Liberal Studies Degree - Plan of Study

Lower Division or Upper Division

Upper Division

Writing Intensive Course

The Liberal Studies major is a planned program built around a theme. The theme must include course work in two or more College of Liberal Arts departments. The program of study includes:

1. All classes must be from departments within the College of Liberal Arts,
2. A minimum of 45 credits,
3. At least 27 credits of upper division,
4. A writing intensive course (WIC) from one of the departments selected for study,
5. A 2.3 or better cumulative GPA in Liberal Studies courses,
6. A 3 page essay, written by the student, which defines the major,
7. A Plan of Study listing classes to be taken and
8. The Plan of Study must be approved at least 2 terms prior to graduation.

The Plan of Study and the Statement of Justification must be approved by the Director of Liberal Studies in the College of Liberal Arts Student Services Office, 213 Gilkey Hall.

Liberal Studies Plan of Study - Essay Instructions

The Liberal Studies Program at Oregon State University develops student interest in lifelong learning by engaging them in learning experiences that stimulate a lasting attitude of inquiry, openness and social responsibility. To meet these aspirations, the Liberal Studies program manages the learning process, academic selections, educational experiences, and outlets for creativity for students who thematically connect the discipline-based educational offerings of departments of the College of Liberal Arts. The program's specific mission is to facilitate the development and implementation of an interdisciplinary thematically-based learning program selected by the student.

Students are required to submit a 3 page essay along with their Plan of Study to gain entry into the Liberal Studies Major. Your essay should be:

• Typed, double-spaced, with 1" margins all around
• In a standard 10 or 12-point font
• Stapled; not paper-clipped
• Free of grammar and spelling errors (have someone proof-read it)
• Marked with your name on the top right hand corner of the paper
• Representative of your writing skills and indicate the academic maturity needed for self-directed, goal-oriented learning (you can go to the Writing Center for help)

The primary purpose of the essay is to indicate 1) why you chose this theme and why it interests you, 2) how the classes you have chosen relate to your theme, and 3) what you hope to do with this major in the future. You also must indicate how your selected courses will help you obtain the skills and knowledge required of all Liberal Studies graduates. We wish Liberal Studies students to graduate with the ability to:

• Manage information
• Design and plan
• Research and investigate
• Communicate
• Manage interpersonal relationships
• Think critically
• Manage and administer
• Apply values
• Develop a successful career and personal life

The result of your plan should be a thematic interdisciplinary field of study that will help you examine and make sense of social, economic, political, and cultural processes and institutions, as well as to make contributions to society through your acquired skills, insights and leadership.