Bachelor of Science
Liberal Studies
Prepare for a Variety of Careers
JWU Charlotte’s Liberal Studies B.S. degree provides the flexibility and independence to set your own curriculum, gaining valuable skills that will equip you to examine issues from multiple perspectives and solve problems in your future career. Critical and creative thinking leads to big ideas, and effective communication can bring those ideas to life. Our program is framed by Charlotte’s diverse, rapidly growing urban environment, which teems with opportunities to explore different paths within liberal studies.
If you are still narrowing down your academic options, Liberal Studies provides the freedom to explore multiple disciplines within JWU’s College of Arts & Sciences. Choose one of two concentrations: Arts & Culture, which could mean focusing on sociology, religion, art, literature, foreign languages and/or history, and Science & Society, which could mean studying biology, chemistry, physics, political science, economics and/or psychology. Our program’s free electives offer flexibility to customize your degree to fit your specific interests, while we encourage you to minor in one of several options including economics, psychology, media & communications, public health and more.
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Continue Your Education
Students can earn both a B.S. and J.D. degree in just six years through JWU’s 3+3 Law Program, offered at your choice of either Roger Williams University School of Law or the University of Massachusetts School of Law. Or get your master’s faster through JWU’s signature accelerated master’s program, J2, by starting on coursework toward an online MBA or M.S. degree while still an undergraduate.
Why Study at JWU?
- You will get to pursue coursework that interests you most, combining the depth and breadth of a liberal arts education with the professionally focused training for which JWU is known.
- You will develop the skills to critically examine and interpret human complexities using the theories and methods of various disciplines in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences.
- You can apply your free elective credit to options such as a Directed Experiential Education (DEE), internship, minor or study abroad.
- You will learn to examine complex issues, analyze arguments, conduct credible research, solve problems, make ethical decisions and create original ideas/approaches.
How Kennedy Found Her Path Through Liberal Studies
“The JWU liberal arts program is where I found my life path. Before starting at Johnson & Wales, I went to two other colleges. I never could figure out what career I wanted to pursue and felt lost. When I started at JWU I went into the Liberal Arts program, as it allows students to take classes in multiple fields of study ... The professors are excellent and are always there for me when I needed them, which made it easier to decide what career I would pursue.”
– Kennedy Griffin '27
Sample Courses
- World Cinemas
- Introduction to Life Science
- Food in World History
- World Economic Geography
- Culture and Food
- Human Sexuality
- Deviant Behavior
In addition to classes, free elective credit can be applied to a number of options such as Directed Experiential Education (DEE), internship, minor or study abroad. You are encouraged to contact an advisor before scheduling free elective credits.
Explore the full JWU Catalog course listing:
Career Possibilities
- Policy Analyst
- Lobbyist
- Media Relations Specialist
- Anchorperson
- Speech Writer
- Nonprofit Organizational Director
- Author
Some professions may require additional study, background checks, certifications, licenses, exams and/or experience as required qualifications for employment. Students are responsible for verifying that they can meet the employment requirements of potential employers.
Featured Faculty
Our professors and instructors are dedicated to the success of our students. Learn more about our expert faculty members.
Professor
A Fulbright Scholar award winner, Dagenhart studies how place informs poetry and how spaces of oppression can silence the voices of people of color and believes literature must be read in context of the greater historical framework that produces it.
Associate Professor
Geller is committed to assisting students in polishing their presentation skills and reducing speech anxiety through Toastmasters, The Outstanding Speaker Competition and other avenues.
Professor
Author, publisher and podcaster Peres’ community work focuses on nurturing creative capital, elevating civic discourse, and promoting intellectual and artistic excellence in the Charlotte region.
