science technicians not listed separately. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
19-3039.02 | Neuropsychologists | Apply theories and principles of neuropsychology to evaluate and diagnose disorders of higher cerebral functioning, often in research and medical settings. Study the human brain and the effect of physiological states on human cognition and behavior. May formulate and administer programs of treatment. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
11-9131.00 | Postmasters and Mail Superintendents | Plan, direct, or coordinate operational, administrative, management, and support services of a U.S. post office; or coordinate activities of workers engaged in postal and related work in assigned post office. | Management Occupations |
19-3039.00 | Psychologists, All Other | All psychologists not listed separately. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
19-4099.01 | Quality Control Analysts | Conduct tests to determine quality of raw materials, bulk intermediate and finished products. May conduct stability sample tests. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
19-4099.03 | Remote Sensing Technicians | Apply remote sensing technologies to assist scientists in areas such as natural resources, urban planning, or homeland security. May prepare flight plans or sensor configurations for flight trips. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
11-3071.04 | Supply Chain Managers | Direct or coordinate production, purchasing, warehousing, distribution, or financial forecasting services or activities to limit costs and improve accuracy, customer service, or safety. Examine existing procedures or opportunities for streamlining activities to meet product distribution needs. Direct the movement, storage, or processing of inventory. | Management Occupations |
11-3071.00 | Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate transportation, storage, or distribution activities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable government laws or regulations. Includes logistics managers. | Management Occupations |