Liberal Arts & Studies

Tracks 

In the Liberal Arts and Studies program, you will work closely with a faculty mentor and your success and career advisor to design your own course of study, focusing on a multidisciplinary or theme-based perspective and incorporating courses in the Dean College curriculum. You may choose from one of the following tracks:

Diversity and Equity Studies | Family and Childhood Studies | Global Studies | Health and Society | Human Services | Individually Designed | Pre-Law

Diversity and Equity Studies 

Through the Diversity and Equity Studies track, you’ll develop an in-depth awareness of and respect for multiple social categories of identity and experience through an interdisciplinary framework.

You’ll study topics regarding social inequality, social psychology, culture, race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality and more. You’ll investigate the historical development and changing representations of multiple identities, while maintaining a lens of intersectionality as you analyze and address issues of inequity and injustice.

You will also build the knowledge and teamwork skills necessary for your future endeavors and career paths, preparing you to participate in a diverse and complex workforce.

Learn more about internships, careers and opportunities to get involved beyond the classroom.

Family and Childhood Studies 

The Family and Childhood Studies track emphasizes the study of the family. Through coursework, you’ll learn about family development, relationships, dynamics, functioning and health from multiple perspectives. You’ll examine the many cultural, community and socioeconomic contexts in which families operate and study interventions used to support families. And you’ll build the critical thinking, problem-solving and interpersonal skills needed to work with others in a social services career.

As a graduate of the Family and Childhood Studies track, you’ll be prepared to make a difference in the community by helping others through a career in social work or counseling. You’ll find internships and career opportunities in settings such as counseling centers, nursing homes or hospitals, government agencies, personnel offices or non-profit human service agencies.

Learn more about internships, careers and opportunities to get involved beyond the classroom.

Global Studies 

Our world has become deeply interconnected, and global awareness is now essential to a wide array of careers including those in politics, business, tourism, education and non-governmental organizations. The Global Studies track within the Liberal Arts and Studies major will prepare you for a career or graduate study with a global focus.

Drawing upon a variety of disciplines, Global Studies encourages you to think through and compare the unique and universal aspects of world societies. You’ll study the ongoing process of globalization, as well as its origins, development and current impact. And you’ll get to know at least one non-U.S. culture through hands-on experience, as required by the Global Studies program. Choose between studying a foreign language, participating in an overseas study travel course or spending a semester abroad for an immersive global experience.

Upon completion of the Global Studies track, you’ll be ready for a broad range of positions in fields such as international business, trade, foreign affairs and non-profit work.

Learn more about internships, careers and opportunities to get involved beyond the classroom.

Health and Society 

Explore multiple perspectives from both the natural and social sciences on health, health care, and related systems and policies.

In the Health and Society track, you’ll build a foundation of knowledge in how the human body functions and the factors and behaviors that impact health, including cellular biology, anatomy and physiology. You’ll also engage in a critical analysis of the social determinants of health and health behaviors of diverse populations, the distribution of health care and the formulation of health-related policy.

If you’re interested in pursuing a career related to medicine without being a medical practitioner, or are looking for solid foundation in health services before continuing your education, this might be the major for you. The Health and Society track will provide you with the skills necessary to pursue a graduate degree or a career in fields such as social services, health and public policy, health services and public health education and research.

Learn more about internships, careers and opportunities to get involved beyond the classroom.

Human Services 

Explore the profession of human services practice from multiple perspectives across diverse sites serving various populations.

The Human Services track will introduce you to the basic skills and duties of human service practitioners. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the lived experiences of social problems, as well as the history and development of human services fields. You’ll also focus on the ethical and evidence-based delivery of services to clients and consumers in a range of professional settings.

The Human Services track will provide you with the skills necessary to pursue a graduate degree or a career in fields like counseling, education, community outreach and case management.

Learn more about internships, careers and opportunities to get involved beyond the classroom.

Individually Designed 

If you want to develop an individual program of study based on Dean College’s curriculum, with the flexibility of enrolling in courses across academic disciplines, the Individually Designed track in the Liberal Arts and Studies major might be for you.

You’ll work closely with faculty and advisors to build your own course of study tailored to your interests and career goals. You’ll be able to explore a variety of subjects, study across disciplines and take courses from a major without having to commit to completing all courses for the major. And no matter what program you design, you’ll build the critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills that are essential to a liberal arts education – as well as learning practical skills to serve you in any career.

Learn more about internships, careers and opportunities to get involved beyond the classroom.

Pre-Law

The Pre-Law track is designed to prepare you with the core skills needed for success in law school, the job market and beyond.

According to the American Bar Association (ABA), no particular major is necessary to prepare for law school, but it is essential to gain specific skills, knowledge and experience. The Pre-Law track within the Liberal Arts and Studies major is designed to allow you to focus your studies on the ABA’s recommended Core Skills, Values, Knowledge, and Experience, which include:

• Problem Solving
• Critical Reading
• Writing and Editing
• Oral Communication and Listening
• Research
• Organization and Management
• Public Service and Promotion of Justice
• Relationship-building and Collaboration
• Background Knowledge in History, Politics, and Society
• Exposure to the Law

As a student in the Pre-Law track, you’ll take foundation courses in U.S. history, American government and criminal procedure. Through upper-division courses, you’ll gain exposure to legal studies by taking applied law courses in business, sport management, arts management or media law. You’ll also refine your critical reading, writing, editing, research and problem-solving skills by taking upper-division English or History electives. 

Upon completion of the Pre-Law track, you will have gained the skills necessary to continue your education in law school. You’ll also have the opportunity to take advantage of Dean College’s partnership with Western New England University School of Law, a 3+3 program that allows you to earn both your bachelor’s degree and law degree (J.D.) in six years instead of the traditional seven.

Learn more about internships, careers and opportunities to get involved beyond the classroom.

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