The main purpose of the Liberal Studies Program is to enable students to acquire a broad and substantial foundation in the modes of learning. The program is designed to complement the program of specialized education by preparing students for responsible and imaginative living. All students are required to take 15 credit hours of Core courses and 36 credit hours of Skills and Complementary courses, for a total of 51 credit hours in the Liberal Studies Program.

Entering freshmen are required to take a series of examinations for placement and counseling purposes. The achievement tests in mathematics, computer literacy, written composition and foreign language are for placement; interest and psychological tests are for use in counseling.

Students who, through testing, demonstrate proficiency in a subject area may be given advanced standing in that specific area. This procedure, however, will not reduce the total number of credit hours required for graduation.

A student may begin a major in the freshman year. Each entering student is scheduled in appropriate classes by assigned Mentors who serve as academic advisors until that student is accepted into a Major course of study. (See catalog for complete details and requirements.)

Learn more about our Freshman Academy (PDF)

Learn more about our Sophomore Initiative (PDF)