Liberal Studies, BA

Program Description:

Wright State’s liberal studies major allows students to tailor their academic program to their needs and interests across a wide range of disciplines. This program is designed for students seeking a more interdisciplinary educational experience than is available with other majors. The liberal studies degree prepares students for a variety of careers. The program can serve as a pre-law curriculum. English, communication, political science, and history courses can help prepare students for careers in journalism or other media. Fine arts courses can be combined with other disciplines to prepare people for careers working in museums or art galleries in research, marketing, or management capacities. Others could use the degree to prepare for careers in library science or in the publishing industry. Because students select from a range of disciplines to individualize their programs, there are many other career possibilities.

The Bachelor of Arts in liberal studies focuses on the core competency areas of communication, critical thinking, understanding society, and self-understanding. Students will complete one course each in the humanities, fine arts, and social sciences, plus an additional course in one of those areas (4 courses total). They will then select one of those three as an area of concentration. With help from a faculty advisor, students may choose courses from a variety of disciplines.

This program requires extensive advising and the development of a program of study. Some departments may have specific entrance/audition requirements.

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): These are 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 constitute a minor (or equivalent) within a single discipline or come from several disciplines within the area.

Related Requirements

Professional Component (3 hours): These are courses that will enhance a liberal studies major’s chances for employment or career advancement, such as courses in Business, Communication, Computer Science, Education, and Public Administration.

Interdisciplinary Studies (3 hours): These are courses in African and African American studies, International Studies, Women’s studies, and other courses of a multidisciplinary nature approved by the liberal studies program coordinator.

Campus Contact Information:

For additional information:

• Liberal Studies, BA
• Liberal Studies
• College of Liberal Arts