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:

Diversity and Equity Studies | Family and Childhood Studies | Global Studies | Health and Society | Human Services | Individually Designed | Pre-Law

Diversity and Equity Studies 

Through the Diversity and Equity Studies track, you’ll develop an in-depth awareness of and respect for multiple social categories of identity and experience through an interdisciplinary framework.

You’ll study topics regarding social inequality, social psychology, culture, race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality and more. You’ll investigate the historical development and changing representations of multiple identities, while maintaining a lens of intersectionality as you analyze and address issues of inequity and injustice.

You will also build the knowledge and teamwork skills necessary for your future endeavors and career paths, preparing you to participate in a diverse and complex workforce.

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

Diversity and Equity Studies

Course Number Course Title Credits
ENG 101, HIS 101, PSY 111, OR SOC 113 Introductory Course in the Liberal Arts 3
LAS 415 Critical Theory 3
LAS 495 Senior Capstone 3
DCA 100 Campus Connections: Making the Transition 1
DCA 110 Career Connections: Developing Your Brand 1
DCA 200 Internship Connections: Creating Your Plan 1
DCA 300 The Internship Experience 3
DCA EXPERIENCE ELE (DCA 300, DCA 301, ENG 445, ENG 446, HIS 425, HIS 430, PSY 325, SOC 320 or the Research Experience) Dean Career Advantage Experience Courses 6
DCA 350 Future Connections: Launching Your Career 3
SOC 255 Social Inequality and Stratification 3
PSY 250 Social Psychology 3
PSY 350 Culture and Psychology 3
ENG 218 Multiracial and Multicultural Identity 3
ENG 357 OR ENG 375 Black Literature Matters OR U.S. Latino Literature 3
PSY 155 OR ENG 270 Human Sexuality OR Literature of Women Writers 3
HIS 335 History of Gender and Sexuality 3
BIO/HIS 250, BUS 245, DAN 201, EDU 103, EDU 261, ENG 243, ENG 270, HIS 260, MUS 150, PHL 215, PSY 155, PSY 201, SOC 214, SOC 225, SOC 230 Lower-Division Elective 3
CRM/SOC 324, ENG 357, ENG 375, HIS 310, HIS 311, HIS 312, HIS 316, HIS 317, HIS 395, PSY 325, PSY 333, PSY 335, SOC 317, SOC 345, SOC 350 Upper-Division Elective 3
Total Credits 51

Course Number Course Title Credits
ENG 111 Composition I 3
ENG 112 Composition II 3
SPC 101 Communication Fundamentals 3
MATH ELECTIVE Core Mathematics Elective 3
LAB SCIENCE ELECTIVE Core Lab Science Elective 4
ARTS ELECTIVE Core Distribution Arts Elective 3
HUMANITIES ELECTIVE Core Distribution Humanitites Elective 3
NATURAL SCIENCES AND MATH ELECTIVE Core Distribution Natural Sciences and Mathematics Elective 3
SOCIAL SCIENCES ELECTIVE Core Distribution Social Sciences Elective 3
COM 327 Applied Professional Communication 3
UDLA ELE Upper-Division Liberal Arts Electives 9
Total Credits 40

Course Number Course Title Credits
ELE Diversity and Equity Studies Electives 30
Total Credits 30

* Subject to change
** Based on the Dean College Academic Catalog 2023-2024

Family and Childhood Studies 

The Family and Childhood Studies track emphasizes the study of the family. Through coursework, you’ll learn about family development, relationships, dynamics, functioning and health from multiple perspectives. You’ll examine the many cultural, community and socioeconomic contexts in which families operate and study interventions used to support families. And you’ll build the critical thinking, problem-solving and interpersonal skills needed to work with others in a social services career.

As a graduate of the Family and Childhood Studies track, you’ll be prepared to make a difference in the community by helping others through a career in social work or counseling. You’ll find internships and career opportunities in settings such as counseling centers, nursing homes or hospitals, government agencies, personnel offices or non-profit human service agencies.

