Mar 29, 2024  
2013-2014 APU Catalog 
    
2013-2014 APU Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Liberal Studies, B.A.


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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 skils such as creative and professional 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.  

Foundational Studies (32-40 credits)


  • EC Written Communication** (WRIT 20100) (4)
  • EC Presentation & Media Literacy (from 10000-20000 level COMM) (3-4)
  • CT Critical Thinking (from 10000-20000 level CRIT) (3-4)
  • CT Computation** (MT 10100, BAM 10500, or higher placement) (3-4)
  • CH Intellectual Traditions (from 10000-20000 level PH/HI) (4)
  • CH Creative Endeavors (from 10000-20000 level HUM) (4)
  • CH Intercultural & Spiritual Understandings (from 10000-20000 level RS/CS) (3-4)
  • SI Biological/Physical Scientific Inquiry (from 10000-20000 level SC w/ lab) (4)
  • SI Social/Behavioral Scientific Inquiry (various) (3-4)
  • EE Social Responsibility (LS 10200) (2)
  • EE Personal Responsibility (from OS/PE or BAM 20400) (1-2)

                   [ **  Minimum grade of ‘C’ (defined as C+, C, C-) must be earned]

Major Studies (59 credits)


Self-Directed Studies (varies)


  • Students are encouraged to pursue a minor, double major, Eco League exchange, or other distinguishing study program to add to the Liberal Studies major.

Minimum Graduation Credit Hour Requirement: 128


Optional Concentrations


Literature Concentration


Literature is at the heart of civilization, and storytelling is the connective tissue of communities.  With the literature concentration, you study storytelling, novels, drama, poetry, and other forms for great literature.  You choose from seminars focusing on classic, contemporary, world, and community-based traditions.  You develop interpretation skills in order to grow in your appreciation of tone, style, and nuance in creative writing.  This concentration can help you prepare for graduate work in the humanities, teacher certification programs, or careers in communication.

Major Studies (59 credits)

Philosophy Concentration


Philosophy involves the systematic study of how and why we think about things, in the ways that we do.  With the philosophy concentration, you study approaches to timeless questions, focusing on logic, ethics, reasoning, aesthetics, and inquiries into the human condition.  This concentration prepares you for graduate school, law school, and careers that involve problem-solving, critical thinking, and analysis.

Religion Studies Concentration


Religion is one of the major forces that shapes human culture, commitments, and behavior.  With the religion studies concentration, you study across the humanities, social sciences, and cultural studies to develop critical and analytical skills while learning about religious communities, religious texts, theological discourse, and spirituality.  The concentration allows you to develop special emphasis on topics such as Biblical studies, the philosophy of religion, and Catholic studies. This concentration provides you with a broad background for graduate study in religion, ministry, history, as well as international study.

Major Studies (59 credits)

Writing Concentration


Writing well, whether for personal satisfaction or professional purposes, is a fundamental ability.  With the writing concentration, you develop a liberal education in writing theory and practice.  You choose from writing seminars focused on forms such as poetry, nonfiction, fiction, and drama, as well as courses that develop communication skills for journalism and media.  This concentration prepares you with prized skills:  clarity of communication, understanding of context and message, and creative expression.

Major Studies (59 credits)

Pre-Law Concentration


No specific undergraduate major is required for admission in to law schools.  If you are considering a career in the legal profession, you will want a rigorous and interdisciplinary study plan that prepares you in the areas of critical thinking, logic, history, and philosophy.  In combination with APU’s GUR requirements, the pre-law concentration within the Liberal Studies major meets the recommendations of the American Bar Association’s “Preparation for Legal Education.”

Major Studies (59 credits)

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