OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
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Explore it. Understand it. Shape it.
Choose from pre-designed themes. Or design a curriculum that will get you where you want to go.
See public relations, teaching or law school in your future? Liberal Studies is a great place to start.
Stories matter. Top global economists say we need more people who can translate complex information into human stories.
A Strong, Flexible Foundation to Launch From.
Our world is increasingly complex. The people who understand and communicate about it best often have the well-rounded education that a liberal studies degree can provide.
As a liberal studies major, you’ll design your own program of study choosing from subjects offered in the OSU College of Liberal Arts disciplines – fine arts, humanities and social studies. You’ll choose from classes that broaden and deepen your knowledge in American studies, anthropology, art, English, communication, graphic design, new media communication, political science, psychology, social science sociology and writing.
Your custom curriculum will give you critical thinking skills that can help you make a big picture relevant or a small example powerful.
The liberal studies major is part of OSU’s well-known School of Writing, Literature and Film.
Skills Employers Need.
It’s a background that will give you a leg up in your career – whether it’s teaching, public relations, business, or even law. Employers want people who can collaborate, write and speak well. They need individuals like you who can translate our complex world into stories that can move and persuade, and make a positive impact.
Undergraduate Degrees Offered
Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies
Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies
Alexa Tawzer loves writing and reading science fiction and fantasy. But one communications class proved to this Honors College student that what fascinates her is human conversation. So much so that she joined Professor Natalie Dollar’s Community Dialogue project to research how people discuss and debate — and find agreement. It’s been a journey from being homeschooled, to attending community college, to finally landing at OSU-Cascades. Now with a Finley Academic Excellence Scholarship and a passion for how people connect, this Bend Beav’s future is launching.
You’re an individual. As a liberal studies major, you’ll organize your own plan of study around a theme. You can select a pre-designed theme or work with an advisor to choose courses and design a theme to support your personal and career goals. Learn more.
Marichelle Gurski graduated in 2021 with a bachelor of arts degree in Liberal Studies with a focus in Psychology from OSU Cascades. With the Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship in Germany, Marichelle will use her five years of German language study, TEFL certification, and prior teaching experience in special education to build relationships with her students in a German classroom. She hopes to further explore German values, policies, art, and literature and expand on her abilities as a culturally competent educator. Upon return, Marichelle plans to earn a master’s degree in German and Psychology and make steps towards becoming a professor with a global perspective.
History of Design
Small Group Communication
Studies in Nonfiction
Introduction to Rhetorical Theory
Community Dialogue
Peoples of the World-Africa Anthropology
20th Century Europe
Modern Political Thought
Abnormal Psychology
Writing for the Web
American Women Writers
American Culture and Vietnam
Cultural Codes in Communication
The American Novel - Beginnings to Chopin
We're here to help! Future students can connect with an OSU-Cascades admissions advisor for admission and program questions.