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

Family and Childhood Studies

Course Number Course Title Credits
ENG 101, HIS 101, PSY 111, OR SOC 113 Introductory Course in the Liberal Arts 3
LAS 415 Critical Theory 3
LAS 495 Senior Capstone 3
DCA 100 Campus Connections: Making the Transition 1
DCA 110 Career Connections: Developing Your Brand 1
DCA 200 Internship Connections: Creating Your Plan 1
DCA 300 The Internship Experience 3
DCA EXPERIENCE ELE: DCA 300, DCA 301, ENG 445, ENG 446, HIS 425, HIS 430, PSY 325, SOC 320 or The Research Experience Dean Career Advantage Experience Courses 6
DCA 350 Future Connections: Launching Your Career 3
PSY 111 General Psychology 3
SOC 113 Introduction to Sociology 3
PSY 202, PSY 211, PSY 241, OR SOC 203 Lower-Division Family and Childhood Studies Electives 9
HIS 335, PSY 310, PSY 320, PSY 325, OR PSY 332 Upper-Division Family and Childhood Studies Electives 12
Total Credits 51

Course Number Course Title Credits
ENG 111 Composition l 3
ENG 112 Composition ll 3
SPC 101 Communication Fundamentals 3
MATH ELECTIVE Core Mathematics Elective 3
LAB SCIENCE ELECTIVE Core Lab Science Elective 4
ARTS ELECTIVE Core Distribution Arts Elective 3
HUMANITIES ELECTIVE Core Distribution Humanities Elective 3
NATURAL SCIENCES AND MATH ELECTIVE Core Distribution Natural Sciences and Mathematics Elective 3
SOCIAL SCIENCES ELECTIVE Core Distribution Social Sciences Elective 3
COM 327 Applied Professional Communication 3
UDLA ELE Upper-Division Liberal Arts Electives 9
Total Credits 40

Course Number Course Title Credits
ELE Electives 30
Total Credits 30

* Subject to change
** Based on the Dean College Academic Catalog 2023-2024

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.

Global Studies

Course Number Course Title Credits
ENG 101, HIS 101, PSY 111, OR SOC 113 Introductory Course in the Liberal Arts 3
LAS 415 Critical Theory 3
LAS 495 Senior Capstone 3
DCA 100 Campus Connections: Making the Transition 1
DCA 110 Career Connections: Developing Your Brand 1
DCA 200 Internship Connections: Creating Your Plan 1
DCA 300 The Internship Experience 3
DCA EXPERIENCE ELE: DCA 300, DCA 301, ENG 445, ENG 446, HIS 425, HIS 430, PSY 325, SOC 320 or The Research Experience Dean Career Advantage Experience Courses 6
DCA 350 Future Connections: Launching Your Career 3
HIS 151 World History l, to 1500 3
HIS 152 World History ll, 1500-Present 3
HIS 313 Globalization in History 3
LOWER-DIVISION TRACK ELE FROM: DAN 201, ECO 150, ENG 243, HIS 242, HIS 253, HIS 260, PHL 215, PSC 181, SOC 225, EXSC 174 or an approved Global Studies Experience Lower Division Global Studies Electives 9
UPPER-DIVISION TRACK ELE FROM: HIS 314, HIS 316, HIS 317, HIS 360, PSY 350, SOC 317 or approved Global Studies Experience Upper-Division Global Studies Electives 9
Total Credits 51

Course Number Course Title Credits
ENG 111 Composition l 3
ENG 112 Composition ll 3
SPC 101 Communication Fundamentals 3
MATH ELECTIVE Core Mathematics Elective 3
LAB SCIENCE ELECTIVE Core Lab Science Elective 4
ARTS ELECTIVE Core Distribution Arts Elective 3
HUMANITIES ELECTIVE Core Distribution Humanities Elective 3
NATURAL SCIENCES AND MATH ELECTIVE Core Distribution Natural Sciences and Mathematics Elective 3
SOCIAL SCIENCES ELECTIVE Core Distribution Social Sciences Elective 3
COM 327 Applied Professional Communication 3
UDLA ELE Upper-Division Liberal Arts Electives 9
Total Credits 40

Course Number Course Title Credits
ELE Electives 30
Total Credits 30

* Subject to change
** Based on the Dean College Academic Catalog 2023-2024

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.

