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The liberal studies major is a self-designed major available for students to develop a program of study that is not offered at the university. 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. 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 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. 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 are asked to approve the proposal.

Individual Major Exploration

The Faculty Advising Coordinators serve as additional resources for students exploring majors. Working with the Academic Success Center, these faculty members provide opportunities for major and minor exploration. In coordination with Career Development, students develop individual profiles, take interest assessments, observe classes in progress and participate in shadowing opportunities. In addition, students participate in Alumni Affair events specifically designed to assist in the exploration of majors and careers.

Career Development

Located in BH 103, Career Development has an extensive library of career information for students exploring their interests. Students can browse the collection and/or make an appointment to meet the Director of Career Development.
 

 

Majors

Getting Started

Where You Can Get A Degree

The liberal studies major is available at the following Alvernia University campus:

General Notes
  • A minimum of 123 credits are required for graduation.
  • Credits earned for COM 100 and MAT 100 do not count toward the 123 credits required for graduation; however, COM 100 students may petition for elective credit.
  • Where appropriate, courses required for the major can be used to satisfy General Education requirements. However, the credits earned for these courses are applied to either Gen Ed requirements or the major, not both.
  • Paths of Knowledge coursework may count towards major or minor requirements, but may not fulfill a second Mid-Level Liberal Arts Exploration requirement.
  • Students are expected to follow the catalog requirements for General Education, the major, and additional requirements.
  • A minor or second major within the areas listed under Paths of Knowledge automatically fulfills that area of the Gen Ed requirements.
Application Instructions

Through a rolling admission process, prospective undergraduate students — including first-year, transfer, and international students — may apply via the Alvernia web portal or The Common Application. To learn more about how to complete your application, please visit our application page.

Financing Your Education

There are options to assist in financing your education and making the tuition affordable. Visit our Student Financial Services page for a detailed overview of the process, including a link to complete the FAFSA application, as well as more information about tuition, the tuition payment plan and the tuition deferment program we offer. Alvernia’s Title IV code for the FAFSA is 003233. The Office of Student Financial Services is available to help with any questions you may have. Call 610-796-8201 or email sfs@alvernia.edu.

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Why Choose Alvernia?
• A nationally ranked comprehensive regional university, Alvernia offers more than 50 majors and minors.
• An ever-expanding number of experiential learning opportunities includes internships, field experiences, co-ops, research projects, and study/service abroad programs.
• A rich campus life allows students to enjoy a full calendar of activities and events, more than 50 clubs, intramural sport and student leadership and governance opportunities.
• In growth mode, Alvernia continues to add value to its student experience: expanding academic programming in new facilities; adding student living space and updating residence halls; partnering with a community health provider; and adding amenities including a game room and new performance space.


Program Overview

Major Notes
  • 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.
  • 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. 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 are asked to approve the proposal.
  • 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.
  • Students must complete a one credit capstone course, COL 400, supervised by their advisor.
  • All major requirements are in addition to those required by the university core. Paths of Knowledge may not be fulfilled by courses from either of the two selected disciplines.
Curriculum: General Education

All Alvernia students must successfully complete a minimum of 123 semester credits to receive a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree. You’ll need to complete 54-56 liberal arts core credits and complete community service hours.

First Year Curriculum: Enduring Questions

  • SEARCH Seminar-Enduring Questions or Honor Search-Enduring Questions (3 credits: SRH 101 or HNR 160)
  • COM 101 Composition & Research: Must earn a C or higher (3 credits)
  • THE 105 Foundations of Theology (3 credits)
  • PHI 105 Introduction to Philosophy (3 credits)


Mid-Level Liberal Arts Exploration Credits

  • Exploring the Natural World (6-8 credits)
    • Lab Science 
    • Math
  • Individuals & Communities (6 credits)
    • History or Political Science
    • PSY 101, HIS, POS, SOC, SSC, or ECON 3
  • Culture & Language (9 credits)
    • Communication (Not COM 100 or 101)
    • World Language – 2 courses in sequence
  • Creative Expressions (6 credits)
    • Literature (ENG)
    • Art, Music, or Theatre


Ethical Leaders and Followers Credits

  • Theology or Philosophy (200-400 level)
  • Theology or Philosophy (Ethics/Morality @ 200 level)
Curriculum: Paths of Knowledge

Paths of Knowledge may count towards minor or Related Requirements, but not Mid-Level Arts Exploration requirements. Choose one path.

PATH 1: Interdisciplinary Study (IS)

Three courses, at least two from Liberal Arts disciplines, not the major, at the 200-400 level from the interdisciplinary minors of Women & Gender Studies, Digital Media, Community & Environmental Sustainability, Community Engagement, Cultural Studies, Leadership Studies or Pre-Law.

PATH 2: Multi-disciplinary Study (MS)

Three courses, at least two from Liberal Arts disciplines, not the major, at the 200-400 level employing multiple disciplinary perspectives to explore the Enduring Questions in one of the following themes: Cultural & Global Studies, Imagination & Creativity, Peace & Conflict, Poverty & Wealth or Sustainability, Science & Technology.

PATH 3: In-depth Disciplinary Study (DS)

Three courses at the 200-400 level in one Liberal Arts discipline other than one’s major, guided by common ideas and methods of inquiry. Students choose from Art, Biology, Chemistry, Communication, Computer Science, Economics, English, History, Mathematics, Music, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Theology, Theatre or World Languages. This path may be used to give students a firm foundation in a discipline supporting their chosen major, or to pursue an interest in one of the Liberal Arts disciplines. 

Curriculum: Major Requirements

All Alvernia students must successfully complete a minimum of 123 semester credits to receive a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree. You’ll need to complete 54-56 liberal arts core credits and complete community service hours. In addition, liberal arts majors must select two areas of study, with a minimum if 15 credits in each; must complete a one-credit capstone course, COL 400, supervised by their advisor; and must complete a minimum of 18 credits at the 300/400 level.

Additional Graduation Requirements

  • SRH 101/HNR 160: Search Seminar/Enduring Questions
  • Communicty service hours
  • Overall GPA = 2.0 or higher
  • GPA in major = 2.0 or higher (GPA Requirements vary by major)
  • Writing enhanced course
Accreditation Statements
  • Alvernia is an accredited institution and a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.