In-person or online learning can complete your BGSU liberal studies degree. Choose your courses, get your degree.
  • Bachelors Available
  • Offered Online
  • Bachelors Available
  • Offered Online

Liberal Studies

The BGSU liberal studies program provides students with the opportunity to learn and develop skills through a personalized curriculum geared to their interests and needs, designed to enhance knowledge in a field of their choosing and prepare for an existing or future career.

A liberal studies degree is also ideal for students who want to complete a degree after their college education was interrupted. One lifelong learner received their degree after a 62-year break! The flexible nature of the liberal studies degree is suitable for a wide variety of careers or post-graduate educational options.

With online delivery options, flexible requirements for entry and graduation, the Bachelor of Liberal Studies allows students to create a program that caters to individualized educational interests and career goals. The flexible degree can be an alternative to some pre-professional tracks like pre-law, pre-dentistry or pre-medicine.

Get the degree you want

The liberal studies degree program is ideal for students with interests beyond a single academic department or a traditionally structured degree program.

The BGSU liberal studies degree program is ideal for students who need to enroll in courses during the evening hours because of work or other commitments. Online options are available for study as well.

The program is available to students at the sophomore level and above. Other requirements for entering and graduation are available

What you choose to do with your liberal studies degree is up to you. 

Past successful students have completed degrees in as little as a single semester or used study abroad years, internships and co-ops to find a path that only emerged after they had studied for a while.  

Stand Out in courses like

  • Human Anatomy and Physiology
  • Organizational Communication
  • Social Psychology
  • Introduction to Software Security
  • Environmental Ethics
  • Introduction to Public Administration
  • Cultural Pluralism in the United States
  • International Communication

Design a liberal arts degree program that matches your educational goals

Curriculum

With courses across the College of Arts and Sciences available, you are free to build your BLS degree, explore your intellectual passions, or learn new skills and complete your degree journey.  

Skills can be developed alongside creativity and critical thinking with courses in areas like history and philosophy, bringing a holistic understanding of society and the human mind.

If you started your degree at BGSU and did not finish your studies, the Bowling Green State University liberal studies degree may be a great way to complete your degree and graduate.

Requirements outline:  

To apply for the BLS degree program, the student must:

  • Have completed a minimum of 30 semester hours.
  • Have a minimum of 12 semester hours of course work to complete after acceptance into the BLS program.
  • Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0.
  • Submit a personal essay of 2 to 3 pages that describes how the BLS will support the student's long-term and short-term educational and career goals.

The online BLS is best for students who have completed a minimum of 60 hours towards the liberal studies degree through previous coursework at BGSU or through another college or university, not necessarily in Ohio.

GO FAR in your career

  • Product Manager
  • Academic Advisor
  • Human Resources Specialist
  • Technical Sales Representative
  • Legislative Assistant
  • Advertising Manager
  • Urban Planner 
  • Events Director 
  • Web Developer

Career

Liberal studies students will receive a valuable education at BGSU, whether online or at one of our two Ohio campuses, and develop skills employers are seeking, such as creativity, research practices, critical thinking and communication. 

BLS students are particularly well-suited for diverse roles in existing and emerging jobs.

The Bachelor of Liberal Studies also presents a possible alternative to traditional pre-professional tracks, like pre-medicine, pre-law, and pre-dentistry. For example, dental track pre-professional students can still achieve their required prerequisites and the necessary skill sets to manage their own practice. The liberal studies degree lets them combine biology, chemistry and anatomy with communication and interpersonal skills.

Hybrid jobs are a rapidly expanding career path. These new opportunities draw upon skill sets from different, traditionally unrelated disciplines. Skills in demand by employers will often blend creative right-brain skills with technical left-brain skills.

Imagine future careers in artificial intelligence and its governance; a broad base in computer science, philosophy, law, ethics, data and analytics would be advantageous in this growing field.

A liberal studies degree can also be an asset for those seeking career growth or career change. For example, a BLS degree can help you move up the ranks in a career that requires both technical knowledge and people skills, like product management. Courses in computer science, data analytics, advertising, sustainability, and communication might help you advance your career.

Nontraditional and Military Student Services (NTMSS)

Bowling Green State University has once again been named one of the top universities in the United States for veterans by the Military Times in its Best for Vets: Colleges 2021 rankings.

The NTMSS service is available in-person or remotely. It provides assistance to support you as you make career and educational choices. Beginning, returning to, or continuing your college education can pose a variety of challenges. The NTMSS staff is familiar with the issues facing nontraditional and military students and can be a resource as you plan and complete your program.

The Higher Learning Commission accredits Bowling Green State University [BGSU]. The Higher Learning Commission has accredited BGSU since 01/01/1916. The most recent reaffirmation of accreditation was received in 2012-2013. Questions should be directed to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.


More information on accreditation

Bowling Green State University programs leading to licensure, certification and/or endorsement, whether delivered online, face-to-face or in a blended format, satisfy the academic requirements for those credentials set forth by the State of Ohio.
 

Requirements for licensure, certification and/or endorsement eligibility vary greatly from one profession to another and from state to state. The liberal studies program does not lead to professional licensure.
 

More information on professional licensure

Under the Higher Education Act Title IV disclosure requirements, an institution must provide current and prospective students with information about each of its programs that prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.

The liberal studies program is not a recognized occupation that requires a Gainful Employment disclosure.



* Job placement and salary information was compiled by the Office of Academic Assessment through the Graduation Survey from AY2015-2018. The data are gathered around the time of Commencement and a follow-up survey six months post Commencement. For the salary question, data for programs with fewer than fifteen responses are not included. Salaries for those programs are from the National Association of Colleges and Employers Summer 2019 Survey. For questions regarding the data, contact assessment@bgsu.edu.

Updated: 08/04/2023 10:51AM