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 - DGCE), with concentrations in social sciences and the humanities.

Students accepted into the Liberal Studies degree program may choose to apply for “Post-Secondary Experiential Learning” credit (a maximum of eight (8) course-credits). 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 Learning through Self-Instruction
• Military Service
• Noncredit Educational Experiences
• Educational Travel

Students who wish to apply for "Post-Secondary Experiential Learning" credit must complete the portfolio process within twelve months of matriculation into the Liberal Studies major. "Post-Secondary Experiential Learning" credits are only applicable to the Liberal Studies major, General Studies concentration at Framingham State University (these credits will be removed from the student’s academic record should the student change their major).

Requirements for the major Liberal Studies, General Studies Concentration:

• 12 General Education course-credits satisfying the requirements of the Goal General Education model.
• 10 Open Elective course-credits. A maximum of eight (8) course-credits may be applied toward free electives from “Post-Secondary Experiential Learning” credits.
• 10 Concentration course credits comprised of courses from at least two, but no more than three major academic departments. A minimum of six (6) course-credits must be completed at the advanced level (300-400), including INTD 491 Liberal Studies Capstone Experience (Directed Study).
• A minimum grade point average of 2.00 for the 10 concentration course-credits along with a minimum overall grade point of 2.00 is required in order to graduate.
• A minimum of eight (8) course-credits, including five (5) of the six (6) advanced level course-courses including the Liberal Studies Capstone course must be completed at Framingham State University.

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.

Transfer Credit
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.

Upon matriculation at Framingham State University, students must seek pre-approval from the Liberal Studies major program coordinator and appropriate University department chair to complete coursework at another institution. Please note that coursework taken as transfer does not satisfy the program residency requirement

Capstone 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.

Liberal Studies