Program Description

The Liberal Studies B.A. Program is designed especially for adults and transfer students who need to complete their degree within a tight timeframe and who are looking for a flexible schedule. It is possible to earn a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies through either part-time or full-time study, and by taking either day or evening classes. Some weekend courses are also offered in the fall and spring semesters. The program accepts up to 90 transfer credits from other accredited colleges and institutions to accelerate the process of achieving a bachelor’s degree. To earn a Liberal Studies degree, all students are required to complete a minimum of 15 credits as a Purchase College matriculated student.

Freedom of Choice

You can choose one of four Liberal Studies majors. Each major provides a breadth of learning and understanding in the liberal arts fields. The range of courses offered is what makes the B.A. in Liberal Studies an in-depth, comprehensive program.

• Liberal Studies
  This interdisciplinary major helps you to develop an appreciation of the questions, issues, and perspectives underlying the liberal arts, to integrate knowledge across disciplines, and to be able to apply academic learning to life pursuits.
   
  
• Liberal Studies: Arts
  This major combines the liberal arts with visual and performing arts, allowing you to explore your talents and interests in art history, music, film, or other studio arts while studying with accomplished faculty. Within the framework of the Liberal Studies Program, you can choose from a wide variety of production and/or studio courses.
   
  
• Liberal Studies: Communications/Media Studies
  This major helps you to gain a greater understanding of current politics and social structures through close examination of the centrality of the media in today’s global society. Courses cover historical, sociological, and psychological analyses of media, including film, television, and print, as well as visual and computer technologies.
   
  
• Liberal Studies: Legal Studies
  By examining the social, political, and historical processes of law, you will learn the ethical functions of the legal system and its implementation in society. Required core and elective coursework examines law through the lenses of sociology and political science, enabling you to appreciate the role of the judicial system within the broader social context.

Extension Sites

Do you live in Rockland County or near Peekskill, NY? You can work toward your B.A. degree close to home in the evening at one of our Liberal Studies extension sites:

• Purchase College at Rockland Community College
  Majors offered:
  Liberal Studies
  Liberal Studies: Communications/Media Studies
  Liberal Studies: Legal Studies
  For further information:
  Call (845) 574-4744 or e-mail rockland@purchase.edu
   
  
• Purchase College at Westchester Community College–Peekskill
  Major offered:
  Liberal Studies
  Liberal Studies: Arts
  For further information:
  Call (914) 606-7310 or e-mail wccpeekskill@purchase.edu

Satisfaction and Success

Becoming part of a group of successful graduates is only one of many advantages of studying at Purchase College. The sense of accomplishment and of personal and professional growth gives rise to a satisfaction only you can appreciate. Liberal Studies alumni move into such fields as education, advocacy, health, social work, advertising, and customer service. They work for corporations, businesses, civil services, and nonprofits. Many Liberal Studies graduates also continue their education in a variety of postbaccalaureate programs.

Updated April 27, 2007