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 topics such as history, literature, cultural studies, the arts, philosophy, religion, and social sciences. You may choose an individualized path or follow one of the identified concentrations in literature, philosophy, religion studies, writing, or pre-law. This major provides a meaningful way for transfer students to incorporate prior coursework and experiential learning.
In the Liberal Studies major, 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. 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, or teaching credential programs.
As a Liberal Studies major, you will earn a bachelor of arts degree and achieve the following competencies:
Critical Thinking (CT): demonstrating knowledge and skills related to analysis, problem-solving, reasoning, and decision-making
Informed Inquiry (II): demonstrating knowledge and skills related to observation, methodology, methods of interpretation, historical perspective, information literacy, and research
Effective Communication (EC): demonstrating knowledge and skills related to written communication, oral presentation, clarity of one’s own expression through various forms, systems, and media, and appreciation for meaning, tone, style, nuance, and context of other’s communications
Creativity (CR): demonstrating knowledge and skills related to innovation, fluency of ideas, flexibility in approach, and elaboration
Self Direction (SD): demonstrating knowledge and skills related to resilience, goal setting, project management, professionalism, reflection, and self-understanding
Social Responsibility (SR): demonstrating knowledge and skills related to advocacy, activism, leadership, service, and regard for one’s own and other’s historical, social, cultural, religious, and ethical backgrounds
