The Liberal Studies (L.S.) major degree program, a trans-disciplinary degree program, provides a structured set of experiences whereby students will achieve a broad preparation in the classic disciplines of the humanities and sciences. Students in each of the five concentrations (Creative Arts, International Studies, Environmental Science, African World Studies, and Foreign Language/Spanish) gain cultural and/or scientific knowledge of the world, original thinking and/or creative ability, and an understanding of the need for seeing world affairs and individual liberal arts disciplines in the perspective of the larger context of liberal arts studies. The degrees awarded to students who complete the program will be inscribed:

• Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Creative Arts
• Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a concentration in International Studies
• Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a concentration in African World Studies
• Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Spanish
• Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Environmental Science

The curriculum of the Liberal Studies program is trans-disciplinary and is decided upon by the student and the academic advisor, with approval from a Liberal Studies Committee. It is an undergraduate degree for individuals who are highly curious about the world, who wish to have a broad spectrum of academic experiences, and who desire career flexibility. The 123-semester-hour major includes three interdisciplinary courses: University Life and Thought (an orientation), Ethics, and Aesthetics.

Departmental Requirements in addition to University Requirements

Students will complete A – E of the Core; an Area F that consists of additional liberal arts courses; 29 more hours in liberal arts foundation courses; and a concentration (International Studies, Creative Arts, Environmental Science, African World Studies or Foreign Language /Spanish). All will be required to have proficiency with computers and participate in (1) University Life and Thought, (2) a sophomore assessment project in English 2112 - World Literature II, (3) Aesthetics, (4) a capstone ethics course with a senior project included, (5) an ongoing portfolio assessment, and (6) a standardized test such as those required for admittance to graduate study.

The L.S. degree offers students an unusual degree of control over their course of study, without abandoning the necessary structure to ensure the vital focus and cohesion for a meaningful education. Finally, it offers students a wide range of employment possibilities.

Program of Study for the B. A. Degree in Liberal Studies

Because of the great number of options available to students in the Liberal Studies major, it is not possible to present standard programs of study for freshman, sophomore, junior and senior years. Students will plan their curriculums with their advisors, and these programs of study must be approved by the Liberal Studies Committee.