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Liberal Studies, Associate of Arts

The Associate’s degree in Liberal Studies aims to develop well-rounded individuals with a broad understanding of various disciplines, fostering critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. It provides a strong foundation for diverse career paths by equipping graduates with adaptable skills and a comprehensive knowledge base.

Specifically, students who complete a major in Liberal Studies will learn to be

Critical Thinkers: Students gain the ability to analyze information, evaluate arguments, and form well-reasoned conclusions. 

Creative Visionaries: Students explore diverse subjects, fostering imaginative thinking and problem-solving abilities. 

Effective Communicators: Students develop strong writing, speaking, and presentation skills. 

Honorable Leaders and Agents of Justice: Students learn to act with integrity, respect, compassion, and resilience while understanding their role in local, regional, national and global communities.

CURRICULUM

Students selecting the Associate’s degree in Liberal Studies will work with their advisor to choose a program of study that is unique to their goals and needs. However, each program of study must include:
 

Foundations Requirements

English

Foreign language (two courses)

Math

Interdisciplinary Research Methods

It is also required that students completing the Associate’s degree in Liberal Studies complete FYS.

Plus

  • 2 courses in disciplines that emphasize critical thinking and the analysis of social and scientific ideas and artifacts (AWS, BIO, CHM, ECO, HIS, PS, PHI, RLS)
  • 1 course that emphasizes the process and product of creative thought and endeavor (DNC, ENG,[1] FA, MUS)
  • 2 courses in disciplines that emphasize understanding and working within the human community (CJ, ENV, LDR, PSY, SOC, WS)
  • 1 course from disciplines that focus on communication (COM, foreign language or courses in writing: ENG 115 or 185, 210, 220, 240, 321, 323, 325, 360, 361, or BUS 216).

Students would also have 22 free elective credits they would need to complete to earn the degree. Students should work with their advisor to select areas of interest to explore with those elective credits.

 

[1] Excluding the ENG courses listed under the Communication category below