Liberal Studies, BA

Sven Arvidson, PhD, Director

Objectives

Liberal Studies is the interdisciplinary study of the arts and sciences, and it links reflective cognition and community engagement in a way that cultivates humanity.

The integrative study of the humanities, social sciences, and sciences has long been recognized as the finest preparation for a challenging world. The Liberal Studies program is designed for students with initiative, thoughtfulness, and curiosity who want to use their skills and knowledge to make a contribution to society. 

The bachelor of arts in liberal studies allows maximum flexibility in course choice, supported by strategic major courses. Students work closely with professors and advisors, focusing their plan of study through project-centered work on complex, real-world problems of personal interest. Coursework is an exciting intellectual and social experience.  Each student establishes a portfolio of accomplishments as they proceed to senior year, and Liberal Studies houses the Seattle University Consortium of Interdisciplinary Scholars, representing all schools and colleges on campus, to mentor student projects. Majors can take advantage of leadership seminars, youth tutoring, and K-8 teaching preparation courses taught in a local elementary school, as well as our undergraduate publishing program.

Businesses and communities need creative problem-solvers, leaders and integrative thinkers. Marketable knowledge and skills come from being trained as an interdisciplinarian: project-management, effective communication, teamwork, leadership, strategic thinking, creativity and enterprise. Every major gains work experience in the community through the Seattle University Center for Service and Community Engagement. Recent graduates are pursuing M.A.’s and Ph.D.’s, teaching K-8 in the U.S. and Europe, working in major tech companies, non-profits, communications, business management, medical fields, counseling, law enforcement, and other professions. See employment listing of recent graduates on our program website.

Because it is interdisciplinary, the Liberal Studies program is also recommended for students who plan to teach at the elementary level. Specific courses are recommended by the College of Education, and students planning to become teachers should inform the College of Education as soon as possible. See the Liberal Studies program website and the Pre-Education advising section of the College of Arts and Sciences website.