Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies

A Degree that Makes Sense in a Changing World

If you are an independent thinker who wants to chart your own course... if you want to explore the rich liberal studies tradition in subjects such as history, communication, literature, and religion... if you seek to develop the critical thinking, interpretation and analytical abilities that employers demand in today's workplace...

if you are an adult student ready to complete or begin your undergraduate degree... then Mercer's B.A. in Liberal Studies makes sense for you.

According to the Association of American Colleges and Universities, "Employers want employees who can adapt over time, be self-directed, and continue to be relevant within the workplace as outcomes and products change." Mercer's B.A. degree in Liberal Studies can help you meet this demand.

Program Overview

Mercer's B.A. in Liberal Studies with its individualized major is designed for students who want a bachelor's degree based upon a strong liberal arts foundation for their personal and professional development. It is for students who want to make the best use of previous course work and for those who may have been passed over for professional advancement because of lack of a degree. The B.A. program in Liberal Studies provides an individualized program of study in a select range of courses and fosters students' ability to think critically and constructively in relation to their personal academic goals. Candidates will work with a faculty advisor to plan their degree as they become self-directed learners.

Program Coordinator

Dr. Fred Bongiovanni, Chair and Professor of Sociology and Religion
Phone: 478-301-5395
Email: Bongiovann_F@Mercer.edu

Convenient Locations & Flexible Delivery Options

The B.A. degree in Liberal Studies is offered at Mercer's locations in Atlanta, Macon, Henry County, and Douglas County. Courses are offered on weekday evenings and online.

Advantages of Mercer's B.A. in Liberal Studies:

• Personalized attention from faculty with outstanding credentials
• Empowering individualized programs aligning with students' learning goals
• Once-a-week evening classes, 8-week terms, and online classes offer flexibility for working adults

Curriculum and Degree Requirements

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies consists of:

General Education: 42 hours

Content Studies:     39 hours

Core in Major:         15 hours

Concentrations*:     24 hours

Electives:                39 hours

TOTAL:                  120 hours

* Students may choose either the two-concentration option consisting of two areas of study of four courses each (12 credit hours per concentration) or the one concentration of eight courses (24 credit hours). These options are designed to allow individuals to tailor the program towards their personal and/or career goals. Concentrations include:

Humanities

• Communication Studies
• Historical Studies
• Literary Studies
• Religious Studies

Interdisciplinary Studies

• American Studies
• Religion and Society
• Education and Society
• Literature and Society
• History and Society
• Rhetorical Studies
• Language Arts
• Social Studies
• Writing
• Women's and Gender Studies

Individualized Studies

• In consultation with an advisor, a student may propose a program of study of either one or two concentration(s) not included in the concentrations mentioned above.

*Students may also choose concentrations in Mathematics or Science offered and approved by the College's Mathematics, Science and Informatics Department

For specific courses consult the Mercer University catalog.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Students may be admitted to the program in August, October, January, March, or May.

Admission requirements for the program are as follows:

• A completed application form
• A $25 non-refundable application fee
• Official transcripts of all college work attempted
• An official high school or GED transcript for applicants who have notattempted or have earned less than 30 hours of college credit
• International applicants should consult the University catalog foradditional requirements.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For admissions information or a program packet contact:

Email: RACadmissions@mercer.edu

Toll Free: 877-840-8599