Leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree, the Liberal Studies Program located in the Ruth Sharkey Academic Resource Center at Seton Hall University, provides a broader-oriented education than could be gained by a concentration in one of the usual “majors” of the College of Arts and Sciences. Aristotle suggested that the highest act of the intellect is simply to possess knowledge. That is a goal in what is called the “speculative order.” However, the Liberal Studies Program also has value in the “practical order.” Liberal studies graduates should be able to analyze what they read, to write incisive reports, to speak fluently to various audiences and, finally, to appreciate “art” in its various forms. This education will be a foundation for their intellectual life

The Liberal Studies Program offers a two-track curriculum. Each track establishes a solid foundation of knowledge in many of the disciplines taught by the College of Arts and Sciences’ various departments. For each track, students must complete the core requirements of the College. Track I students take an 18-credit minor, 21 credits from various creative arts and English courses, and four additional College of Arts and Sciences courses. Track II demands two minors consisting of 18 credits each, plus one English course and a senior seminar. After these requirements are met, students must take sufficient electives to satisfy minimum graduation requirements of 130 credits.

To earn a bachelor’s degree, students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0. They must also maintain a minimum of a 2.0 GPA by the time they have completed one of the liberal studies tracks.

To talk to a faculty adviser, contact William Smith, Ph.D., director of the Liberal Studies Program, at smithwia@shu.edu or (973) 761-9488 or (973) 275-2354.