Arizona State University (Polytechnic Campus)
Arizona State University (Polytechnic Campus)

Arizona State University (Polytechnic Campus)

7001 E Williams Field Rd, Mesa, AZ 85212, United States Arizona, Mesa, USA Visit web page

Liberal Studies, BA

Study detals

: Bachelor's degree : Liberal Studies, BA LABLSBLS : Full time : 48 Month

Requirements

Academic requirements

First-year students must:

  • Have a 3.00 grade point average (GPA) (a "B" or better where "A"=4.00) from a secondary school. Some ASU programs may have higher admission or English proficiency requirements and may consider a minimum ACT or SAT score.
  • Must have three years of high school coursework. (If you are currently in high school, ASU needs to see 9–11 grade coursework. If you have completed high school, ASU needs to see 10–12 grade coursework.)
  • Must have and present a completed high school diploma or certificate.

Conditional admission

ASU may offer conditional undergraduate admission to international applicants to an on-campus program who meet the academic (aptitude) requirements but who are not proficient in English. This offer of conditional admission will give you time to improve your English proficiency before you start classes at ASU. Your conditional admission offer is good for up to three semesters, during which time you must meet one of these requirements to begin your ASU experience.

Competency requirements

International students who completed high school outside the U.S. are required to meet the following competency requirements:

  • Math: four years (algebra I, geometry, algebra II and one course requiring algebra II as a prerequisite).
  • Laboratory science: three years total (one year each from any of the following areas are accepted: biology, chemistry, earth science, integrated sciences and physics).

Provide evidence of English language proficiency (TOEFL 61)

Speciality

Transfer admission requirements:

The MyPath2ASU pathway allows Arizona transfer students to complete a prescribed sequence of courses that meet the requirements for the community college's AA degree along with the lower-division requirements for the ASU major.

Students completing their ASU BA degree at Yuma: Once the MyPath2ASU pathway requirements are complete, students complete the remaining requirements for the ASU bachelor's degree at the community college.

Available online

Additional information

Program description

For students whose interests are too big for any one major, or degree-completion students looking for the best way to finish a bachelor's degree with earned credits, the BA program in liberal studies opens up the academic world for exploration.

The liberal studies major offers a course of study emphasizing the humanities and social sciences and gives students great flexibility in constructing their own educational path. Courses engage students in diverse ideas and perspectives, and students develop habits of mind beneficial in all areas of life. A liberal studies degree prepares students to meet the challenges of a complex world. It offers a path that enables students to prepare for a career or to change careers, to increase self-understanding, and to develop thoughtful engagement with other people and diverse cultures.

Liberal studies are the oldest form of higher education in the Western tradition, with roots going back to ancient Greece. It was realized early on that democracy depends on a population of educated people who can make and follow arguments, who can communicate clearly in a public forum, and who can learn how to learn about the important subjects affecting people's lives.

A liberal education is not the same thing as being politically liberal in the modern sense; throughout history, people from all political perspectives have made significant contributions to and drawn from the knowledge and skills that define a liberal education.

Concurrent program options

Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years. It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

  • Global Management (Creative Industries and Design Thinking), MGM
  • Global Management (Data Science), MGM
  • Global Management (Digital Audience Strategy), MGM
  • Global Management (Global Affairs), MGM
  • Global Management (Global Business), MGM
  • Global Management (Global Development and Innovation), MGM
  • Global Management (Global Digital Transformation), MGM
  • Global Management (Global Entrepreneurship), MGM
  • Global Management (Global Health Care Delivery), MGM
  • Global Management (Global Legal Studies), MGM
  • Global Management (Nonprofit Leadership and Management), MGM
  • Global Management (Public Administration), MGM
  • Global Management (Public Policy), MGM
  • Global Management (Sustainability Solutions), MGM
  • Global Management (Sustainable Tourism), MGM
  • Global Management - Executive (Space Leadership, Business and Policy), MGM
  • Global Management, MGM
  • Liberal Studies, MLSt
  • Organizational Leadership, MS
  • Project Management, MPM

Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program.

Global opportunities
Global experience 

With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available, liberal studies students are able to tailor their experience to their unique interests and skill sets. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S., or online, students build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships across the world, increasing their professional network.

Career opportunities

Liberal studies graduates are prepared to enter the workforce or pursue graduate or professional studies. Graduates are prepared for a variety of careers, including:

  • creative writer
  • grant writer
  • higher education professional
  • public relations personnel
  • research analyst
  • training specialist

Some career options may require additional training or schooling.

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