The Liberal Studies major allows you to combine learning opportunities and courses from multiple disciplines.  Working with an academic advisor, you design a study plan to explore personal interests and professional aspirations, drawing together skills such as professional and media writing, or topics such as history, literature, cultural studies, the arts, philosophy, religion, and social sciences. This major provides a meaningful way for transfer students to incorporate prior coursework and experiential learning in order to move efficiently to degree completion.

A Liberal Studies degree provides exceptional preparation for careers requiring initiative, critical thinking, organizational management, problem-solving, effective communication, and innovation.  It can also be excellent preparation for graduate school, law school, medical school, or teaching credential programs. 

As a Liberal Studies major, you may choose an individualized path or follow one of the identified optional concentrations in literature, philosophy, religion studies, writing, or pre-law. 

Your study begins with introductory seminars focusing on ways of knowing, humanities, and social sciences.  You then choose courses from across the university to develop your individual study plan.  Nearing completion, you undertake: a directed study to provide in-depth understanding of a particular topic; and an internship to provide real-world application.  Your program culminates in the senior project which combines knowledge gained with the skills to apply that knowledge to real situations.

As a graduate, you will earn a Bachelor of Arts degree with demonstrated achievement in APU’s Essential Competencies:  Effective Communication; Critical Thinking; Cultural & Historical Perspective; Inquiry;  and Ethical Engagement.