Liberal Studies BA Curriculum
The Liberal Studies BA gives you the flexibility to design an interdisciplinary course of study around a central theme that reflects your academic interests and goals. The major requires a minimum of 36 credits, including coursework in a primary discipline and interdisciplinary coursework drawn from multiple areas of study.
Degree Requirements
The Liberal Studies BA requires a minimum of 120 credits, including 36 credits in the Liberal Studies major. Your major coursework is organized around a central theme and combines study within a primary discipline with interdisciplinary coursework.
15 Credits: Primary Discipline
Complete at least 15 credits in a single academic discipline. This primary discipline provides a foundation for your area of study and connects to the central theme of your Liberal Studies concentration.
21 Credits: Interdisciplinary Coursework
Complete at least 21 credits of interdisciplinary coursework that supports your central theme. Courses may be selected from multiple disciplines and areas of study to create a cohesive, individualized concentration.
In addition to the 36-credit major: Students complete the University's General Education requirements and additional coursework needed to reach the 120 credits required for the degree. Explore the General Education program.
Design Your Liberal Studies Concentration
Build a course of study around a theme that reflects your interests and academic goals. Explore ideas, see how different disciplines can work together, and work with your CGS advisor to develop your proposed plan of study.
1. Choose a Theme
Start with a topic or question that interests you. Explore related subjects, disciplines, and Pitt programs to identify the ideas you want to connect through your Liberal Studies degree.
2. Explore Sample Concentrations
See examples of how courses from different disciplines can come together around a shared theme. Use them for inspiration as you develop a concentration that reflects your interests and goals.
3. Plan Your Coursework
Identify courses that support your theme and map out your proposed plan of study. Consider prerequisites, course availability, and degree requirements as you plan with your CGS advisor.
Plan Your Path
Liberal Studies Checklist
Use the Liberal Studies checklist to plan and track your courses, concentration requirements, internships, and progress toward graduation.
Download the Liberal Studies Checklist (PDF) »Flexible Learning Options
Build your personalized pathway through a flexible mix of in-person and online courses aligned with your academic goals and interests.
Explore Online Courses »Gain Experience Beyond the Classroom
Connect your Liberal Studies coursework to real-world experiences that help you explore your interests, develop practical skills, and build your future.
Gain Hands-On Experience
Put your coursework into practice through an internship that connects with your interests and goals. Liberal Studies students enroll in CGS 1900 Choosing Your Path: Internship, with opportunities to gain practical experience while working with an organization or setting that fits their academic and career interests.
Explore InternshipsExplore the World
Broaden your perspective through an international learning experience. Short-term study abroad programs offer Liberal Studies students an opportunity to connect their academic interests with new cultures, communities, and perspectives.
Explore Global ExperiencesAdditional Degree Requirements
Keep these requirements in mind as you plan your Liberal Studies degree. Talk with your CGS advisor if you have questions about how they apply to you.
Concentration proposal approval: Your concentration proposal must be approved by an Assistant Dean in the Undergraduate Studies Dean’s Office by the first semester of your senior year at CGS.
Changes to an approved plan: Changes must be submitted through the CGS Course Substitution Appeal process.
Upper-Level Coursework
At least 30 credits applied toward the degree must be completed at the upper-division level (1000-level or equivalent), and at least half of the major requirements must be completed at the upper-division level.
Residency Requirement
Students must complete at least 30 college-level credits at the University of Pittsburgh, including at least half of the Liberal Studies major requirements.
Professional Coursework
Up to 12 credits of professional, non-liberal arts coursework may be applied toward the Liberal Studies major with prior approval.
Grading
A maximum of 6 credits graded S/NC may be applied toward the Liberal Studies major.
Transfer and Advanced Standing Credit
Transfer and advanced standing credits may be applied toward the degree, subject to University and CGS requirements. Your academic advisor can help determine how previously completed coursework applies to your plan.
Changes to Your Approved Plan
Any changes to an approved Liberal Studies plan of study must be submitted through the online CGS Course Substitution Appeal process.
Explore Pitt Opportunities
Connect with the broader University community through student organizations, academic centers, and opportunities to explore your interests beyond the classroom.