Liberal Studies
Overview
The liberal studies program is designed as a flexible bachelor's degree program. With a broad-based curriculum in liberal arts and sciences, the liberal studies program emphasizes breadth of study rather than focusing on a single discipline.
This program is designed to meet the needs of students whose educational, professional and personal goals may not be fully met through a specific major at SIUE, as well as those who wish to plan and develop a program appropriate to their interests.
Program Format
Allowing for student flexibility, courses are offered in the following formats:
- Online
- Hybrid
- Evening
- Weekend
- Traditional
What can I do with a degree in liberal studies?
The liberal studies program supports learning across a variety of areas, and the extensive course options allow students to adapt their curriculum to meet individual needs and career goals.
These options, along with the development of targeted skills, help students build a resume that is robust, unique and stands out to prospective employers. This program is valuable to students who are not seeking a career based in a single discipline, as well as those who already possess occupational skills, and to those who seek enrichment of their personal and professional lives. Students pursuing an undergraduate degree in liberal studies can also be prepared for a graduate program based upon their degree completion pathway.
Hands-on Learning
Students in the liberal studies program are encouraged to take advantage of as many hands-on learning opportunities as possible. The College of Arts and Sciences places a strategic focus on experiential learning and opportunities are also available through SIUE’s professional schools.
Students in the liberal studies program also work one-on-one with a faculty member to develop their senior project and are encouraged to participate in the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URCA) program.
Global Experience
Students have the opportunity to take classes and work with faculty members from across the world. Students may also select classes with topics that focus on international issues and content. At SIUE, students are encouraged to explore international experiences through our study abroad program.
Faculty
At SIUE, students have the opportunity to seek out and take classes from faculty members whose academic expertise supports their goals. Listed below you will find the titles of recent senior projects completed by students in the liberal studies program, and the name of the faculty members who worked one-on-one with these students to complete the projects.
Analysis and Investigation-the LC-MS DCE Profession (with internship)
Larry LaFond, PhD, Department of English Language and Literature
Trail of Life: Sustainable Living through Food Education
Connie Frey-Spurlock, PhD, Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice Studies
If Not for the Glass
Gary Hicks, PhD, Department of Mass Communications
A Deluge for All Lands: Flood Survival Myths
Allison Thomason, PhD, Department of Historical Studies
Portrayals of Women in the Latin Poets Ovid, Propertius, and Tibullus
Nancy Ruff, PhD, Department of English Language and Literature
Justice Questions Related to Home Support Services for People with Autism
Bryan Lueck, PhD, Department of Philosophy
The Reinvention of Willie Starr
Alison Reiheld, PhD, Department of Philosophy
Education Policy: Restraint and Seclusion in Educational Settings
Phillip Weishaar, PhD, Department of Teaching and Learning
Mass Incarceration: School to Prison Pipeline
Jennifer Logue, PhD, Department of Educational Leadership
Military Spending and its Effects on Economic Growth
Timothy Sullivan, PhD, Department of Economics and Finance
