Students with an associate’s degree may transfer up to 60 credits, including a maximum of 36 credits in technical courses. Students choose a primary area of concentration within the liberal arts: humanities, social sciences, or natural sciences (only offered at the Camden campus). At least half the requirements for the liberal studies major are taken from upper-division courses in that area.
The remaining requirements are taken from upper-division courses in the other two areas. In addition, students complete 48 credits of general education requirements, some of which may be fulfilled from previous college work. The specific major requirements are:
- three credits in Mastering the Liberal Arts I (606:301)
- three credits in Mastering the Liberal Arts II (606:302)
- 18 credits in Primary Upper Division Concentration in Humanities, Social Sciences, or Natural Sciences
- six credits in Secondary Upper Division Concentration
- six credits in Tertiary Upper Division Concentration
- = 36 Total credits for the Major
For the purposes of this major, groupings are as follows:
- Humanities: art, English, foreign languages, history, music, philosophy, religion, theater arts
- Social Sciences: anthropology, childhood studies, criminal justice, economics, political science, psychology, sociology, urban studies
- Natural Sciences: astronomy, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, geology, physics, statistics (only offered on the Camden campus)
The Curriculum Worksheet (PDF) details the requirements of the program.
Course Descriptions
50:606:301 Mastering the Liberal Arts I (Cr.3)
A range of topics and methods are used to challenge students to further develop the array of advanced skills needed to master the material taught in upper-division liberal studies courses. Emphasizes the reading and writing skills needed in advanced humanities courses. Regular writing and research assignments. See a sample course syllabus (PDF File).
50:606:302 Mastering the Liberal Arts II (Cr.3)
A range of topics and methods are used to challenge students to further develop the array of advanced skills needed to master the material taught in upper-division liberal studies courses. Emphasizes developing reading, research, and quantitative skills appropriate for the social sciences and the natural sciences, with particular attention to psychology, sociology/urban studies, and ecology/biology. Regular writing and research assignments. See a sample course syllabus (PDF File).
Program Learning Goals
1. to develop the ability to read with a high level of comprehension
2. to think critically with a tolerance for ambiguity and recognition of a diversity of perspectives
3. to undertake research and to express the results in clear, well-organized writing
4. to appreciate the benefits of interdisciplinary approaches to issues