Liberal Studies is a cross-disciplinary major for the generalist. Most students who choose Liberal Studies are planning to be elementary or middle school teachers, and the various tracks of this major prepare students for teaching licensure at one or both of those levels. The Liberal Studies major is also the foundation for the 5-year program in Special Education.
In addition to the multi-disciplinary General Education requirements, Liberal Studies students take advanced courses in English, Mathematics, Natural Science and Social Science. Some tracks include Fine Arts and Kinesiology. All the teacher-licensure tracks include a professional component comprised of an array of methods classes, Practicum, Partnership and Student Teaching. While most Liberal Studies students seek teacher licensure, those who do not will complete a minor and interdisciplinary research rather than the professional component of this program.
A major in Liberal Studies cultivates a well-rounded, well-educated student who can face the world on a broad, solid footing. Students gain an understanding of and appreciation for continued, life-long learning - an essential component of being a successful teacher and leader. Longwood Liberal Studies graduates are highly sought after by Virginia public schools for teaching positions.
Liberal Studies Options
Student pursuing the BS in Liberal Studies that includes a teacher licensure program will select a track from #1-#3. Students pursuing the BS or BA in Liberal Studies that does not include the teaching licensure program will select track #4.