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The Bachelor of Arts, major in Liberal Studies is a program designed for adults returning to college. It may be possible for students with an Associate's degree who have met all general education requirements to complete the Liberal Studies program online (through the Division of Graduate and Continuing Education), with concentrations in social sciences and the humanities.
Students accepted into the Liberal Studies degree program may choose to apply for "Experiential Learning" credit (a maximum of 32 semester hours.) Such credit is awarded through a portfolio assessment process and may be granted for substantive learning that has occurred outside the classroom in the following areas:
- Employment
- Community Service
- Independent Study
- Military Service
- Noncredit Educational Experiences
- Educational Travel
NOTES:
- Students who wish to apply for "Experiential Learning" credit must complete the portfolio process within twelve months of matriculation into the Liberal Studies Program.
- "Experiential Learning" credits are only applicable to the Liberal Studies degree at Framingham State University.
What are the Degree Requirements?
- 12 General Education courses including one laboratory science and one constitution course (48 semester hours)
- 10 free electives (40 semester hours). A maximum of 8 courses (32 semester hours) may be applied toward free electives from Experiential Learning credits.
- 10 Concentration courses (40 semester hours) comprised of courses from at least two, but no more than three major academic departments. A minimum of six courses (24 semester hours) must be completed at the advanced level (300-400), including a capstone directed study course. Five of the six advanced level courses including the capstone course must be completed at Framingham State University.
Residency requirement: a minimum of eight courses (32 semester hours, including four advanced level concentration courses and the capstone course) must be completed at Framingham State University. A maximum of 68 semester hours may be transferred from regionally accredited two-year colleges and universities and up to 96 semester hours from regionally accredited four-year colleges and universities.
Notes:
- Upon matriculation at Framingham State University, students must seek pre-approval from the appropriate Framingham State University advisor to complete coursework at another institution. Students with 68 semester hours of coursework from regionally accredited institutions granting degrees only at the associate level may seek approval to transfer a maximum of 28 additional semester hours from regionally accredited four-year institutions.
- Students seeking certification for certain professional programs (e.g. teacher or dietetic licensure) should consult an advisor, as the Liberal Studies Program may not be an appropriate route to those professions.
- Students seeking an F-1 visa may not enroll in the Liberal Studies Program on a part-time basis.
- Residence hall accommodations are not available to students enrolled in the Liberal Studies Program on a part-time basis.
What is the Capstone Directed Study Experience?
In consultation with a faculty supervisor, students select a capstone experience that they complete prior to graduation. The capstone experience may take the form of an interdisciplinary research paper or project. In either case, a faculty supervisor will advise the student and will grade the paper or project. Students sign up for the capstone experience (INTD 491 - Directed Study in Liberal Studies - Capstone Experience) as a 4-credit Directed Study course.
Find out more about the capstone experience.
How many credits can be transferred from other colleges?
Students may apply to transfer up to 68 semester hours from regionally accredited two-year colleges and universities and up to 96 semester hours from regionally accredited four-year colleges and universities.
Where can I get further information about the Liberal Studies Program?
For the program offered through the Division of Graduate and Continuing Education, call (508) 626-4550 to schedule an appointment to meet with the Program's Coordinator and Advisor, Dr. P. Bradley Nutting.
For the Day Division program, contact Dr. Jon Huibregtse via email at jhuibregtse@framingham.edu.