Health and Society

Course Number Course Title Credits
ENG 101, HIS 101, PSY 111, OR SOC 113 Introductory Course in the Liberal Arts 3
LAS 415 Critical Theory 3
LAS 495 Senior Capstone 3
DCA 100 Campus Connections: Making the Transition 1
DCA 110 Career Connections: Developing Your Brand 1
DCA 200 Internship Connections: Creating Your Plan 1
DCA 300 The Internship Experience 3
DCA EXPERIENCE ELE: DCA 300, DCA 301, ENG 445, ENG 446, HIS 425, HIS 430, PSY 325, SOC 320 or The Research Experience Dean Career Advantage Experience Courses 6
DCA 350 Future Connections: Launching Your Career 3
BIO 171 Anatomy and Physiology l 4
BIO 172 Anatomy and Physiology ll 4
BIO 330 Molecular Genetics 3
EXSC 234 Nutrition and Food Science 3
SOC 225 Health and Illness: A Sociological Perspective 3
SOC 255 Social Inequality and Stratification 3
SOC 345 Drugs and Society 3
PSY 320, PSY 325, PSY 332, PSY 334 or PSY 336 Upper-Divison Psychology Electives 6
Total Credits 53

Course Number Course Title Credits
ENG 111 Composition l 3
ENG 112 Composition ll 3
SPC 101 Communication Fundamentals 3
MATH ELECTIVE Core Mathematics Elective 3
LAB SCIENCE ELECTIVE Core Lab Science Elective 4
ARTS ELECTIVE Core Distribution Arts Elective 3
HUMANITIES ELECTIVE Core Distribution Humanities Elective 3
NATURAL SCIENCES AND MATH ELECTIVE Core Distribution Natural Sciences and Mathematics Elective 3
SOCIAL SCIENCES ELECTIVE Core Distribution Social Sciences Elective 3
COM 327 Applied Professional Communication 3
UDLA ELE Upper-Division Liberal Arts Electives 9
Total Credits 40

Course Number Course Title Credits
ELE Electives 28
Total Credits 28

* Subject to change
** Based on the Dean College Academic Catalog 2023-2024

Human Services 

Explore the profession of human services practice from multiple perspectives across diverse sites serving various populations.

The Human Services track will introduce you to the basic skills and duties of human service practitioners. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the lived experiences of social problems, as well as the history and development of human services fields. You’ll also focus on the ethical and evidence-based delivery of services to clients and consumers in a range of professional settings.

The Human Services track will provide you with the skills necessary to pursue a graduate degree or a career in fields like counseling, education, community outreach and case management.

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

Human Services

Course Number Course Title Credits
ENG 101, HIS 101, PSY 111, OR SOC 113 Introductory Course in the Liberal Arts 3
LAS 415 Critical Theory 3
LAS 495 Senior Capstone 3
DCA 100 Campus Connections: Making the Transition 1
DCA 110 Career Connections: Developing Your Brand 1
DCA 200 Internship Connections: Creating Your Plan 1
DCA 300 The Internship Experience 3
DCA EXPERIENCE ELE: DCA 300, DCA 301, ENG 445, ENG 446, HIS 425, HIS 430, PSY 325, SOC 320 or The Research Experience Dean Career Advantage Experience Courses 6
DCA 350 Future Connections: Launching Your Career 3
PSY 111 General Psychology 3
PSY 325 Professional Orientation to the Human Services 3
SOC 113 Introduction to Sociology 3
LOWER-DIVISION TRACK ELE FROM: BUS 245, CRM 110, PSY 202, PSY 211, PSY 241, PSY 250, SOC 203, SOC 225, SOC 255 Lower Division Human Services Electives 9
UPPER-DIVISION TRACK ELE FROM: BUS 346, CRM/SOC 324, PSY 310, PSY 320, PSY 332, PSY 333, PSY 345, SOC 320, SOC 345, SOC 350 Upper-Division Human Services Electives 9
Total Credits 51

Course Number Course Title Credits
ENG 111 Composition l 3
ENG 112 Composition ll 3
SPC 101 Communication Fundamentals 3
MATH ELECTIVE Core Mathematics Elective 3
LAB SCIENCE ELECTIVE Core Lab Science Elective 4
ARTS ELECTIVE Core Distribution Arts Elective 3
HUMANITIES ELECTIVE Core Distribution Humanities Elective 3
NATURAL SCIENCES AND MATH ELECTIVE Core Distribution Natural Sciences and Mathematics Elective 3
SOCIAL SCIENCES ELECTIVE Core Distribution Social Sciences Elective 3
COM 327 Applied Professional Communication 3
UDLA ELE Upper-Division Liberal Arts Electives 9
Total Credits 40

Course Number Course Title Credits
ELE Electives 30
Total Credits 30

* Subject to change
** Based on the Dean College Academic Catalog 2023-2024

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.

