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Application Deadlines |
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Applications will only be accepted during the following times: Fall Semester: Spring Semester: Summer Semester: *All applicants must be current on Christian Services at time of application. |
The entire process from the time of receiving the application packet to final approval and declaring the General Studies/Interdisciplinary Studies major may take up to 4 weeks.INDIVIDUALIZED pROGRAMS
OF STUDY
Students who desire to pursue a degree that provides them with a broader background in several areas rather than a more specialized plan of study may choose a General Studies or Interdisciplinary Studies degree at Liberty University. Students considering these degree programs must complete a multi-step process prior to acceptance in the program.
General Information and Descriptions of Degrees
- What is the difference between a General Studies and Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Program?
- What the Individualized Programs of Study are not
- What the General Studies Degree is
- What the Interdisciplinary Studies Degree is
- How many hours do I need to complete a General Studies/Interdisciplinary Studies degree?
- Why is there no Degree Completion Plan (DCP) online for an Individualized Program of Study?
- Specific requirements for the General Studies Degree
- Specific requirements for the Interdisciplinary Studies Degree
Application Instructions and Important Information
- How do I request an application packet?
- Preliminary Checklist for the Individualized Programs of Study
- General Studies and Interdisciplinary Studies applicants should note.
- Helpful links in deciding your courses of study in your cognates
- Who is the Professional Advisor for the Individualized Programs of Study and when should I make an appointment?
- Is an Internship important?
Graduation, Grad School and Employment
- What will my transcript say?
- How do I present my General Studies/Interdisciplinary Studies degree on a resume or job application?
- Should I reference specific courses on my resume or on my job application?
- What career fields do General Studies and Interdisciplinary Studies graduates enter?
- Quotes from some recent graduates
General Studies (GEST) is a Bachelor of Science Degree program requiring a 2.0 GPA and 2 or 3 cognates (areas of specialization).
Interdisciplinary Studies can be a Bachelor of Science (INDS) or Bachelor of Arts (INST) requiring a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be accepted into the program and remain in the program. Students will choose two cognates (areas of specialization). The BA requires 12 hours of language, 6 hours of Integrative courses, and a final essay (minimum 10 pages).
The Individualized Programs of Study are not just a collection of classes a student decides to take with no thought or purpose in order to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree.
The Bachelor of Science in General Studies major is designed for those students who desire a degree offering the opportunity to have breadth; thus, enabling students to use both inter-college and interdepartmental combinations of courses that will provide a broad pattern of educational experience. It is an application program which requires the submission of an application, Degree Completion Plan, and rationale for choosing the General Studies Degree Program.
The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies major is designed to provide an option for the exceptionally talented student who wishes to pursue a particular area of study not available through the structured major and minor programs.
How many hours do I need to complete a General Studies/Interdisciplinary Studies degree?
General Studies - 120 hours is the minimum required. In addition to fulfilling the degree requirements, you must complete 30 hours after being accepted into the program.
Interdisciplinary Studies - 120 hours is the minimum required. In additional to fulfilling the degree requirements, you must complete 60 hours after being accepted into the program.
Since the Individualized Program of Study is an application program and each student’s Degree Completion Plan is unique to that individual's choice of cognates, there is no DCP on line. Requesting an application packet will allow you to review a Degree Completion Plan.
· 45 hours in the major will comprise the focus of the degree program. Students will choose at least 2, but no more than 3 cognates, with no more than 30 hours and no less than 15 hours from any one cognate. The remaining 75 hours is compromised of the general education requirements and electives.
· A common starting point for these cognate areas is the requirements for the “Minors” offered by the University.
· Students are required to complete 30 hours after being accepted into the program. This may include the courses in which the student is currently enrolled.
Specific Requirements for the Interdisciplinary Studies Degree:
· Students may pursue a B.A. or a B.S. degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. The B.A. degree requires 12 hours of language.
· 42 hours in the major will comprise the focus of the degree. Students will choose 2 areas in which to complete 21 hours in each cognate. The remaining 78 hours is compromised of the general education requirements and electives.
