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Liberal Studies, Bachelor of Arts

The Liberal Studies Program is designed to provide an interdisciplinary approach to the humanities, the social sciences and the sciences.

The Liberal Studies Program is designed to provide an interdisciplinary approach to the humanities, the social sciences and the sciences. The program fosters an understanding of the relationships among these disciplines and aims to provide the student with a broad based curriculum grounded in Western thought and including a global perspective. The program focuses on critical thinking, writing, and oral presentation skills, providing the students with an ability to articulate their understanding of and appreciation of the past and its influence on the present.

Instead of choosing the traditional single academic major area of study, the Liberal Studies major studies a variety of areas centered on the humanities, the social sciences and science and mathematics. A minor area includes one of the many career areas offered such as:

  • administrative studies
  • business
  • computer science
  • criminal justice
  • health services
  • journalism
  • paralegal studies
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Degree Type
BA
Area of Interest
The Arts
Associated Colleges or Schools
Program Location
  • Queens Campus
Required Credit Hours
120

Admission

For more information about admission to this and other acclaimed undergraduate programs at St. John’s University, please visit Undergraduate Admission online. Or contact us directly at the campus of your choice:

Admission Office - Queens Campus
718-990-2000
[email protected]

Admission Office -  Staten Island campus
718-390-4500
[email protected]

Department Contact (Queens and Staten Island)

Kathleen Marks

Chair and Program Coordinator (Queens and Staten Island)

Courses

Major Area Requirements
52 credit hours

Humanities
15 credit hours chosen from non-University core English, Philosophy and Theology courses

Social Sciences
15 credit hours chosen from non-University core Economics, History, Political Science, Psychology and Sociology courses

Science/Math
12 credits hours chosen from non-University core Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics and Physics courses

BLS Seminar in Liberal Studies
3 credit hours - only for upper seniors

Career Outcomes

The program prepares graduates who can:

Demonstrate an understanding of the methodologies used for research in the various disciplines studied in the program.

  • Describe what is meant by scientific method.
  • Describe what is meant by philosophical method.
  • Describe what is meant by historical method.
  • Describe methodology used by social scientists.

Demonstrate developed skills in researching in the various disciplines.

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the major bibliographic sources in each of the various disciplines.
  • Select appropriate facts to provide sufficient information for an argument.
  • Locate supporting information online and from other sources.

Demonstrate knowledge of the relationship of the various disciplines in the development of Western thought.

  • Identify the major works of the ancient world and their influence on Western thought.
  • Describe the relationship of philosophical thinking, theology, art and literature in the medieval period and the Renaissance.
  • Discuss the influence of scientific thinking on the modern age.

Demonstrate ability to analyze and synthesize arguments and apply critical thinking skills.

  • Analyze a problem in each of the various disciplines.
  • Synthesize material from the various disciplines to construct an argument that demonstrates the importance of the relationship of those disciplines.

Demonstrate knowledge of the perspective of non-Western cultures and their significance in a global environment.

  • Identify the major world religions and philosophical traditions and their influence on non-Western perspectives.
  • Discuss the importance of industrialization in a global context.
  • Evaluate issues of social organization that impact both Western and non-Western societies.

Demonstrate both oral and written communication skills.

  • Prepare clearly argued papers on complex subjects.
  • Give oral presentations, both alone and as part of a group, that are  clear and coherent.

Global Approach to Education

Students also benefit from St. John's focus on an international academic experience. The University offers extensive study abroad courses during the academic year as well as the winter and summer semesters. Students can live and learn at St. John's Rome, Italy, campus and Paris, France, location.

Additional Information

All St. John's students benefit from the University's many outstanding facilities and resources. Computer laboratories contain sophisticated PC and Mac workstations with a full range of the latest academic software packages.

High-tech classrooms and lecture halls feature sophisticated multimedia equipment. Lounges and quiet study areas enhance the research experience in our 1.7 million-volume University Library. The 127,000-square-foot D’Angelo Center, the new University and Student Center, features high-tech classrooms, lecture halls, a Starbucks Café, full service food court as well as lounges and study areas.

Students take advantage of St. John’s location in dynamic New York City. Our faculty and Career Center have strong ties to employers and other professional and educational resources throughout the New York area. Students make New York their classroom through innovative courses like Discover New York.

Interested in The Arts, but not sure if Liberal Studies, Bachelor of Arts is right for you?

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