Liberal Studies
Courses
Rationale
The Liberal Studies major is a self-designed major available for students to
develop a program of study that is not currently offered at the College.
The degree is offered only at the Baccalaureate level. Whether the student
is seeking an opportunity to broaden intellectual and cultural awareness,
or whether the student is preparing for specific graduate pursuits, Liberal
Studies will provide both a solid foundation and a program tailored to the
student’s individual goals.
Purpose
The purpose of the Liberal Studies major is to provide students the flexibility
to explore a wide range of subjects while tailoring their studies to career
or educational goals. This individualized program can be more meaningful
and practical to the individual with specific professional or intellectual
interests.
Restrictions
Students who have not yet earned 75 credits should discuss their planned course
of study with the relevant department chairs. Students then submit a proposal,
including a rationale for pursuing the Liberal Studies major and a program
of studies with the courses that will constitute this major. Once the proposal
has been approved by the chairs of the two relevant academic departments*
and by the Dean of Arts & Sciences, the Registrar will be informed of
the student’s intent to pursue a Liberal Studies major and will keep
the signed and approved proposal on file.
Major Requirements:
**The requirements listed below come from the 2003-2004 Catalog. Previous
editions of the catalog are available online.
Bachelor’s Degree: 37 credits
1. Students should declare their intention to pursue the Liberal Studies major and submit a rationale for their program of studies and the courses that will constitute it before they earn 75 credits.
2. This proposal must be approved by the two department chairs* who have agreed to sponsor the major. An advisor will be appointed from one of the departments.
3. A minimum of 15 credits must be taken in each of the two departments or programs. A minimum of 18 credits must be taken at the 300/400 level.
4. Students must complete a one credit capstone course, supervised by their advisor.
5. All major requirements are in addition to those required by the College core. Area II courses may not be fulfilled by courses from either of the two selected disciplines.
6. Liberal Studies students will be assigned a full time faculty member as an advisor. In the case of continuing education students, this faculty advisor will work with the student’s continuing education advisor as an equal partner.
*If the two areas of study are within the same department, then the department chair and a faculty member who teaches in one of the specific areas will be asked to approve the proposal.
Master of Arts in Liberal Studies
Students will have the opportunity to take six graduate credits during their senior year thereby allowing them to complete their M.A.L.S within one year after graduation (these six credits also count toward undergraduate course requirements). With proper scheduling many students will be able to complete their undergraduate and graduate degrees in five years.
The Master of Arts in Liberal Studies cultivates an understanding of ideas, questions, and works from the liberal arts tradition. Exploring various approaches to studies of the arts and sciences will complement students’ attempts to create and discover meaning in their personal and professional lives. Students will broaden their understanding of ways to use knowledge from the liberal arts tradition to enrich the lives of individuals and to inform social action. Students who are serving in leadership roles in nonprofit organizations, churches, schools, and businesses can select courses which expand their understanding of core areas of theology and the practical implications of these concepts for the ministries and human services.
Graduate Assistantship opportunities may be available to graduate students. For more information on these opportunities and the M.A.L.S. program contact the Graduate Center at 610-796-8228.
Updated: March 29, 2005