Portland State University's bachelor's degree in liberal studies grants you the independence to take charge of your own education.
By majoring in liberal studies, you will:
- Explore many courses from a wide range of departments while still making progress toward a bachelor's degree
- Sharpen universally valued skills such as communication, writing, oral presentation, teamwork, research, and critical thinking
- Prepare for graduate school by building a broad and deep body of expertise on a single subject
- Move ahead in your career by mixing and matching courses that relate to your industry, diversifying your knowledge and abilities
Our customizable but academically rigorous program enables you to focus on your own interests with guidance from advisors and faculty. You'll gain skills that have immediate value in nearly every industry—and will help you adapt throughout your life to cultural, economic, and technological changes.
Liberal Studies is the only major that does not require completion of the university studies core curriculum.
PSU's liberal studies degree provides you the greatest range of academic areas and the most flexibility in course selection, integrating courses from three broad areas: sciences, social sciences, and humanities.
As a Liberal Studies major, you'll design a personalized plan with an academic advisor that aligns with your career goals and outlines your path to an undergraduate degree.
You get to learn what you love and love what you learn.
Online Liberal Studies Bachelor’s Degree Option
Complete your bachelor's degree online and build adaptable skills for an interconnected world.
The online Liberal Studies program offers you a perfect balance of flexibility and structure as you focus on your own interests. You will:
- Work closely with outstanding faculty. The same faculty who teach our in-person courses also lead our online courses.
- Connect with other students. PSU's easy-to-use online course platform encourages direct interaction among classmates.
- Get credit for previous college work. We accept most transfer credits from accredited community colleges and universities.
- Find support when you need it. Our academic advisors, financial aid counselors, and other support staff will respond quickly to your needs and concerns.
Our online liberal studies degree will give you a clear path to finishing your degree and the independence to take charge of your own education.
With a bachelor's degree in liberal studies, you'll cultivate skills you can use—and market—no matter what career you choose. Our program is particularly strong in developing your skills in writing, critical thinking, research and analysis, creative problem solving, community engagement, media fluency, and social and environmental responsibility.
Our program prepares you to work in a variety of fields in business, government, nonprofits, social services, and educational institutions, including:
- teachers
- program coordinators
- project managers
- news reporters
- financial service representatives
- community and social service specialists
- lawyers and judges
- physicians and nurses
- writers and editors