Bachelors Degreee in Liberal Studies
Liberal Studies is an exciting and rigorously challenging interdisciplinary program that provides students with a unique opportunity to study and integrate concepts from the humanities and arts, the natural sciences, and the social sciences. This is an institution-wide degree leading to a Bachelor of Arts. Options include traditional, transfer (2+2), lifelong learner and 100% online. This major explores the methods, underlying assumptions, and forms of interaction within and between these disciplines. The capacity for critical thinking, comprehensive academic background, and communications skills that our majors develop provide them with the self-confidence that comes from being culturally sensitive, intellectually independent, creative, and well-rounded persons. The Liberal Studies major allows students to create an individualized curriculum composed of courses and experiences which meet their individual career needs. This approach is different from many traditional, discipline-based baccalaureate programs which are designed in part to prepare students for advanced work in a specific academic discipline. The bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies can also be an appropriate preparation for students planning to attend graduate school in certain disciplines and professions. While this degree is open to all qualified students, it has been designed principally to meet the higher education needs of the following two specific groups of students:
- Non-traditional students, who are already in the workplace, but need a baccalaureate degree to advance in their current career.
- Traditional students with clear academic or career goals who are open to and interested in ways of organizing an undergraduate experience which draws on the multiple resources.
The Liberal Studies major allows students the opportunity to bring together – or integrate – courses from a wide variety of academic areas or disciplines to support their individual career goals. Liberal Studies also integrates on-campus with community-based, experiential methods of learning. Workforce skills today require new competencies such as effective collaboration and teamwork which may not be available through classroom instruction alone; these skills must be learned, developed, and advanced in real work environments.
Student Advisement
All students pursuing the major in Liberal Studies or enrolled in the Professional Studies Program are advised by the School of Professional Studies All student MUST meet with an academic advisor to complete a Liberal Studies degree plan and formally declare the major.
Restriction on previously earned credits
There is a 10-year restriction on accepting previously earned credits. Courses/credits earned at Bethune-Cookman University and from other regionally accredited colleges and universities are evaluated by the appropriate department on an individual basis.