2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Liberal Studies, BS


The mission of the BS in Liberal Studies program is to help students use interdisciplinary study to demonstrate an understanding for and appreciation of continued, life-long learning – an essential component in being a successful professional.  This major provides a path for a Bachelor’s degree for students who will pursue licensure in Special Education PK-12 at the graduate level or who have decided not to pursue elementary or elementary/middle licensure.

In addition to the multi-disciplinary Civitae Core requirements, Liberal Studies students take advanced courses in English, Mathematics, Natural Science, and Social Science.  Liberal Studies students choose one of two concentrations: Special Education PK-12 pre-licensure or Non-licensure. 

Students in the Special Education PK-12 pre-licensure concentration intend to seek teacher licensure as part of the Master in Education program, concentration in Special Education: General Curriculum 5th Year K-12.  Licensure occurs after completion of the Master’s degree. Students who choose not to complete the fifth year of the program will not be licensed to teach. At the undergraduate level, the concentration includes a professional component comprised of an array of methods classes, Practicum, Partnership and Student Teaching.

Students in the Non-licensure concentration take additional coursework that includes specialized courses in a minor of their choice. 

Civitae Core Requirements (39-40 credits)


Civitae Core Curriculum  

Liberal Studies majors must take the following courses to satisfy the Civitae Core requirements listed below. If a Civitae Core requirement is not listed below, majors can satisfy those with any of the choices listed in the Civitae Core options.

Students in the Special Education PK-12 pre-licensure concentration:

Pillar Courses

Perspectives Courses

  • Human Behavior and Social Institutions - SOCL 320     

Students in the Non-licensure concentration: Six credits from two of the pillar courses below are counted in the Civitae total.

Pillar Courses

  • Human Behavior and Social Institutions - POSC 100  
  • Quantitative Reasoning - MATH 135  
  • Scientific Reasoning - BIOL 114  

Perspectives Courses

  • Some 300-400 level ENGL courses in the requirements below may be a Perspectives course.

Additional Degree Requirement


English (9 credits)


Mathematics (6 credits + 3 credits in Civitae)


Natural Science (8 credits + 3 credits in Civitae)


Social Science (9 credits + 3 credits in Civitae)


Additional Special Education PK-12 pre-licensure concentration requirements (45 credits)


Fine Arts


Select one course from the following:

Additional Concentration Requirement


These credits are counted in Civitae.

Professional Requirements for SPED PK-12 pre-Licensure


Students must be admitted to the Teacher Preparation program before they will be permitted to enroll in SPED 327  or SPED/EDUC courses above this level. Please visit the Office of Teacher Preparation website for more information.

Additional Non-licensure concentration requirements (24 - 30 credits)


Liberal Studies majors in the Non-licensure concentration must declare a Minor in a separate discipline (18-24 credits).


Electives


Students in the Special Education PK-12 pre-licensure concentration may need an additional 0-1 elective credits to fulfill degree requirements. Students in the Non-licensure concentration may need an additional 17-24 credits of open electives to satisfy degree requirements.

Total Credits: 120