Through careful self-assessment and goal-setting, Liberal Studies students design individual degree plans in consultation with their advisor/instructor in LIS 301 where students identify learning needs and strategies for meeting those needs. Students pursue their degree through course work selected from throughout the university as well as independent studies, service learning, and credit for prior learning. In order to plan a balanced degree, students choose electives that address the following seven broad subject categories: identity, work, nature, institutions, language, heritage, and art.
Although degree plans must be broad enough to meet the interdisciplinary goals of the degree, students may choose a thematic focus for their degrees, such as international studies or human resource development. In addition, students may have a minor such as African-American Studies, Business, Liberty Studies, Philosophy, or Women and Gender Studies. Online students should be aware that not all of the areas available to students taking classes on campus are available online.
Students can complete the curriculum in the classroom, entirely online via the Internet, or in combination. Learners have a good chance for success in the Liberal Studies degree if they are self-directed, able to plan ahead and meet deadlines, disciplined enough to organize individualized programs of study, and able to work independently to set and meet goals. In addition, students who choose to participate in Liberal Studies online should be comfortable using networked information technologies, navigating the Internet, using email, and learning from a distance.