The Liberal Studies program enables the undergraduate student to achieve a broad general education and to gain knowledge in two major fields, designated as sequences. This program is especially desirable for students who have more than one specialized interest or for students with prior college experience who desire an efficient way to use already-earned credits to complete a bachelor's degree.
The Liberal Studies program consists of three components: the Liberal Arts Core, the two Major Sequences, and the Liberal Studies Triad. Upon completion of the program, a student is expected to have achieved the following:
Liberal Arts Core requirements: All Liberal Arts Core requirements must be fulfilled. It is recommended that students work with an advisor to ensure compliance.
Major Sequences are chosen from the following fields:
Biology/Physical Sciences
Business and related fields, such as Accounting, Management, Marketing, and others
Communication
Computer Information Systems
Computer Science
English
Fine and Applied Arts
Gender and Society
Graphic Design
History
Humanities
Mathematics
Philosophy/Religious Studies/Theology
Politics
Psychology/Sociology/Criminal Justice
The student must choose two fields and complete two sequences, or a total of 42 credits of coursework in these fields. A minimum of 15 credits is required in each field; a minimum of 6 credits in each field must be in courses numbered 300 or above. The student must complete a combined total of 18 credits in courses numbered 300 or above.
Liberal Studies Triad requirements: LS 300 Liberal Studies Readings and Portfolio Development, LS 400 Liberal Studies Internship, LS 420 Senior Seminar.
Electives: to total 120 credits.
The Liberal Studies program offers a special curriculum for the undergraduate student seeking PK-3 teaching licensure. In addition to the Liberal Arts Core, the 55-credit major consists of coursework in the humanities, language arts and literature, the social sciences, mathematics, and science. Additionally, the student completes 24 credits of professional studies courses plus student teaching.
Students should consult their primary advisor in Liberal Studies for program requirements. A second advisor is also assigned by the School of Education and Human Services. See the School of Education and Human Services for a complete description of the undergraduate teaching licensure programs and the admission process.
Students pursuing licensure in this manner complete all requirements necessary for Virginia licensure including field experiences and student teaching. At the end of four years, this program of studies allows students to complete a baccalaureate degree in Liberal Studies and also be licensed to teach levels PK-3.
Liberal Arts Core requirements: All Liberal Arts Core requirements must be fulfilled. It is recommended that students work with an advisor to ensure compliance.
Major requirements: (55 credits) MA 127 Geometry; MA above 100; ASTR, GEOL, CHM, or PHYS (4 credits); GEO 201 Intro to Geography; COM 101, 204, or 301; CIS 101, COM 200, 203, or 309 (3 credits); EN 201-206 (3 credits); EN 351 Literature of Childhood and Adolesence; PSY 341 Individuals with Disabilities; PSY 311 Early Childhood Development; PSY 260 Learning and Cognition; ED 300 Reading, Writing, and Language; elective in HI, EN, PH, or FA (3 credits); LS 420 Senior Seminar; ED 460E Student Teaching; and one of the following: FA 201 Art History I, FA 202 Art History II, FA 121 Music History I, or FA 122 Music History II (3 credits)
Professional Studies: (18 credits) ED 245E Exploring Teaching, ED 410 Teaching History and Social Science, ED 310 Reading and the Language Arts, ED 320 Assessing and Guiding Students in Early Childhood Settings, and ED 400 Teaching Math and Science.
Many students who intend to continue in the Master of Education program choose Liberal Studies for their undergraduate major. They are advised to select concentrations from Biology/Physical Sciences, English, Fine and Applied Arts, History, Mathematics, Politics, or Psychology. Students in this category are authorized at the discretion of the program advisor to substitute undergraduate courses in Education for LS 400 Liberal Studies Internship, since these students must complete a student-teaching experience at the graduate level.