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 School 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 (45 credits)

6

English Composition

3

Speech Communication

6

Mathematics/Statistics

6

Natural Science

9

Western Heritage/Social Ethics/ Individual & Society

3

United States Tradition

3

Other Cultures/Global Awareness

3

Aesthetic Awareness

3

Race/Ethnic Diversity

3

Gender Issues

Other Requirements (81 credits)

Concept Development

12 credits may be in either Foreign Languages or Statistics and Computers

Primary area of study

A minimum of 30 credits is required (ordinarily distributed among three or more departments) 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.

  A minimum of 21 credits must be taken in a secondary area of study.

  Electives - 18 credits maximum.

  Total credits required for baccalaureate degree: 126

Other Requirements and Limitations

  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.

  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 maximum of six courses from any one department 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).

  MA 111 is accepted for credit in the School of Liberal Arts.

  English 100 is accepted for credit in the School of Liberal Arts.

  GNC 100 is accepted for credit in the School of Liberal Arts.

  A maximum of 50 percent of the primary area and 50 percent of the secondary area can be transferred courses from universities other than Purdue.