Liberal Studies, Bachelor of Arts
A major in Liberal Studies aims to develop well-rounded individuals with a broad understanding of various disciplines, fostering critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. It provides a strong foundation for diverse career paths by equipping graduates with adaptable skills and a comprehensive knowledge base.
Specifically, students who complete a major in Liberal Studies will learn to be
Critical Thinkers: Students gain the ability to analyze information, evaluate arguments, and form well-reasoned conclusions.
Creative Visionaries: Students explore diverse subjects, fostering imaginative thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Effective Communicators: Students develop consistent writing, speaking, and presentation skills.
Honorable Leaders and Agents of Justice: Students learn to act with integrity, respect, compassion, and resilience while understanding their role in local, regional, national and global communities.
Degree Requirements
Students selecting the Liberal Studies major will work with their advisor to choose a program of study that is unique to their goals and needs. However, each program of study must include:
LS 160 Intro to Research Methods
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3 courses in disciplines that emphasize critical thinking and the analysis of social and scientific ideas and artifacts (AWS, BIO, CHM, ECO, HIS, PS, PHI, RLS)
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2 courses that emphasize the process and product of creative thought and endeavor (DNC, ENG, FA, MUS)
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3 courses in disciplines that emphasize understanding and working within the human community (CJ, ENV, LDR, PSY, SOC, WS)
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2 courses from disciplines that focus on communication (COM, foreign language or courses in writing: ENG 115 or 185, 210, 220, 240, 321, 323, 325, 360, 361, or BUS 216).
The capstone requirement for the major in Liberal Studies is an experiential learning experience. Students must be enrolled in this learning experience for at least 3 credits. This can include, but is not limited to,
The experiential learning component should be completed after 75 credits have been earned toward the degree, though exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis. An experiential learning course that applies to another major may also be applied the degree in Liberal Studies.
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. Courses that fulfill the College’s foreign language requirement may not be counted toward the major, though subsequent language courses can.
Because of the broad-based, multidisciplinary 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 the program could be completed in a timely fashion.