Bachelor of Arts with a major in Liberal Studies

DGCE > Undergraduate Evening

What is the Liberal Studies Program?

The Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies program is a part-time Continuing Education 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, with concentrations in social sciences and the humanities.

Successful completion of a minimum of 12 semester hours in a core college-level liberal arts curriculum from a regionally accredited college or university (English, mathematics, science) is required prior to matriculation in the program. Ordinarily a minimum G.P.A. of 2.5 is expected for applicants.

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

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 College.

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 College.

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 College. 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 College, students must seek pre-approval from the appropriate Framingham State College 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.
• The Liberal Studies Program is a part-time program, and consequently not available to students seeking the F-1 visa or those seeking Framingham State College residence hall accommodations.

What is the Capstone Directed Study Experience?
In consultation with their advisor, 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 member will advise the student and will grade the paper or project. Students sign up for the capstone experience as a 4-credit Directed Study course.

To find out more about the capstone experience click here.

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?
Call the Division of Graduate and Continuing Education at (508) 626-4550 to request an application. If you would like to meet with the Program’s Coordinator and Advisor, Dr. P. Bradley Nutting, an appointment will be made for you.