Revised Curriculum Effective Fall 2024

Choose a degree that nourishes your intellect.

Built on more than 40 years of experience on our campus and based on the philosophy of Ernest Boyer, the Liberal Studies program gives learners the space they need to design individualized academic experiences that meet their unique educational interests and goals. To accomplish this, students are not limited to a curriculum in a single discipline. Instead, Liberal Studies students have the flexibility to explore multiple disciplines, which results in a customized, well-rounded education.

Our Mission

The Liberal Studies program is designed to help students develop a plan of study that enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills, inspires living as an engaged and responsible citizen, instills a habit of considering the ethics and consequences of actions, and brings familiarity with broad and integrated knowledge.

The Freedom of Liberal Studies

• Graduated from community college: our program is designed for you. You can transfer up to 72 credit hours into the program. We will provide you the chance to broaden your knowledge and improve your skills with a variety of courses and/or experiential learning opportunities.
• Interested in a multi- or interdisciplinary degree: this is what Liberal Studies B.A. is all about. Not only can you pursue your interests in multiple fields, but you also will develop an understanding of how your varied experiences result in a degree that serves your educational and career goals.
• Realizing your current major isn’t for you: you will have the flexibility of choosing from many electives and avoiding delayed graduation when you change your major. You can start by considering how your completed courses fit your interests and future plans and then fill in the gaps with courses and/or experiential learning opportunities.
• Wanting to reboot and complete a degree that you left unfinished: you will be able to transfer up to 72 credit hours and incorporate prior learning. With some planning and advice, you will be able to continue where you left it off or pivot to a different pathway while completing your degree.

Goals for Students

Learn the tenets of critical thinking, of communicating, and of reconciling disparate points of view and making decisions together.

Be engaged citizens who will fulfill their obligation to work in their communities in ways that sustain a democratic and representative form of government that protects citizens’ rights and freedoms.

Be responsible contributors to life who evaluate the consequences of actions, maintain high ethical standards in employment and personal lives, seek ways to open paths to personal and social development, and work in personal and public relationships to create sustainable and harmonious relationships.

Deepen their understanding and awareness of the world through study of language, art, heritage, institutions, nature, work, identity, and applied skills (tools).

Learn to integrate learning into a coherent and unified whole, deepen self understanding, and improve problem-solving skills.

Career Paths

Many students choose Liberal Studies to build upon or expand their existing careers. The program’s mission is to help learners develop transferrable skills and abilities that open up a wide variety of new career paths.

Leadership Lived

Meet a few of our Featured Students and see what they have done to embody the UIS spirit of Leadership Lived.

Contact Us

Ready to take your career to new heights by pursuing a Liberal Studies degree at UIS? We're here to help!