Combine courses across disciplines to design a focused Liberal Studies concentration. Students work with a CGS advisor to develop a plan of study and submit a proposal for approval by the Undergraduate Studies Dean’s Office.
Degree Requirements
Students must earn a minimum of 120 credits for the Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in liberal studies. Of this total, the major consists of 36 credits, which includes:
- 15 credits of primary discipline coursework: Students must complete approximately five courses in a single academic discipline, which serves as their primary field of study.
- 21 credits of interdisciplinary coursework: These credits are selected from one or more disciplines within the humanities, social sciences, or natural sciences, all organized around a central theme. Professional credits may also be included with prior approval.
See our General Education program page for the remaining degree requirements.
Design Your Liberal Studies Concentration
FOUR-YEAR SAMPLE DEGREE MAP
This sample degree map outlines one pathway for completing the Liberal Studies major in four years of full-time study. Students have flexibility in designing their own academic plan based on interests, transfer credits, and degree goals.
View sample four-year degree map ↗
SAMPLE THEMES
Students may combine courses from multiple disciplines and schools across the University of Pittsburgh. These sample themes illustrate examples of interdisciplinary study and support early planning for a Liberal Studies concentration.
PLANNING AND PROPOSAL APPROVAL
Developing a Liberal Studies concentration requires consultation with a CGS advisor and thoughtful academic planning. Students prepare a proposal outlining their intended course of study for review and approval by the Undergraduate Studies Dean’s Office.
Learn about proposal requirements and submission ↗
Program Notes
Academic Planning & Approval
Students must have their concentration proposal approved by an Assistant Dean in the Undergraduate Studies Dean’s Office by the first semester of their senior year at CGS (see program residency requirement). Any changes to an approved plan of study must be submitted through the course substitution appeal process.
Curriculum Requirements
The plan of study must include coursework from at least two academic disciplines. Up to 12 credits of professional (non-liberal arts) coursework may be applied toward the major.
Experiential Learning
Students are encouraged to incorporate internship and/or study abroad experiences into their plan of study. Up to 6 internship credits and 9 study abroad credits may be applied toward the major.
Grading & Restrictions
A maximum of 6 credits graded S/NC may be applied toward the major requirements. The Liberal Studies major may not be completed as part of a double major; however, students may pursue a minor or certificate.
Residency & Graduation Requirements
Students must complete at least 30 college-level credits, including half of the major requirements, at the University of Pittsburgh and maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA for graduation. Remaining credits may include transfer or advanced standing credit (see CGS transfer credit policy).
Upper-Level Coursework Requirement
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 upper-level coursework.
Resources & Flexible Options
Flexible Learning Options
Design a personalized liberal studies pathway through a flexible mix of in-person and online courses aligned with your goals and interests.
View Online CoursesPlanning Resources
Use the Liberal Studies Checklist (PDF) to plan your courses, internships, and career path.
Download Checklist (PDF)Ready to Get Started
Prospective students, request more information to learn about admission and begin planning your personalized degree path. Current Pitt students, connect with a CGS advisor.