· A 3.0 GPA is required for entrance and continuance in the Interdisciplinary Studies Program.
· Complete 60 hours following admission to the program or prior to commencing the Junior year.
· A final essay synthesizing both cognates with a view to career application; the essay will be evaluated by the LU Research Rubric for Written Communication.
http://www.liberty.edu/academics/graduate/writing/index.cfm?PID=12268Request the Individualized Program of Study Application Packet from Kristen Lilly, karutigliano@liberty.edu.
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Take the Career Direct Assessment and meet with the Career Counselor. Please let them know you are an applicant for one of the Individualized Programs of Study (IPS)Degree, General Studies or Interdisciplinary Studies
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View the IPS website: https://www.liberty.edu/index.cfm?PID=17766, and request an application for the appropriate degree program.
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Submit a preliminary Degree Completion Plan (DCP) to Susan May, smay@liberty.edu, via e-mail attachment. All applications and DCP forms are designed to be completed electronically.
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Once the first 3 steps are completed then you can make an appointment to go over the specific details of your program.
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Please remember that once you have been accepted into the program you must complete 30 hours for the General Studies Degree and 60 hours for the Interdisciplinary degree program.Back to Top
· The entire process from the time of receiving the application packet to final approval and declaring the General Studies/Interdisciplinary major may take up to 4 weeks.
· CSER must be current.
· Applications will only be accepted during the following times:
Fall Semester
September 1 - November 15
Spring Semester
February 1 - April 15
Summer
June 1 - July 15
· Internships are recommended. This adds a dimension of experience that reinforces a cognate area. The Washington Semester is a potential possibility. For additional information on the Washington Semester, please contact Brian Corley in the Career Center or at mbcorley@liberty.edu.
· Internship information can also be found on the Career Center Web site: http://www.liberty.edu/index.cfm?PID=6149.
Who is the Professional Advisor for General Studies and Interdisciplinary Studies and when should I make an appointment?
Susan May is the Professional Advisor for the General Studies and Interdisciplinary Studies Degree programs. Please contact her at smay@liberty.edu for any questions.
Is an Internship important?
Internships are highly recommended in both degree programs. The on-the-job experience can be a tremendous advantage for the degree candidate. A synopsis of your internship experience will give potential employers insight to the level of responsibility and specific tasks you have already addressed in your field.
What will my transcript say?
Bachelor of Science in General Studies OR
Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies OR
Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies
With a GEST or INDS degree your major courses will consist of two or three concentrations. You can express that in this manner:
BS in General Studies: Communications, Sport Management and Psychology Concentrations OR
BS in Interdisciplinary Studies: Biology and Chemistry Concentrations OR
BA in Interdisciplinary Studies: Biblical Studies, Psychology and Greek
Should I reference specific courses on my resume or on my job application?
Yes, this can be tailored to the specific position you are applying for. For instance, if you are applying for the position of Human Resource Manager, you can emphasize these specific classes: Human Resource Management, Principles of Management, and Operations Management.
What career fields do General Studies and Interdisciplinary Studies graduates enter?
MBA program
Medical School
Professional Sports
Social Service Caseworker
Early Childhood Program Administrator
Special Education Community Program Instructor
Graduate School
Missions School Overseas
Law School
“I am working for Employment Source as a Job Placement Specialist for individuals with disabilities.”
- Nichole, Class of 2008 (General Studies graduate)
“Hi! I hold the position of Managing Director for David Dudley, a professional Bass fisherman who holds the 3rd most paid bass fisherman in the world. I am responsible for managing four of his businesses, hiring and training staff and employees, planning future development, scheduling activities and events, tracking finances, creating and implementing business policies and procedures, maintaining public interest and good will, as well as fulfilling a variety of other administrative duties.”
- Kristin, Class of 2008 (Interdisciplinary Studies)
“Hi Mrs. May. I am currently working as an employment specialist for adults with mild to moderate disabilities. I help find them employment in the field in which they desire to work and then I train them on their job until they are at a point where they no longer need me.”
- Katherine, Class of 2008 (Interdisciplinary Studies)
