Liberal Studies

The Liberal Studies major provides students a flexible, customized alternative to existing programs of study while fostering academic excellence in interdisciplinary learning. Liberal Studies majors may earn either the bachelor of arts or the bachelor of science degree.

As an individualized program, the Liberal Studies major prepares students for life after college through a broad-based liberal arts education and the fulfillment of these overarching learning outcomes: interdisciplinary learning, career development, entrepreneurship and self-advocacy, and engaged citizenship.

The Liberal Studies major serves incoming first-year students who have a clear sense of their academic goals and want to craft their own major of study, transfer students who want to maximize the use of previously earned credits by designing their own major, students who have not selected a major of study or who decide not to complete their initial intended major, and adult students who may already be working in their desired field but seek a degree completion program.

Admission Requirements

Students interested in the Liberal Studies major must meet the standard admissions criteria for Worcester State University. Incoming first-year and transfer students must meet with the director of Liberal Studies once they are admitted to the university to discuss a program of study. These students will be required to enroll in LS-190. During this course, they will submit a written plan of study to the director with a rationale for the selection of the areas of study. Once approved, this plan of study becomes the student's degree audit.

Current Worcester State students who want to change from undeclared status or from other majors must also meet with the director of Liberal Studies before changing majors. Those who want to pursue a Liberal Studies major will be required to enroll in LS-190. During this course, they will submit a written plan of study to the director with a rationale for the selection of the areas of study.

This development of a program of study and review process allows for important conversations about a student’s academic and professional goals, the best use of transfer credits, and the selection of the two primary areas of study.

Standards for Minimum Academic Performance in the Liberal Studies major

Liberal Studies majors must meet the requirements for graduation as specified in the Undergraduate Catalog. These include the completion of a minimum of 120 credits with a 2.0 cumulative grade point average and a minimum 2.0 grade point average in the two areas of study.

Minors Available at Worcester State University