Why Major in Liberal Studies? A Degree Designed for Opportunity

A Liberal Studies degree offers the flexibility to explore different disciplines, while also building skills that employers consistently value. Rather than preparing students for a specific job, this major develops adaptable professionals who are ready for a wide variety of potential careers and graduate programs.

Flexibility That Fits Your Goals

One of the greatest strengths of a Liberal Studies degree is the freedom to explore a wide variety of topics. Students study subjects across the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, history, philosophy and more, allowing them to understand and decipher complex issues through multiple points of view. This interdisciplinary approach helps students develop key skills such as critical thinking and communication, which are valuable assets in nearly every profession.

What to Know About JWU’s Liberal Studies Program

“Liberal Studies embodies JWU's approach to the applied liberal arts, providing students the flexibility to pursue their interests while developing the intellectual agility, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that transcend any single profession,” says Michael Fein, Ph.D., the dean of JWU’s College of Arts & Sciences. “By learning to connect ideas across disciplines, graduates are prepared to navigate an evolving workforce and seize new opportunities throughout their careers.” This flexibility is one of the defining characteristics of the program and what attracts students to choose this path at JWU.

“Because of JWU's diverse curriculum, Liberal Studies students have the unique opportunity of enhancing their degree with a minor not only in traditional fields such as psychology, chemistry or business, but also criminal justice, food studies, culinary sustainability or medical health and humanities, just to name a few,” says Humanities Department Chair Maureen Farrell, Ph.D.

Another distinguishing feature of this program is the required focus aspect, which allows the students to complement a broader liberal arts education with specialized knowledge from a specific field. You can choose the Art & Culture focus, which covers the humanities, art, history, literature, philosophy, religion and sociology; or choose the Science & Society focus, which concentrates more on biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, political science and sociology.

These topics are covered through a wide variety of both general and niche classes, including American History: US in a Global Age Studies in Drama, Criminalization of Mental Illness, Gender in Global Perspective and many more. Students gain hands-on experience through experiential education components in every course, which can include site visits, labs, fieldwork, industry projects, debates, simulations and other interactive classwork.

Students also gain valuable experience through internships and study abroad opportunities, allowing them to apply what they learn in class to the real world while building valuable personal and professional connections.

From Liberal Studies to Law School

The Liberal Studies program offers opportunities for aspiring attorneys and those generally interested in the world of law. “Students considering law school can take both undergraduate law and criminal justice courses — and eligible students can even enroll in JWU’s accelerated 3+3 BS/JD Law Program, allowing them to begin law school at one of our partner law schools in their senior year," says Farrell.

The Liberal Studies major is one of the few eligible pathways into law programs offered at your choice of either Roger Williams University or UMass School of Law. Qualified students can apply to both partner law schools during their third year here at Johnson & Wales and earn both a bachelor's in liberal studies as well as a Juris Doctorate degree in just six years, saving both time and tuition while kickstarting their legal career. The program includes individualized pre-law advising to help students better prepare for law school application and the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).

Students planning to continue their education in other graduate programs can also take advantage of our J2 program, which allows qualified undergraduates to begin graduate level course work while completing their bachelor’s degree. Eligible students may apply up to four graduate courses toward their undergraduate requirements, providing a head start towards completing either an M.S. or MBA, and thus creating a more seamless transition into graduate study. Additionally, as a JWU alumnus, you can also take advantage of our Wildcat Alumni Scholarship, which provides a 25% discount on graduate tuition if qualified.

What Careers Can You Pursue With a Liberal Studies Degree?

Because Liberal Studies provides graduates with a broad range of knowledge and transferable skills, they can pursue careers in nearly any industry. Rather than being limited to one profession, this degree opens the door to opportunities in many fields, including business, education, journalism, public relations, social services and so much more.

The analytical and communication skills developed throughout this program offer excellent preparation for graduate study. Many graduates continue to law school, master's programs or other professional degrees in fields such as public administration, education or counseling. Employers increasingly seek candidates with a wide variety of skills across disciplines who can solve complex problems and adapt to workplace demands; qualities that JWU Liberal Studies graduates can bring to the table.

Is Liberal Studies Right for You?

If you’re curious about many subjects, enjoy connecting ideas and views across disciplines, or want flexibility to pursue multiple fields of work, Liberal Studies at JWU may be an excellent fit for you. Instead of narrowing your education to a single specialty, you’ll gain a broad understanding of the world while developing practical and technical skills valued across industries.

This degree is more than just a collection of courses — its preparation for a career that can evolve alongside your interests and the ever-changing workforce. Whether your goal is entering the workforce, pursuing further education, or discovering a career path that combines multiple passions, Liberal Studies provides a strong foundation for a life full of success.

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