Liberal Studies, Bachelor of Arts

The Liberal Studies is, in essence, the study of ourselves. It is the study of what produces and sustains society and, in turn, what society itself produces. In learning to carefully and analytically explore their surroundings, students in this major discover how    to chart their own path and make their own mark on and in the world.

Students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Liberal Studies will have the opportunity to experience a broad-based course of study in the traditional liberal arts, which will teach  students to be

• Effective Problem-Solvers: Problem-solving is most effective when multiple tools and tactics are being employed. The Liberal Studies major delivers a well- rounded education that emphasizes the ability to understand, analyze, and resolve situations across multiple areas and topics, skills that students will be able to apply to a wide variety of circumstances.
• Effective Communicators: Students who choose the Liberal Studies major will learn how to become good communicators. They will learn to write and speak effectively, and understand the tenets of strong, ethical leadership.
• Effective Collaborators: The Liberal Studies major helps students learn to work together. Collaboration is key for individuals preparing to enter today’s highly diverse workforce.
• Effective Change Agents: The diverse nature of the Liberal Studies major will help students to focus on the ability to adapt to different people, situations, and environments. The major will also teach students how to change the circumstances around them to their advantage. Learning how to both adapt to and change one’s environment is key to success in today’s workforce.

Students selecting this major will work with their advisor to choose a program of study that is unique to their goals and needs.

Degree Requirements

Courses marked as Traditions courses detail the history and scope of the liberal studies     while simultaneously teaching students how to critique the subject. Students should complete their Traditions course by the end of their third semester in the program.

Of the 12 courses in the major, at least 6 must be completed at the 200-level or higher, with 2 of those completed at the 300-level or higher. Courses may only apply to one requirement in the major. No Foundations classes can count toward the major. Students may not count the same courses for the liberal studies language requirement and the communication requirement for the major.

Because of the broad-based, interdisciplinary nature of this program, transfer students will only be allowed to apply 3 transfer courses directly to the major. However, the coursework completed in the Liberal Studies major would apply directly to a student’s liberal arts core, ensuring that could be completed in a timely fashion.

Students completing the major in Liberal Studies are eligible to participate in the 4+1 Program with the Master’s in Humanities program, although summer coursework might be necessary for completion.

One Traditions Course

AWS 215	Women in Antiquity	3
ENG 215	Major Writings European Tradition I	3
PHI 224	Ancient & Medieval Philosophy	3

Leadership Course

LDR 349

Leadership Models and Practices

3

Liberal Studies Required Courses

• 3 courses in disciplines that emphasize the analysis of social ideas and artifacts (ENG, FA, DNC, AWS, PHI)
• 3 courses in disciplines that emphasize understanding and working within the human community (HIS, PS, SOC, RLS, GS, ECO, WS)
• 2 courses from disciplines that emphasize scientific reasoning and the natural environment (BIO, CHM, ENV, PSY, PHY, MAT)
• 2 courses from disciplines that focus on communication (COM, SPN, LAT, ASL, or courses in writing: ENG 115 or ENG 185, ENG 210, ENG 220, ENG 240, ENG 321, ENG 323, ENG 325, ENG 360, ENG 361, BUS 216)