Archived General Catalog 2009-2011

Liberal Studies

Bachelor of Liberal Studies

The liberal studies baccalaureate program was designed by the faculty of Purdue University North Central to meet the educational needs of those students who desire a broad exposure to the humanities, social sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, and technology. The program is offered at the North Central campus in conjunction with the College of Liberal Arts of Purdue University at West Lafayette.
Each student will follow an appropriate course of study approved by an advisor, which will include a primary and secondary area of study (concentrations) specifically designed to meet the needs and career goals of the individual. The electives enable the student to pursue areas of personal interest.
In addition, the liberal studies program is designed to permit the individual who has earned credits at other colleges, or in other programs, or who has earned an associate degree, to incorporate previously earned credits into a baccalaureate program which can be completed at Purdue University North Central.

Core Requirements (57 credits)

3	Introduction to Great Issues (Gateway)*
3	Communication
6	English Composition
6	Mathematics/Statistics
6	Natural Sciences
3	Aesthetic Awareness
12	Concept Development**
3	Gender Issues
3	Other Cultures/Global Awareness
3	Race/Ethnic Diversity
3	United States Tradition
6	Great Issues I & II (Capstones)***

* Gateway: IDIS 235 Introduction to Great Issues, required of all BLS students during their first year
                         in the program. (Western Heritage/Social Ethics/Individual &Society)
** Concept Development: either Modern Languages (French, German, Spanish or ASL, or transferred
                         language courses) or Statistics and Computers
*** Capstone: IDIS 435 Great Issues I (Junior or Senior status), IDIS 436 Great Issues II (Senior status)
                         (Western Heritage/Social Ethics/Individual &Society)

Primary Area of Study (30 credits minimum)

A minimum of 30 credits is required (ordinarily distributed among three or more disciplines) taken beyond the core. The primary area of study must be agreed upon by the student and the academic advisor. The primary areas of study include but are not limited to:

Humanities: creative arts, foreign literature, literature, philosophy, history.
Social and behavioral sciences: economics, political science, psychology, sociology.
Natural science and mathematics: biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics.
Various technology and interdisciplinary areas.

Secondary Area of Study (21 credits minimum)

A minimum of 21 credits is required (ordinarily distributed among two or more disciplines) taken beyond the core. The secondary area of study must be agreed upon by the student and the academic advisor.

Electives (18 credits maximum)

Total credits required: 126

Other Requirements and Limitations

Students must have a completed plan of study on file with the Social Sciences Department by the junior year. Otherwise, on-time graduation cannot be assured.
A minimum of 30 credits must be taken at the 300 level or above.
A minimum of 30 credit hours must be taken at Purdue University North Central.
A minimum of 32 credits must be taken at a campus of Purdue University at the junior level or above.
A maximum of six courses from any one discipline may be counted toward the fulfillment of the degree requirement. (In exceptional cases, the Liberal Studies Oversight Committee, instituted to oversee the entire Bachelor of Liberal Studies degree program, may extend this maximum course allowance by one course).
ENGL 100 is accepted for credit in the College of Liberal Arts.
MA 111 is accepted for credit in the College of Liberal Arts.