Liberal Studies, B.A.

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Requirements for the liberal arts major in liberal studies, B.A. program

The degree requirements include an 8-credit foundation, a core that is a minimum of 28 credits, a relevant methods course, and an 8-credit capstone experience.

1. Foundation courses (to be completed prior to junior standing)

LBS 1000 - Exploration of the Arts and Sciences (4) (minimum grade of 2.5 required)
LBS 2000 - Interdisciplinary Approaches to Liberal Studies (4) (minimum grade of 2.5 required)

2. Program core: choose option a or b

a. An interdisciplinary College of Arts and Sciences concentration

Concentration must require at least 28 credit hours, of which 20 credits must be at the 3000 level or above. All courses must be completed with a minimum grade of 2.0.

b. A combination of minors from two intellectually distinct areas

Together the minors must have at least 20 credits at the 3000 level or above; each minor must include at least 8 credit hours at the 3000-level. Both minors must be in the College of Arts and Sciences unless an exception request is approved. All courses must be completed with a minimum grade of 2.0.

3. A discipline-specific methods course relevant to the program core

This course must be approved by the program adviser. A minimum grade of 2.0 is required.

4. Capstone courses

LBS 4998 - Senior Thesis I (4) (minimum grade of 3.0 required)
LBS 4999 - Senior Thesis II (4) (minimum grade of 3.0 required)

Additional program information

The Liberal Studies Executive Committee maintains a current list of concentrations and minors that meet the above requirements. Examples of approved minor combinations include philosophy and psychology and biology and music. Examples of approved concentrations include American studies, environmental studies and religious studies. See the program website (oakland.edu/bals) for additional information.

Additional Information

In addition to these major requirements, students must complete the Oakland University General Education Requirements , the College of Arts and Sciences College Exploratory Requirement , and an appropriate number of free elective classes to meet the overall credit requirement for the degree (in most cases 124; some degrees may require a greater number).

As a general rule, no more than eight credits of course work used to satisfy one major, minor or concentration may be applied toward another, but exceptions to this rule may be allowed with the written approval of the program coordinators.