Liberal Studies - B.S.

Through the required and elective courses in the Liberal Studies bachelor's degree program, students acquire knowledge and experience in the arts, cultural studies, history, philosophy, behavioral sciences, math and science that prepares them to enter the workforce in business, nonprofit, government, and arts and cultural organizations. The degree also prepares them for further graduate studies. In addition, the program includes experiential learning through an internship, service learning and an optional study abroad.

Key differentiators of the JWU Liberal Studies degree program include a requirement that students complete a minor, the inclusion of a heightened form of experiential learning, and in-depth advising in fulfillment of the mission. The required minor is intended to ensure that students have an introduction to a profession or set of professional skills prior to program completion or are prepared to undertake graduate studies. 

Upon completion of the program, graduates are expected to:

  • Apply oral and written rhetorical strategies to communicate complex arguments.
  • Apply appropriate disciplinary criteria to examine complex issues, analyze arguments, conduct credible research, solve problems, make ethical decisions and create original ideas and/or approaches.
  • Synthesize and apply knowledge from multiple perspectives to evaluate complex issues and address real-world problems.
  • Critically examine and interpret the complexities of human culture, expression and/or behavior using the theories and methods of various disciplines in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences.

Liberal Studies

A four-year program leading to the bachelor of science degree

Credits
Major Courses
ART, HIST, LIT, PHIL, RELOne course 2000 level or higher3
BIO, CHM, PHY or SCIOne course 1000 level or higher3
ECON, PSCI, PSYC, SOCOne course 2000 level or higher3
Foreign Language3 credits as determined by language placement3
LIBS4900Liberal Studies Capstone: The Great Conversation3
Major Focus
Choose one of the following:15
Arts & Culture
ART, HIST, LIT, PHIL, REL, SOC: One course 2000 level or higher
ART, HIST, LIT, PHIL, REL, SOC: Four courses 3000 level or higher
Or
Science & Society
MATH: One course 1000 level or higher
BIO, CHM, ECON, PHY, PSCI, PSYC, SCI, SOC: Four courses 3000 level or higher
Minor
Select any minor from offerings within the university (some minors may be offered online only) *15
Applied/Experiential Learning
Choose 6 credits from the following:6
College of Arts & Sciences Internship Ic
Directed Experiential Education D
Undergraduate Laboratory and Field Research
Undergraduate Research Experience
Honors Directed Academic Experience
Study Abroad Sa
Related Professional Studies
Arts & Sciences Electives9 credits with an EASC attribute selected from offerings within the College of Arts & Sciences.9
CAR0010Career Management1
FYS1020First-Year Seminar1
A&S Core Experience
Communications Foundation Courses 9
Rhetoric & Composition I
Rhetoric & Composition II
Communication Skills
Integrative Learning 6
Two ILS courses, one at the 2000 level, one at the 4000 level
Arts and Humanities 6
Two courses from different disciplines: ART, HIST, HUM, LIT, PHIL or REL
Mathematics6
A Survey of College Mathematics (or higher, based on student's placement)
Statistics I
Science3
SCI1010 Environmental Science
Social Sciences 6
Two courses from different disciplines: ANTH, ECON, GEND, LEAD, PSCI, PSYC, RES or SOC
A&S Electives6
Two courses with an EASC attribute
Free Electives #
18 credits selected from 1000-4999 numbered offerings within the university18
Total Credits122.0
*

Students are responsible for meeting prerequisites.

IcTypically, internships require a minimum of six credits. Students interested in a 9 or 12-credit internship can apply additional experiential learning and free elective credits, if available. Students are strongly encouraged to contact a faculty advisor before scheduling internship and free elective credits.

D Directed Experiential Education (DEE) opportunities are based on project availability with community partners and student eligibility. For more information, visit Experiential Education & Career Services (EE&CS). 

SaTo be eligible to count toward Applied/ Experiential Learning, a Study Abroad offering must meet certain requirements. Contact JWU Global to discuss eligible Study Abroad options for this degree program.

#  In addition to classes, free elective credits may be applied to a number of options such as internship, study abroad, Directed Experiential Education courses and courses in a specialization or minor as relevant. For Accelerated Master's program students, up to three graduate-level courses may apply. Students are strongly encouraged to contact a faculty advisor before scheduling free elective credits.

 

NOTE: Students must pass MATH0010 Pre-Algebra or have equivalent placement scores to enroll in required math course(s).

Note: Students must pass ENG0001 Writing Workshop or have equivalent placement scores to enroll in ILS 2000-level courses

In collaboration with academic colleges across all JWU campuses, JWU Global Study Abroad programs offer a variety of international options for major, minor, arts and sciences, and elective credit at many affordable price points for students during the academic year, break periods, and summer. Faculty-led, exchange, affiliate, and direct-enroll programs range in duration from one week to a full semester or full year. Financial aid may be applied and scholarships are available. Visit the study abroad website for information, program descriptions and online applications. Where will you go?