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What's a General or Liberal Studies Degree?
I hear this question all the time. Not everyone is sure what major he/she wants to get his/her degree in. If you’re one of these, consider a major in liberal or general studies.
California State University at Northridge describes a liberal studies major as follows:
Liberal Studies is a broad based undergraduate liberal arts major leading to a B.A. degree. It is an interdisciplinary major that includes studies in language arts, humanities, mathematics, sciences, visual and performing arts, history, and social sciences. Courses in the major are drawn from departments throughout the university. While most Liberal Studies majors are interested in an elementary school teaching career, the major is also appropriate for those students who want an interdisciplinary general studies degree.
Oregon State University (OSU) has this to say about the major:
Students in Liberal Studies receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for a variety of experiences and careers. Liberal Studies introduces students to diverse subject matter. In addition to this breadth of new knowledge, students will develop communication skills and the ability to think critically. Graduates who can think analytically and communicate effectively are in demand everywhere in today's job market.
Although colleges and universities may have slightly different requirements for and definitions of “liberal studies” or “general studies”, they’re all pretty much alike.
And to the question “What can I do with a Liberal/Interdisciplinary/General Studies Major?” OSU’s web site says:
A wide variety of careers is available to students who complete a Liberal
Studies (Interdisciplinary and/or General Studies) major. Graduates of this
major find entry into careers in business, government, and social service
agencies like adult and family services, criminal justice, and health and
welfare. Some Liberal Studies majors combine this study with teacher
training programs at either the undergraduate or graduate level to become
K-12 educators; others find this interdisciplinary major appropriate for
graduate school studies in law. The major … is broadly based, yet flexible
and is available to students whose educational objectives might not be
attained through the universities' traditional majors. A strength and
attraction of the Liberal/Interdisciplinary/General Studies major are the
many options it provides for students to organize a study program that is
both personally interesting and professionally relevant. …