What do you learn in a bachelor's in liberal studies?

If you're looking for a versatile education plan that gives you diverse career opportunities, consider pursuing a bachelor's in liberal studies degree.

Discover what you'll learn in a bachelor's in liberal studies program, and find out what requirements you'll need to meet to graduate.

What to expect from a bachelor's in liberal studies program

A bachelor's in liberal studies program represents an interdisciplinary approach to education. Enrollment allows students to explore a variety of subjects based on their career goals and interests. At its core, this program encourages a wider understanding of humanities and social sciences. It also teaches students how to problem-solve, communicate effectively, and develop analytical skills.

Typically, you'll need to commit to a four-year program, requiring you to complete roughly 120 credit hours. The costs will vary widely according to the institution you choose, the length of the course, and other factors.

Within a bachelor's in liberal studies program, you'll find courses such as sociology, science, and writing, but they may ask you to complete a capstone project or take an internship. This'll help you integrate your knowledge across different disciplines.

Bachelor's in liberal studies curriculum

The curriculum in liberal studies offers students a lot of flexibility as they explore a variety of academic fields. They'll develop critical skills for lifelong learning and success in the workplace by studying courses such as:

• Interdisciplinary approaches to problem-solving: This course explores various methods to tackle complicated problems. It combines knowledge from multiple disciplines and helps students develop critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and research skills.
• Introduction to philosophy: In this course, a student will focus on foundational concepts like logic, metaphysics, and ethics. It'll give them a deeper understanding of the way that the mind works and help them develop intellectual curiosity.
• Writing and rhetoric: This course encourages students to write persuasive essays and arguments, which could be critical for clear communication in the workplace. They'll learn to engage with an audience and argue effectively as well.

Specializations and concentrations

For students looking to focus on specific areas of interest, a liberal studies program gives plenty of flexibility. For example, they could select humanities — including philosophy, history, and literature — to help prepare them for a career in writing, in education, or at a cultural organization.

A social science specialization includes psychology, political science, and sociology. This is ideal for those who want to work in the public sector.

As a third option, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) provides the student with an interdisciplinary blend of technology and science. This is good for those who are pursuing a technical or analytical career.

Graduation requirements for the bachelor's in liberal studies

If a student wants to graduate, they'll typically need to complete a capstone project. This will be a research-based or interdisciplinary effort and showcases their critical thinking and knowledge skills.

Certain programs insist on internships for practical experience, and the average program requires around 120 credit hours to complete, including general education, majors, and electives.

Explore bachelor's degrees in liberal studies

Are you ready to explore the wide world of liberal studies? Then check out edX's courses and programs across a vast array of subjects within liberal studies and get started today.