The Liberal Studies major allows students to design their own plan of study. This interdisciplinary approach provides greater breadth and flexibility than is available in other major programs. Of the 500 Liberal Studies majors, no two students take the exact same courseload, which means that every Liberal Studies major is unique.
Students mix and match courses from any combination of all 13 departments in the College of Liberal Arts to design their own major organized around a theme. The theme is implemented by taking classes within the College of Liberal Arts departments which include: Anthropology, Art, Economics, English (including Writing), Ethnic Studies, Foreign Languages & Literatures, History, Music, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, and Speech Communication (including Theatre Arts). In some cases, a pre-structured program such as Asian Studies, Chinese Studies, European Studies, Japanese Studies, New Media Communications, and Women Studies may provide a suitable match.
Students in Liberal Studies receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for a variety of experiences and careers. Liberal Studies introduces students to diverse subject matter. In addition to this breadth of new knowledge, students will develop communication skills and the ability to think critically. Graduates who can think analytically and communicate effectively are in demand everywhere in today's job market.
Graduates of the OSU Liberal Studies program have careers in a many fields. They are attorneys, business entrepreneurs, writers, schoolteachers, actors, nurses, graphic designers, and administrators. They work in marketing, public relations, personnel, government, retail, radio/TV, publishing, computer hardware and software, business, and industry. A Liberal Studies program experience can also be a springboard for certain graduate degrees. For example, the Liberal Studies program is a terrific major for students interested in a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree for a career in elementary or secondary education.
As with all OSU undergraduate programs, Liberal Studies has specific degree requirements. The Liberal Studies program consists of 45-60 credits organized around a theme. The degree includes at least 27 upper-division credits and is developed from the course offerings of at least two departments within the College of Liberal Arts. Students often include some sort of practical experiences through an internship or project as part of their major. The program of study must be approved in advance by the Liberal Studies Director. Students must satisfy the University Baccalaureate Core and the College of Liberal Arts Core Requirements as well. At least one Writing Intensive Course (WIC) must be completed with a grade of C or better.
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