Liberal Studies Program
B.A. Liberal Studies - Arts and Sciences
B.S. Liberal Studies - Science and Mathematics
151 Main Hall
610-436-1096 or 610-436-2327
Alice Speh, Director
B.S. Liberal Studies - Professional Studies
144 Main Hall
610-436-3548
Bruce Norris, Director
The liberal studies program offers student-designed, interdisciplinary majors that provide an alternative to traditional baccalaureate degrees in specific academic areas. The liberal studies majors are intended to broaden the student's intellectual understanding and professional skills through a well-rounded, yet flexible degree program that combines courses in the areas of science, humanities, behavioral science, and the arts. The result is a curriculum that is suited to the individual student's personal academic and career goals.
After completing at least 30 semester hours, and after achieving a minimum GPA of 2.00, the student may request an interview with the director of the appropriate program for the purpose of planning a curriculum in one of the available tracks. Students may enter the liberal studies program from other majors of the University, or as transfers from other colleges, by the same process and by meeting the same requirements. It is University policy that no student, whether currently enrolled at West Chester or attempting to be admitted from another university, is permitted to enroll in the liberal studies arts and sciences, and science and mathematics programs after earning 80 semester hours. There is no limit on semester hours for students entering the professional studies track.
Three separate baccalaureate programs are available. The bachelor of arts in liberal studies - arts and sciences is designed for students interested in a well-rounded education emphasizing courses in the liberal arts. The bachelor of science in liberal studies - science and mathematics allows students to pursue courses in four different scientific disciplines, while also incorporating liberal arts courses to create a broad curriculum. The bachelor of science in liberal studies - professional studies provides students the capability to design a career-centered curriculum that may not be available at the University. The course of study includes the student's selection of two academic minors, one of which must be a program offered by one of the four professional colleges (Business and Public Affairs, Education, Health Sciences, or Visual and Performing Arts).
A minor in youth empowerment and urban studies also is available. See the curriculum listed under Interdisciplinary Studies on page 115.
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN LIBERAL STUDIES - ARTS AND SCIENCES TRACK
120 semester hours
- General ed. requirements, see pages 38-44 (48 semester hours)
(MAT course above MAT 103) - Language (0-12 semester hours)
(Students must show competency through the 202 level.) - Liberal studies breadth requirements (24 semester hours)
(natural and computer sciences, behavioral and social sciences, humanities and communications, mathematics, and the arts) - Liberal studies electives (30 semester hours)
Of the student's choice at the 300 and 400 level - At least one minor offered by the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Visual and Performing Arts, or departments of Economics, Geography, or Political Science, as well as international business.
- Electives to total 120 semester hours
Students in the bachelor of arts track have the option of using up to six semester hours of their liberal electives as senior thesis (LST 490) credits. Interested students should consult with the program director well before earning 80 semester hours about procedures for pursuing the senior thesis.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN LIBERAL STUDIES - SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS TRACK
120 semester hours
- General ed. requirements, see pages 38-44 (48 semester hours)
(MAT course above MAT 103) - Liberal studies breadth requirements (15 semester hours)
(behavioral and social sciences, humanities and communications, and the arts) - Science and mathematics cognate requirements (32 semester hours)
Seven to nine semester hours in any four of the following areas: biology (BIO 110 or above), chemistry (CHE 103 and CRL 103 or above), geology/astronomy (ESS 101 or above), mathematics or computer science (MAT 110 or above, or CSC 110 or above), and physics (PHY 130 or above) - Liberal studies electives (20 semester hours)
Of the student's choice at the 300 and 400 level - At least one minor selected from the departments of Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geology and Astronomy, Mathematics, or Physics
- Electives to total 120 semester hours
Students in the math and science track have the option of using up to six semester hours of their liberal studies electives as senior thesis (LST 490) credits. Interested students should consult with the program director well before earning 80 semester hours about procedures for pursuing the senior thesis.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN LIBERAL STUDIES - PROFESSIONAL STUDIES TRACK
120 semester hours
- General ed. requirements, see pages 38-44 (48 semester hours)
- Two minors:
- Professional studies breadth courses (15 semester hours)
Includes three credits each in science, behavioral and social science, humanities, and six additional credits from these areas and/or the arts.
- Professional studies electives (30 semester hours)
Student's choice at the 300 level or higher
(includes credits taken to fulfill minor requirements) - Electives to total 120 semester hours
(includes credits taken to fulfill minor requirements)
Minor A (minimum 18 semester hours)
Must be an academic minor offered by the colleges of Business and Public Affairs, Education, or Health Sciences, or the following minors from the College of Visual and Performing Arts: dance, jazz studies, music, or music history.
Minor B (minimum 18 semester hours)
Can be chosen from any academic minor offered.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
LIBERAL STUDIES
Symbol: LST
490 Senior Thesis (3-6) Directed research in an interdisciplinary subject of the arts and sciences. For students in the bachelor of arts and bachelor of science tracks. PREREQ: Permission of the director of liberal studies.