Individually Designed

Course Number Course Title Credits
ENG 101, HIS 101, PSY 111, OR SOC 113 Introductory Course in the Liberal Arts 3
LAS 415 Critical Theory 3
LAS 495 Senior Capstone 3
DCA 100 Campus Connections: Making the Transition 1
DCA 110 Career Connections: Developing Your Brand 1
DCA 200 Internship Connections: Creating Your Plan 1
DCA 300 The Internship Experience 3
DCA EXPERIENCE ELE: DCA 300, DCA 301, ENG 445, ENG 446, HIS 425, HIS 430, PSY 325, SOC 320 or The Research Experience Dean Career Advantage Experience Courses 6
DCA 350 Future Connections: Launching Your Career 3
TRACK ELE Approved Lower-Division Electives 15
TRACK ELE Approved Upper-Division Electives 12
Total Credits 51

Course Number Course Title Credits
ENG 111 Composition l 3
ENG 112 Composition ll 3
SPC 101 Communication Fundamentals 3
MATH ELECTIVE Core Mathematics Elective 3
LAB SCIENCE ELECTIVE Core Lab Science Elective 4
ARTS ELECTIVE Core Distribution Arts Elective 3
HUMANITIES ELECTIVE Core Distribution Humanities Elective 3
NATURAL SCIENCES AND MATH ELECTIVE Core Distribution Natural Sciences and Mathematics Elective 3
SOCIAL SCIENCES ELECTIVE Core Distribution Social Sciences Elective 3
COM 327 Applied Professional Communication 3
UDLA ELE Upper-Division Liberal Arts Electives 9
Total Credits 40

Course Number Course Title Credits
ELE Electives 30
Total Credits 30

* Subject to change
** Based on the Dean College Academic Catalog 2023-2024

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.

Pre-Law

Course Number Course Title Credits
HIS 101 Making History 3
LAS 415 Critical Theory 3
LAS 495 Senior Capstone 3
DCA 100 Campus Connections: Making the Transition 1
DCA 110 Career Connections: Developing Your Brand 1
DCA 200 Internship Connections: Creating Your Plan 1
DCA 300 The Internship Experience 3
DCA EXPERIENCE ELE OR POL 405 and 3 credits from DCA 300, DCA 301, ENG 446, HIS 425, HIS 430, or The Research experience Dean Career Advantage Experience Courses 6
DCA 350 Future Connections: Launching Your Career 3
CRM 231 Courts and Criminal Procedure 3
PHL 140 Logic 3
POL 211 American Government 3
HIS 112 U.S. History-1865 to Present 3
TRACK ELE Lower Division Pre-Law Electives 3
TRACK ELE Upper-Division Pre-Law Electives 3
WRITING INTENSIVE COURSES Upper-Division HIS or ENG Courses 9
Total Credits 51

Course Number Course Title Credits
ENG 111 Composition l 3
ENG 112 Composition ll 3
SPC 101 Communication Fundamentals 3
MATH ELECTIVE Core Mathematics Elective 3
LAB SCIENCE ELECTIVE Core Lab Science Elective 4
ARTS ELECTIVE Core Distribution Arts Elective 3
HUMANITIES ELECTIVE Core Distribution Humanities Elective 3
NATURAL SCIENCES AND MATH ELECTIVE Core Distribution Natural Sciences and Mathematics Elective 3
SOCIAL SCIENCES ELECTIVE Core Distribution Social Sciences Elective 3
COM 327 Applied Professional Communication 3
UDLA ELE Upper-Division Liberal Arts Electives 9
Total Credits 40

Course Number Course Title Credits
ELE Electives 30
Total Credits 30

* Subject to change
** Based on the Dean College Academic Catalog 2023-2024

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.

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.

RECENT STORIES

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