Liberal Studies B.A.

Coordinator: Dr. Sunita Manian

Liberal Studies is a major in the College of Arts and Sciences that is designed for students who prefer a broader and more varied approach to learning than that of the traditional single-discipline major. It is appropriate for students who plan to do graduate study in fields that require no specific major or that encourage interdisciplinary undergraduate study. It is also designed for those students whose educational objectives are intellectual and who value personal growth and enrichment.

Concentrations for the B.A. in Liberal Studies

Students wishing to obtain the B.A. in Liberal Studies may pursue one of six concentrations:

• Culture, Religion, and Society
• European Studies
• Gender and Sexuality
• Race, Ethnicity, and Gender
• Third World Studies
• Individualized Concentration*

*Students intending to pursue the Individualized Concentration must meet the following admission requirements:

1. The student must have completed a minimum of 30 semester hours.
2. The student must have a minimum cumulative academic grade point average of 3.3.
3. The student must submit and have accepted a prospectus formed in three parts:
   1. a list of a minimum of 2 disciplines to be used in the major; 
   2. a list of courses and a time-line for taking the courses, developed in consultation with the program advisor(s) and approved by the Department Chair of the disciplines represented in the student's major of study;
   3. a typed essay of 500-750 words in length describing why the student has chosen this program of study, how (s)he plans to coordinate the disciplines and why. The prospectus must be approved by the Coordinator before the student can be admitted to the major. Any changes of disciplines or courses listed must be approved by the program advisors and registered with the Coordinator.

 

Liberal Studies majors who are completing minors in other disciplines should consult their advisor and the program coordinator regarding the appropriateness of double-counting courses toward both requirements.