The Liberal Studies Major

The Liberal Studies major (associate degree) is designed for students who wish to develop an individual program of study based on Dean College’s curriculum, with the flexibility of enrolling in courses across academic disciplines. It is an appropriate major for those students who: (1) are interested in exploring a variety of academic disciplines; (2) would like to take courses from a particular major without having to commit to completing all courses for the major; or (3) plan to teach at the elementary or secondary school level. These goals can be accomplished within the Liberal Studies major. All options in the Liberal Studies major are designed to fulfill the liberal arts core/general education requirements at four-year colleges and universities. Because of the flexibility of this major, a wide variety of career possibilities are open to students completing the Liberal Studies major.

Liberal Studies Options:

• Option 1 - General Education Option: This option is ideal for students who want to focus on core/general education courses or who are still exploring possible majors. To complete this option, students take at least 12 credits from a list of approved general education courses, which are listed in the academic catalog
• Option 2 - Focused Major Option: This option is designed for students who are interested in a particular major offered by the College, but who do not want to commit to completing all the courses required for that major. To complete this option, students take at least 12 credits from any one of the majors offered by the College: Business, Communications, Criminal Justice, Dance, Early Childhood Education, English, Environmental Science, Health Sciences, History, Math/Science, Psychology, Sociology, Sport/Fitness Studies, or Theatre Arts.
• Option 3 - Education/Teaching Option: This option is designed for students who plan to teach at the elementary, middle school, or high school level. In this option, students focus on a particular teaching content area, such as English, History, Mathematics, or Natural Sciences, and also complete key elective courses in education and psychology. Upon transfer, students would major in their teaching content area, and complete the coursework in Education leading to certification.