Liberal Studies, BA

Program Description

The Liberal Studies major is a flexible interdisciplinary degree that draws on courses from all of the schools and programs in the College of Liberal Arts. It allows students to design a program of study that is both broad in scope and narrow in concentration. It is, therefore, ideal for students whose interests encompass more than one liberal arts field and who desire greater flexibility in their programs of study. It is particularly well suited for those who, for whatever reason, change their major focus partway through their course of study yet aim to graduate in a timely fashion. Transfer students may also benefit from its flexible interdisciplinary curriculum.

The Liberal Studies major provides a strong foundation in core areas of critical thinking, writing proficiency, and interpersonal communication. The degree also requires one “professional component” course, such as computer science or business, to enhance readiness for the workplace. Armed with such skills, Liberal Studies students are well equipped to adapt to the vicissitudes of constantly changing economic conditions.

Students have the option of completing the program requirements for the major in Liberal Studies in a fully online delivery mode. This online option is more limited in scope than the regular program of study, but it is an option for students who need the flexibility of an online degree.

Major Requirements

Core (12 hours): One course in each of the three Liberal Arts areas of specialization, and an additional course in one area.

Humanities: Classics, Communication, English, History, Modern Languages, Philosophy, Religion
Fine Arts: Art, Art History, Music, Theatre, Dance, Motion Pictures
Social Sciences: Anthropology, Geography, Economics, Political Science, Social Work, Sociology, Urban Studies (History may also count as a Social Science)

Concentration (15 hours): Five upper-division (3000-4000 level) courses from within one of the three Liberal Arts areas of specialization. Two of these courses must be writing intensive. These 15 hours may come from one discipline, and so constitute the equivalent of a minor, or from several disciplines within the area.

Related Requirements

Interdisciplinary Studies (3 hours): One course whose subject matter is taught from an interdisciplinary perspective, including African and African American Studies, International Studies, Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, and other courses as approved by the Liberal Studies program coordinator.

Professional Component (3 hours): One course that enhances workplace readiness or career advancement, including Business, Communication, Computer Science, Education, Public Administration, and other courses as approved by the Liberal Studies program coordinator.

For More Information

Program Requirements:

I. Wright State Core: 38 Hours

Element 1: Communication: 6 Hours

Element 2: Mathematics: 3 Hours

Element 3: Global and Cultural Studies: 6 Hours

Element 4: Arts and Humanities: 3 Hours

Element 5: Social Sciences: 6 Hours

Element 6: Natural Sciences: 8 Hours

Additional Core Courses: 6 Hours

II. Major Requirements: 27 Hours

Core Curriculum: 12 Hours

Four Core Area Courses:

Fine Arts
Humanities
Social Sciences

Students must take at least one course in each of the three areas and two courses in one area.

Concentration: 15 Hours

Five courses in one of the 3 core areas

All must be 3000-4000 level courses
Two must be Intensive writing courses

III. Related Requirements: 6 Hours

1 interdisciplinary studies course Credit Hour(s): 3
1 professional component course Credit Hour(s): 3

IV. College Requirements: 18-22 Hours

Foreign Language: 12-16 Hours

Through 2020 level (1010, 1020, 2010, 2020) of one language:
Arabic, Spanish, French, German, Greek, Latin, Chinese, American Sign Language or other.

Methods of Inquiry

PHL 3000 - Critical Thinking Credit Hour(s): 3
Research Methods - One course from approved list Credit Hour(s): 3

V. Electives: 27-31 Hours

Total: 120 Hours

Graduation Planning Strategy

The Graduation Planning Strategy (GPS) has been created to illustrate one option to complete degree requirements within a particular time frame. Students are encouraged to meet with their academic advisor to adjust this plan based on credit already earned, individual needs or curricular changes that may not be reflected in this year’s catalog.