Bachelor of Science
Liberal Studies
Become an Agile Thinker
The Liberal Studies B.S. degree at JWU Providence will equip you to examine issues from multiple perspectives and solve problems, all while exposing you to a well-rounded education in history, art, global studies and more. Critical and creative thinking leads to big ideas, and the effective communication skills you will develop can bring those ideas to life in any environment.
You will work closely with your faculty mentor to help shape and personalize your experience in this very flexible program. Choose which area to concentrate in: Arts & Culture, which encompasses humanities, art, history, literature, philosophy, religion and sociology, or Science & Society, which focuses on biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, political science and sociology.
Our Liberal Studies program’s free electives allow you to customize your degree to fit your specific interests, while you are encouraged to choose from among more than two dozen minors, ranging from global studies and criminal justice to professional communication and race and ethnic studies, to complement your studies. Our students participate in JWU Study Abroad programs in locations such as South Korea, Italy and Germany and/or complete internships with partners ranging from nonprofits to the Rhode Island State House and at venues ranging from the Providence Performing Arts Center to the Baltimore Symphony Office.
JWU Liberal Studies graduates pursue careers in a variety of fields, from communications to business to nonprofit to human resources. Where will your degree take you?
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Continue Your Education Through Johnson & Wales
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 MBA or M.S. degree while still an undergraduate.
Experiential Education in a Flexible Program
There’s no one way to say what being a Liberal Studies major looks like at JWU, because the opportunities are nearly endless in this interdisciplinary program. Whether you choose to focus on arts and culture or science and society, your instructors will expand your worldview, whether that means bringing you to galleries and museums, screening impactful films or touring historic sites in the streets of Providence.
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 can apply your free elective credit to options such as a Directed Experiential Education (DEE), internship, minor or study abroad.
- 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 will learn to examine complex issues, analyze arguments, conduct credible research, solve problems, make ethical decisions and create original ideas/approaches.
Lecture Series Helps Students Practice Good Citizenship
To help students engage with the government and with politics, The Changing Constitution, a series of Fall 2024 lectures sponsored by JWU’s Humanities Department, reviews recent U. S. Supreme Court decisions related to the interpretation and application of the Constitution of the United States. “As there is no way to override the Supreme Court on constitutional matters apart from the nearly impossible expedient of amending the Constitution, decisions such as these impact the lives of every person in the country,” notes Professor Kenneth Schneyer. “Understanding them is crucial.”
Rachel’s Experience in JWU Liberal Studies
“I have a strong interest in history, philosophy and political science, and when looking to change my major I wanted to find something I wanted to do that I’d enjoy and that was broad. Liberal Studies was the best fit to get what I want with the flexibility of the major. The liberal studies program helped provide me the skills and base knowledge to getting an internship with the Foundation of Post Conflict Development and spending the summer of my junior year going to meetings at the United Nations in NYC getting immeasurable and amazing experience."
- Rachel Meli ‘25
Sample Courses
- A Multicultural History of America
- The Atomic Age
- History of Digital Art
- Things That Go Bump In the Night: An Interdisciplinary Approach to the Supernatural
- The Problem with Evil
- Food in World History
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
- Media Relations Specialist
- Speech Writer
- Lawyer
- Nonprofit Organizational Director
- Policy Analyst
- Lobbyist
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
Between his experience as an attorney, professor of law, actor/director and a Nebula-nominated science fiction and fantasy author, Schneyer brings a breadth of interests to his interdisciplinary courses at JWU.
Professor
Church served as a technical writer for a software company and a copywriter for an ad agency before her long career in teaching at the collegiate level. She helps students apply critical thinking skills through literature and pop culture studies.
Lecturer
With his experience in government, nonprofits and local theatre as well as four degrees in history and theatre, Toti brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to JWU courses in film studies, history and art history.
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