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Liberal Arts & Studies

Liberal Arts & Studies

Explore your academic interests across multiple disciplines with a major in Liberal Arts and Studies at Dean College.

Program Overview

In today’s ever-changing world, the ability to synthesize information and solve complex problems is in great demand. Dean College offers a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts and Studies to give you the flexible mindset and broad perspective that employers prize. Working closely with talented faculty and staff in the School of Liberal Arts, you can design your own course of study or choose from one of the following tracks:

Throughout your studies, you’ll draw on multiple disciplines and perspectives to develop a nuanced understanding of the world. You’ll learn to think critically, solve problems, synthesize information and make decisions while building practical skills that will prepare you for a successful career, no matter what path you choose. In every track, you’ll also complete at least one internship, a critical theory course and a senior capstone to tie it all together and bring your education to life.

Dean College Professor working with a student

School of Liberal Arts Faculty

Gain valuable insights from our School of Liberal Arts faculty, who are here to help you every step of the way.

Tracks 

In the Liberal Arts and Studies program, you will work closely with a faculty mentor and your success and career advisor to design your own course of study, focusing on a multidisciplinary or theme-based perspective and incorporating courses in the Dean College curriculum. You may choose from one of the following tracks:

 Global Studies | Health and Society | Individually Designed | Pre-Law

Global Studies 

Our world has become deeply interconnected, and global awareness is now essential to a wide array of careers including those in politics, business, tourism, education and non-governmental organizations. The Global Studies track within the Liberal Arts and Studies major will prepare you for a career or graduate study with a global focus.

Drawing upon a variety of disciplines, Global Studies encourages you to think through and compare the unique and universal aspects of world societies. You’ll study the ongoing process of globalization, as well as its origins, development and current impact. And you’ll get to know at least one non-U.S. culture through hands-on experience, as required by the Global Studies program. Choose between studying a foreign language, participating in an overseas study travel course or spending a semester abroad for an immersive global experience.

Students in the Global Studies track can take part in Dean’s Humanities in Action Initiative. Through Humanities in Action, students can gain hands-on-experience, career-readiness, make professional connections, and they learn about the importance of the humanities in civic engagement. Learn more about Humanities in Action | Dean College.

Upon completion of the Global Studies track, you’ll be ready for a broad range of positions in fields such as international business, trade, foreign affairs and non-profit work.

Learn more about internships, careers and opportunities to get involved beyond the classroom.

Health and Society 

Explore multiple perspectives from both the natural and social sciences on health, health care, and related systems and policies.

In the Health and Society track, you’ll build a foundation of knowledge in how the human body functions and the factors and behaviors that impact health, including cellular biology, anatomy and physiology. You’ll also engage in a critical analysis of the social determinants of health and health behaviors of diverse populations, the distribution of health care and the formulation of health-related policy.

If you’re interested in pursuing a career related to medicine without being a medical practitioner, or are looking for solid foundation in health services before continuing your education, this might be the major for you. The Health and Society track will provide you with the skills necessary to pursue a graduate degree or a career in fields such as social services, health and public policy, health services and public health education and research.

Learn more about internships, careers and opportunities to get involved beyond the classroom.

Individually Designed 

If you want to develop an individual program of study based on Dean College’s curriculum, with the flexibility of enrolling in courses across academic disciplines, the Individually Designed track in the Liberal Arts and Studies major might be for you.

You’ll work closely with faculty and advisors to build your own course of study tailored to your interests and career goals. You’ll be able to explore a variety of subjects, study across disciplines and take courses from a major without having to commit to completing all courses for the major. And no matter what program you design, you’ll build the critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills that are essential to a liberal arts education – as well as learning practical skills to serve you in any career.

Learn more about internships, careers and opportunities to get involved beyond the classroom.

Pre-Law

The Pre-Law track is designed to prepare you with the core skills needed for success in law school, the job market and beyond.

According to the American Bar Association (ABA), no particular major is necessary to prepare for law school, but it is essential to gain specific skills, knowledge and experience. The Pre-Law track within the Liberal Arts and Studies major is designed to allow you to focus your studies on the ABA’s recommended Core Skills, Values, Knowledge, and Experience, which include:

  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Reading
  • Writing and Editing
  • Oral Communication and Listening
  • Research
  • Organization and Management
  • Public Service and Promotion of Justice
  • Relationship-building and Collaboration
  • Background Knowledge in History, Politics, and Society
  • Exposure to the Law

As a student in the Pre-Law track, you’ll take foundation courses in U.S. history, American government and criminal procedure. Through upper-division courses, you’ll gain exposure to legal studies by taking applied law courses in business, sport management, arts management or media law. You’ll also refine your critical reading, writing, editing, research and problem-solving skills by taking upper-division English or History electives. 

Students in the Pre-Law track can take part in Dean’s Humanities in Action Initiative. Through Humanities in Action, students can gain hands-on-experience, career-readiness, make professional connections, and they learn about the importance of the humanities in civic engagement. Learn more about Humanities in Action | Dean College.

Upon completion of the Pre-Law track, you will have gained the skills necessary to continue your education in law school. You’ll also have the opportunity to take advantage of Dean College’s partnership with Western New England University School of Law, a 3+3 program that allows you to earn both your bachelor’s degree and law degree (J.D.) in six years instead of the traditional seven.

Learn more about internships, careers and opportunities to get involved beyond the classroom.

Beyond the Classroom

Dean College students studying abroad At Dean College, some of the most important learning experiences happen outside the classroom.

As a liberal arts and studies major, you’ll gain a solid grounding in your field of study while also focusing on real-world skills and career preparation. You’ll find numerous opportunities to get involved both on and off campus, through academic clubs, community service, leadership opportunities and so much more. And you’ll complete at least one comprehensive internship with an employer such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Campaign for Youth Justice, The Washington Center or an office on campus.

When you graduate, you’ll be well prepared to enter graduate or professional school or launch a rewarding career in any field. Our graduates go on to careers in business, communications, criminal justice, education, health care, human resources and much more.

Get Involved

Learn more about how to get involved with our student-run organizations and experiential learning opportunities.
  • Dean College students at a student activities event
    Student Clubs and Activities Join one of our 40+ student organizations, or start one of your own.
  • Dean College leadership students
    Leadership Opportunities Build your leadership skills through on-campus programs.
  • Dean College student studying in Ireland
    Study Abroad Gain global perspectives through one of our study abroad programs.

Uniquely Dean

A Dean College student studying. Combine a liberal arts education with career preparation through the unique programming that the Liberal Arts and Studies program has to offer.
  • Personalize your education and pursue your passions by designing your own course of study.
  • Practice your skills in a real-world environment through internships and experiential learning opportunities.
  • Learn from working professionals who visit campus to share their experiences and offer advice through guest speakers, events and the Dean Leadership Institute.
  • Broaden your horizons by participating in study abroad and study away opportunities.
  • Pursue an advanced degree after Dean through one of our master degree affiliation programs.
Nathaniel

Thanks to the flexible nature of the Liberal Arts program, I worked one-on-one with faculty to design my own Global Studies major, placing emphasis on international relations as well as political science. Outside of the classroom, Dean helped me land an internship with a local Congressman and gain acceptance into a top foreign language immersion program for the summer.

RECENT STORIES

Check out the news and stories below to learn more about being a Liberal Arts and Studies major at Dean.