Why Major in Liberal Studies?
Looking for a way to build on already earned college credits or self-design coursework from multiple interests?
As a liberal studies major, you can customize your degree through a personalized curriculum geared to your career goals and interests. Because you self-design your major, you can target your skills and coursework toward specific fields of study that match those interests and career goals.
The Liberal Studies/self-design major is especially attractive for students who want to combine minors in different areas of study as they prepare for a career change or to fulfill requirements for graduate school.
It's also ideal for degree completion students who are transferring to Belmont with a number of credits in different subject areas.
Am I an Adult Student?
Adult Degree applicants should be 24 years or older. However, exceptions for those under the age of 24 might include evidence of two years or more of military service, marriage or having a family of your own.
What makes Adult Degree Programs special?
Your Success is Personal: Our students are not one-sized fits all, and neither is our commitment to you. Your path to a college degree is unique, and we take your success as personally as you do. Our staff and faculty will be with you from the first point of contact all the way through graduation and beyond, providing personalized guidance and assistance so you don’t have to go it alone.
Education Designed to Elevate Your Career: Whatever adult degree program option you choose, a career-focused curriculum will help you elevate your current career or prepare you for new professional or personal opportunities.
Unique Tuition Discount for Adult Degree Program Students: Belmont is dedicated to offering access to high-quality education for busy adults. Students in Belmont’s Adult Degree Program receive more than a 40% discount off of the tuition cost that traditional Belmont students pay for the very same quality, private school education.
What You'll Learn
When we say self-design your major, we mean study what you want while completing a degree that works for you!
As a liberal studies major, you’ll work with an academic advisor to create a degree plan that builds on your already earned credits while incorporating courses in new areas of professional and personal interest. You can take classes full time or part-time, combine on-campus and online classes, pursue an internship or even a short-term study abroad program!
Career Possibilities
A liberal studies degree opens the door for you to pursue the future you want. By self-designing your coursework around career goals and individual areas of interest, you'll be prepared for a variety of careers or to continue in your current career with more opportunities for promotion. You may also pursue additional graduate or professional studies in multiple areas. Alumni of the program have gone on to pursue career opportunities in the following areas:
- Business and Marketing
- Communications and Public Relations
- Education
- Healthcare
- Arts Administration
- Journalism
- Law
- Local, State and Federal Government
- Military
- Nonprofit Organizations
- Sales and Marketing
- Social Services
Alumni of the program have also gone on to pursue graduate study opportunities in the following areas:
- Business
- Law
- Medical School
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- English
- Pharmacy
- Sport Administration
- Higher Education
A'lane Shannon 2018, Nashville, Liberal Studies Family Involvement Specialist, Apollo Middle School
“I never thought I would be able to go to college. In fact, I’m the first person in my family to finish a college degree. During my teen years, there were adults who helped guide me, so I decided to choose counseling as my area of focus in liberal studies so that I can give back to students in our school system.”
Program Details
Curriculum
The liberal studies major leads to either a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science and requires 128 hours of coursework.
- BELL Core requirements: 53 hours
- Self-Designed Plan of Study: 30 hours
- Electives: 45 hours
Courses You'll Take
- LIS 4015: Senior Capstone (1 hour)
In consultation with a faculty mentor, each student will complete a project demonstrating the extent to which goals established upon entering the program have been achieved.
- Self-Design Plan of Study and Elective Courses: (75 hours)
These credits can be completed with transfer credits, electives, a second major or a couple of minors.
The admission decision process for the Adult Degree Program is different from what someone might experience right out of high school. To be eligible for an Adult Degree program, applicants must be 24 years or older or provide evidence of two years or more of military service, marriage or having a family of your own.
Even if you struggled academically when you first attended college, the Belmont Admissions Committee looks at more than just your academic history. We also consider your professional experience and personal accomplishments as we review your application materials.
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Application Deadlines
Contact Us
Kim Powell
Admissions Coordinator
615.460.6850
Email Kim