BACHELOR OF ARTS IN LIBERAL STUDIES

An option that offers a great deal of flexibility is the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies (B.A.L.S.). The degree is designed for students who have need and justification for developing their own undergraduate major program within the 124-credit minimum.

This degree differs from the regular Bachelor of Arts degree in that it requires 60 credits at the 300-level or higher. The most significant difference from the more conventional degree, however, is that, instead of a major, students pursue a sequence of courses of their choice that are consistent with their stated educational goals.

Admission into Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies is determined by the College Faculty Senate Committee on Special Academic Programs which reviews student proposals and approves them or makes suggestions on improving or strengthening them. To be eligible to apply to the program, a student must have a cumulative grade index of 2.25 and must have completed no more than 75 credit hours at the time of the application. The committee looks for proposals that are cohesive and realistic, designed to afford the student knowledge in some broad, interdisciplinary field or focused more narrowly and in greater depth on one theme and, in general, involve course combinations that would not be feasible within one of the other degree options. A minimum of 39 credit hours must be related to the main theme of the B.A.L.S. project and a minimum grade of C- must be earned in these core courses.

Advisement and planning are essential in formulating such a proposal. Students are urged to seek advice from faculty members and the Dean's Office as they work on drawing up their programs. The screening committee will expect the applications to carry the signature of at least two faculty members including the candidate's advisor. Proposals should be submitted to the Dean's Office by October 15 or by March 15. 

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