Liberal and Interdisciplinary Studies, B.A./B.S.

A student smiles while working on their laptop.

Create a customized program to suit your educational and professional interests. 

Choose to earn your Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies or Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies and create a customized degree that suits your unique goals and requirements. 

Our flexible Liberal Studies program gives you the freedom to study a field that is not otherwise offered here at Westfield State University, such as Hospitality Management, Film, Music, or Hospital Administration. You’ll work with the program chair to design a course of study that meets your individual needs. Plus, you’ll get the support and personalized attention you need to succeed.  

Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies 
Custom-design a liberal arts degree that fits your goals. Combine three complementary areas of study together into one focused concentration. Choose from specific departments or from coherent groups of courses that are interrelated and consistent with your career goals. 

Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies 
Create a unique degree that combines multiple areas of study in the fields of science and technology. Select two areas of study from the departments of Economics and Management, Computer Science, and Criminal Justice, as well as one liberal arts area of study related to your career goals. 

Program Highlights

  • On campus, online, or remote synchronous learning
  • Customize your coursework
  • Research and internship opportunities
  • Supportive, collaborative, student-centered community
  • Affordable tuition

Design your degree.

Pursue your goals with a degree in liberal studies.

Choose your area of focus with a Liberal Studies B.A./BS.

  • A student works on their laptop in a lounge area.

    Flexibility

    Structure a degree that supports your career goals. Choose courses from the entire catalog of undergraduate classes with the approval of the Liberal Studies Program Chair. Supplement your core requirements with business, humanities, science, or communications classes to create the program you want. Classes are available on campus, online or as remote synchronous options.

  • Student on Campus

    Unparalleled access to faculty and administration

    With a liberal studies degree, you’ll get the support you need from your advisors. Our faculty work together to assure that your customized degree program prepares you for the career you want.

  • Multiple students smile while engaging in conversation.

    Unique opportunity

    At Westfield State University, we offer opportunities as unique as you are. We recognize you as an individual, and we go out of our way to support you along your educational journey. Our holistic approach to education will help you become the person you want to be.

Program Details

Program Mission

The Liberal Studies Program allows students to create a customized degree program that suits their educational interests. Students choose 3 complementary concentrations of study and complete a total of 45 credits. This program gives students the freedom to study a field that is not otherwise offered here at the University such as Hospitality Management, Film Music, or Hospital Administration.

Program Vision

Facilitate our students to grow into active, constructive, productive and energetic members of a just and prosperous society by enabling their sufficient analytical and language skill, accurate understanding about social reality, deep knowledge in the professional fields, strong drive for social justice and social progress, built-in cross-cultural sense and sensibility.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates from the Department of Sociology, Hispanic and Liberal/Interdisciplinary Studies are working in the professional fields of human resources and marketing departments in both public and private organizations, social service/social work agencies, state and local governments, schools, non-profit organizations, and many more. Equipped with the knowledge and skills they learned from the program students embed their extraordinary in the ordinary as they worked and are working on daily basis as community organizers, government officials, social workers, school teachers, police officers, business owners, company executives, etc. and have contributed to the local communities, the State of Massachusetts, the country, and the human society as a whole. Many of our graduates go on to graduate schools to pursue a master’s degree or Ph.D.

What can I do with a degree in liberal studies?

The possibilities are as broad as your imagination. No matter what field you are interested in, your Liberal Studies B.A. or Liberal Studies B.S. will prepare you for success. Possible careers include:

  • Teacher 
  • Financial advisor
  • Pre-law
  • Administrator
  • Counselor
  • Sales 
  • Project manager
  • Communications specialist
  • Marketing representative
  • Hospital administrator
A student wearing a cap and gown holds their diploma at their graduation ceremony.

Ready to learn more?

Get big school features with small school advantages.  

We offer high-quality academics, unique learning opportunities, and a gorgeous campus—and we have small classes, accessible faculty, and one-on-one support. 

You'll join fellow motivated students ready to make the most of the college experience through active participation. Become part of a caring and committed community that understands and embraces the bridge between academic study and civic responsibility.

  • 87%

    of students receive financial aid

  • 700+

    internship opportunities

  • Study abroad

    in 35+ countries

Dedicated professionals provide individualized attention.

Our liberal studies program includes faculty from different departments who collaborate with you and each other to help you create a degree that suits your educational interests. You’ll benefit from small classes and personalized attention.

Learn more about the department

Contact Us

Dr. Christina Beaubien
Program Area Chair

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to submit SAT/ACT scores or an essay when I apply?

Westfield State University does not require an application essay, SAT and/or ACT scores, or letters of recommendation (except for special program admissions).     

All first-year applicants are reviewed for admission based on their high school record. First-year applicants must meet the minimum eligibility requirements established by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE) in order to qualify for admission to a state university.   

Learn more about the application process and admissions here.

How much does Westfield State University cost?

Westfield State University offers a comprehensive university experience at an affordable cost—with many options for financial aid. Visit our Cost and Aid page to learn more. 

Will I receive academic support?

We’re invested in your success. Whether you need a little help adjusting to college, study strategies, tutoring, or disability services, the team at the Academic Achievement Department is ready to help. Our mission is to provide you with the tools to explore academic opportunities as well as to plot strategies for continued growth. 

Learn more about our student support services here.

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Liberal and Interdisciplinary Studies, B.A./B.S.