Liberal Studies (LBST)

Whereas most majors are based upon a field of study and primarily emphasize mastery of a subject area, the liberal studies major does not require competence in only one academic discipline but focuses instead on the overall intellectual development of the individual student. In so doing, it offers maximum freedom in meeting educational interests, but at the same time imposes unusual responsibility for designing a coherent program. In cooperation with their advisers, an acceptable course of study is prepared by the student. The student must also complete a senior project which will integrate the diverse material they have studied and serve as the culminating experience for the major. This project is planned no later than the final months of the junior year.

To register as a liberal studies major, students must complete the formal proposal for the major, including a detailed statement of educational goals, delineation of a series of courses for the ensuing semester and a rationale for their program. This statement must be endorsed in writing by three faculty members, one of whom will serve as the student’s adviser. This completed application is due no later than the fifth semester of study, or the end of the first semester of the junior year. A student desiring to elect a liberal studies major after the end of the first semester of the junior year must seek approval by the associate dean of their college.

At registration for each succeeding semester, another proposal specifying courses for that term must be submitted to the adviser and the associate dean. Additional information about the liberal studies major and a copy of the formal application describing the process in detail can be obtained from the Office of the Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences.