BA in Liberal Arts

Historically, the liberal arts were considered the branches of study fit for free men (liber is Latin for “free”). They were contrasted with skills needed for more mechanical trades and professions. Today, as liberal arts majors at Southern Virginia, students read, study, and investigate the main issues in a range of liberal arts disciplines (such as history, literature, art, philosophy, and the sciences) and thereby become well-practiced critical thinking and reasoning and aesthetic judgment. They also gain an appreciation for the historical and cultural contexts that frame our contemporary world and its problems—a valuable perspective for all leader-servants in our day.

One of the great advantages of a liberal arts major is its versatility. Students may mold their study programs to include specific areas of interest within the context of the major requirements (a current major has successfully combined minors in government, chemistry, and math). When suitably completed or supplemented with minor emphasis, the liberal arts major is excellent preparation for a career or graduate program in law, business, medicine, education, public service, the arts, and other fields.

Gather. Lift. Launch. These three words are the driving force behind everything we do at Southern Virginia University. They explain why we’ve become one of the fastest-growing schools in the country. With personalized mentoring from outstanding professors, we combine an excellent liberal arts core education with your choice of major, minor, concentration, or advisement track.

Southern Virginia University is a private, self-reliant, residential university aligned with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its principles and values. Our mission is to gather faithful Latter-day Saints and like-minded students, lift them in intellect, character, and spirituality, and launch them into successful lives and careers.