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.
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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, REL | One course 2000 level or higher | 3 |
| BIO, CHM, PHY or SCI | One course 1000 level or higher | 3 |
| ECON, PSCI, PSYC, SOC | One course 2000 level or higher | 3 |
| Foreign Language | 3 credits as determined by language placement | 3 |
| LIBS4900 | Liberal Studies Capstone: The Great Conversation | 3 |
| 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 | ||
| Related Professional Studies | ||
| Arts & Sciences Electives | 9 credits with an EASC attribute selected from offerings within the College of Arts & Sciences. | 9 |
| CAR0010 | Career Management | 1 |
| FYS1020 | First-Year Seminar | 1 |
| 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 | ||
| Mathematics | 6 | |
| A Survey of College Mathematics (or higher, based on student's placement) | ||
| Statistics I | ||
| Science | 3 | |
SCI1010 Environmental Science | ||
| Social Sciences | 6 | |
Two courses from different disciplines: ANTH, ECON, GEND, LEAD, PSCI, PSYC, RES or SOC | ||
| A&S Electives | 6 | |
Two courses with an EASC attribute | ||
| Free Electives # | ||
| 18 credits selected from 1000-4999 numbered offerings within the university | 18 | |
| Total Credits | 122.0 | |
| * | 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 adviser 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).
# 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?