Liberal Studies, B.A.

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Description

Liberal Studies gives students a diverse education grounded in the liberal arts. The multidisciplinary orientation of the major provides students with training in the social sciences, natural sciences, and fine arts and humanities. It allows students the flexibility to direct their own coursework while also offering the opportunity to supplement the intellectual breadth of the major with a more focused disciplinary minor or second major.

What careers can this major prepare you for?

Students often go on to pursue professional or academic graduate degrees, while others go directly into the workplace. The major opens the door to a wide variety of careers: Artist, College Athletics Director, Counselor, Culinary Services Director, Educator, Equities Analyst, Government Official, Health Care Professional, Magazine Contributor, Sales Director, Small Business Owner, Advancement, Advertising, Communication, General Business, Human Resources, Law, Library Science, Marketing, Nonprofit Administration, Science and Technology, Social Services, Writing and Editing.

What skills are developed within this major?

Specific skills developed within the Liberal Studies major include writing skills; quantitative reasoning and scientific literacy; and research and analytical skills. Majoring in Liberal Studies fosters critical thinking, the ability to approach complex problems from different perspectives, and the ability to communicate effectively. Finally, it provides a broader understanding of the world in which we live.

Admission to Major

A 2.75 GPA and a letter of application are required for admission to the major. Students interested in the Liberal Studies program should meet with the Director of Liberal Studies for advising and further information about the application process.

Hours Required for Degree

Minimum hours required for degree: 120

Minimum hours required for major: 60, at least 24 of which must be upper-level (300 or 400 level).

College Requirements

See college page for college requirements.

Major-Field Requirements

Liberal Studies majors are required to take 60 credit hours, including at least 24 credits at the 300/400 level. The 60 credit hours are distributed as follows: 12 credit hours in each of three distribution areas (Social and Behavioral Sciences, Natural Sciences and Quantitative Literacy, Fine Arts and Humanities) and 24 elective credit hours. A grade of C or better must be earned in all courses used to fulfill requirements for the major.

1. Distribution Areas (36 hours)

Social and Behavioral Sciences (12 credit hours)

Classes offered by the Departments of Anthropology, Criminology and Sociology, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, the School of Communication, the School of Health Sciences, and the School of Social Work.

Natural Sciences and Quantitative Literacy (12 credit hours)

Classes offered by the Departments of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. One class from a department not listed here may be substituted with the Director’s permission.

Fine Arts and Humanities (12 credit hours)

Classes offered by the Departments of Art and Design, English, History, Music, Philosophy and Comparative Religion, Theatre and Dance, and World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, and the School of Film and Media Arts.

2. Free Electives (24 credit hours)

Classes offered by the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, the College of Sciences and Health Professions, the College of Urban Affairs, and the College of Engineering.

3. Capstone Requirement

The Liberal Studies Capstone Requirement may be fulfilled by completing a capstone course offered by any department in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, the College of Sciences and Health Professions, or the College of Urban Affairs. A capstone course from any other college may be used only with the prior approval of the Director. The capstone course is taken within, not in addition to, the 60 credits required for the major.

Notes:

Classes used for a student’s General Education and foreign language requirements may not also be applied to his or her Liberal Studies major requirements, with the exception of the capstone experience and classes completed for the Social Diversity Gen Ed.
With the approval of the Director, up to 21 credit hours from the College of Business and the College of Education and Human Services may be applied to the major.
At least 15 credit hours that are applied to the major must be completed at CSU after the semester in which the student has been accepted into the program. The Liberal Studies capstone must be among these 15 credits unless an individual exception is granted.
Normally no more than 15 credits in any one department may be used to fulfil the major requirements.