Program Description

The Liberal Studies BA Program is designed 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. Courses are available during the day, evening, and weekend, and also in hybrid and online formats. The program accepts up to 90 transfer credits from other accredited colleges and institutions to accelerate the process of achieving a bachelor’s degree. The program concludes with the Senior Capstone course; students engage in intensive research and writing, synthesizing individual learning by completing a biography.

Extension Site

Do you live in Rockland County, NY? You can work toward your BA close to home in the evening at our liberal studies extension site:

• Purchase College at Rockland Community College
  (845) 574-4744
  rockland@purchase.edu

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 BA in Liberal Studies an in-depth, comprehensive program.

• Liberal Studies
  This interdisciplinary major helps students 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. Coursework is required in a variety of areas and includes a cross-section of the humanities (e.g., history, philosophy, writing), social sciences (e.g., anthropology, political science, sociology), natural sciences (e.g., math, science, psychology), and the arts (e.g., art history, studio art, music). The flexibility of the liberal studies degree allows students to choose advanced courses that best suit their needs and interests. Also offered at the Rockland Community College extension site.
   
  
• Liberal Studies: Arts
  This major combines the liberal arts with visual and performing arts, allowing students to explore their 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, students can choose from a variety of history, production, and studio courses.
   
  
• Liberal Studies: Communications/Media Studies
  This major helps students 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, print, and emerging technologies. Also offered at the Rockland Community College extension site.
   
  
• Liberal Studies: Legal Studies
  By examining the social, political, and historical processes of law, students 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 students to appreciate the role of the judicial system within the broader social context. Also offered at the Rockland Community College extension site.

Scholarship Opportunities

Student success is recognized by awarding scholarships to students within the Liberal Studies Program who meet specified academic and financial criteria (based on funding availability).

Satisfaction and Success

Liberal Studies alumni move into such fields as business, education, public service, social and human services, health sciences, advertising, and customer service. They work for corporations, businesses, civil services, and nonprofits, including JP Morgan Chase, Starwood Hotels and Resorts WorldWide, Time Warner, MTV, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and the Youth Federation for World Peace, to name a few.

Many Liberal Studies graduates also continue their education in a variety of postbaccalaureate programs and at prestigious graduate, law, and business schools, including City College of New York, Columbia University, Long Island University, Pace University, and St. John’s University, among others.

Take the First Step

The first step in joining the Liberal Studies BA Program is letting us know you are interested. For more information and to schedule an advising appointment, contact the School of Liberal Studies & Continuing Education today:

Tel. (914) 251-6500
E-mail conted@purchase.edu

For more information, please visit the School of Liberal Studies & Continuing Education.

Updated June 6, 2011

 

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