Bachelor of Liberal Arts (BLA)
The Bachelor of Liberal Arts (BLA) at Xavier University offers a flexible, career-focused path for adult learners (24+) seeking to maximize their previous college credits while gaining valuable, real-world skills. Rooted in Jesuit educational principles, the BLA program fosters critical thinking, ethical leadership, and a commitment to lifelong learning, preparing graduates to make a meaningful impact in their careers and communities.
Why Choose a Bachelor of Liberal Arts?
Employers increasingly seek professionals who can analyze complex problems, communicate effectively, and lead with integrity—all hallmarks of a Xavier education.
Ethical Reasoning & Purpose-Driven Leadership: Develop the intellectual agility needed to thrive in today’s dynamic job market.
Critical Thinking Across Disciplines: Solve problems using insights from the humanities, sciences, and social sciences.
Cultural Understanding & Global Awareness: Develop the intellectual agility needed to thrive in today’s dynamic job market.
Effective Communication & Information Literacy: Examine how different perspectives and experiences shape the world around us.
A Degree that Opens Doors
A Bachelor of Liberal Arts offers a versatile foundation for professional growth across a wide range of industries. Graduates pursue careers in business, education, healthcare, government, nonprofit leadership, technology, and more.
- Business & Management – Human Resources, Corporate Training, Project Management
- Education & Public Service – Community Engagement, Higher Education, Government Leadership
- Marketing & Communications – Public Relations, Content Strategy, Digital Media
- Healthcare & Nonprofits – Healthcare Administration, Social Advocacy, Fundraising
- Technology & Data Analysis – Market Research, User Experience (UX), Business Analytics
Core Curriculum Requirements
Consult Undergraduate Core Curriculum for details.
Upper Division Studies Requirement: 38 Credit Hours
Students may add a minor or a concentration to their liberal arts degree. See below for information on available concentrations in organizational leadership and professional communication.
- 38 hours of upper division work with no more than 21 hours from one subject area.
- It is recommended that these 38 hours be distributed across two academic areas.
- Less than 30 hours in business courses and no more than 12 hours in any one business subject area may be applied to the degree.
Optional Concentrations for Upper Division Studies:
Organizational Leadership Concentration: 18 Credit Hours
This concentration will enhance and develop your communication, management, and leadership skills.
Required Courses: 9 Credit Hours
- MGMT 200 - Organizational Management
- MGMT 309 - Change Management
- MGMT 314 - Leadership
Electives: 9 Credit Hours (Select from the following list)
- COMM 207 - Interpersonal Communication
- COMM 209 - Group Dynamics
- MGMT 201 - Business & Professional Comm
- MGMT 325 - International Management
- MGMT 385 - Project Management
Professional Communication Concentration: 21 Credit Hours
This concentration is designed for people interested in working in dynamic, people-oriented environments. This concentration exposes you to the entire communication network; written, oral, and electronic mediums.
Required Courses: 15 Credit Hours
- COMM 101 - Oral Communications
- COMM 207 - Interpersonal Communication
- COMM 209 - Group Dynamics
- COMM 260 - Organizational Communication
- COMM 301 - Presentational Speaking
Electives: 6 Credit Hours (Select from the following list)
- BAIS 120 - Introduction to Business Tech
- BAIS 220 - Management of Info Tech
- COMM 477- Strategic Communication Ethics & Society
- MGMT 200 - Organizational Management
- MGMT 201 - Business & Professional Comm