College of Arts & Sciences

Liberal Studies Bachelor’s Degree

Degree: BS

Locations: North Carolina, Online, Rhode Island

Internship: Required, 6 credits

Credits: 120

Two male liberal arts students studying in libarary

Become an Agile Thinker

The Liberal Studies B.S. degree at JWU 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 and/or complete internships with partners.

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?

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.

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 will learn to examine complex issues, analyze arguments, conduct credible research, solve problems, make ethical decisions and create original ideas/approaches.

Professor stands in front of classroom with lecture pulled up about the constitution

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.”

“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

Student Rachel Meli stands next to an American flag

What Your Liberal Studies Degree Means in the Real World

“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

Students gather to chat and connect at networking event

What Careers Come From a Liberal Studies Degree?

After graduation, you’ll be prepared for careers such as:

Media Relations Specialist
Speech Writer
Lawyer
Nonprofit Organizational Director
Policy Analyst
Lobbyist

Curriculum and Degree Requirements

Students in the College of Arts & Sciences will apply and adapt their knowledge in innovative ways through the Arts & Sciences Core Experience.

In addition to classes, free elective credit can be applied to a number of options, such as internships, minors, or study abroad. You are encouraged to contact an advisor before scheduling free elective credits.

Related Programs

Media & Communication

Whether your passion is film, music, television, news, photography, or any aspect of the media landscape, you’ll develop your skills under the tutelage of an experienced group of faculty.

students sitting in traditional classroom

Psychology

Upon completing this program, you will be prepared to immediately enter the workforce in fields such as human resources, public relations, business and the helping professions.