Alaska Pacific University
Alaska Pacific University

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liberal studies

Liberal StudiesBachelor of Arts

Overview

Put your passion for writing, literature, history, the arts and many other areas in the liberal arts and sciences at the center of your education.

A degree in Liberal Studies is the perfect choice for self-directed learners who want ownership of their degree program.

Work closely with your faculty advisor to build a self-designed program of study that supports your unique interests and career goals.

Degree Fit

Liberal Studies ClassroomWhether you are seeking a broad-based, interdisciplinary program in the liberal arts and sciences or a program focused on writing, pre-law, religion studies or one of our other concentrations, Liberal Studies faculty will work closely with you to develop your unique interests into a self-designed program of study that supports your pursuit of a specific career path or prepares you for success in graduate study. Program flexibility and transfer-friendly university policies combine to make efficient degree completion for students looking to maximize academic credits earned at other institutions.

Career Outcomes

Liberal Studies graduates:

There's a Place for You at APU
  • Become teachers
  • Earn law degrees
  • Publish novels
  • Own businesses

Degree Roadmap

Advanced Creative Writing

courses provide students with investigation and practice at an advanced level of the genres, forms, and techniques of imaginative writing, including drama, poetry, screen-writing, fiction and non-fiction. Works by established or experimental writers in the genres will be examined, including their writings about the creative process itself.

Ideas of Nature

examines the ways in which ideas about nature are foundational to U.S. culture. The focus will be mainly on U.S. American attitudes toward nature but will include considerations of views held by diverse populations worldwide, particularly indigenous peoples.

Media Practicum

provides students with practical work experience related to media and communication under the cooperative guidance of a faculty member and an on-the-job supervisor. Students work within APU on the development of content or media for one of the school’s communication initiatives.

Minors

Liberal Studies Minor

With a minor in Liberal Studies you can integrate into your degree program interests in current philosophical, social, creative and political issues that are not addressed in other programs of study. You can choose to focus your minor on a particular topic such as literature, music, politics or religion or you can choose to focus on developing your skills in oral and written communication or critical thinking, for example, which are especially valuable to future employers.

Sustainability Studies Minor

The Sustainability Studies Minor is open to students from all majors at APU. It offers a broad interdisciplinary perspective on sustainability in relation to many fields of study. An increasing number of employers in government, commercial, and nonprofit sectors acknowledge the importance of fostering sustainability and recognize the value of employees who understand its social, ecological, and economic dimensions. By studying in the interdisciplinary field, you will interact with a diverse group of students and faculty and learn the skills required to solve complex, real-world problems.

Student Profiles

Taylor Raftery, Liberal Studies, 2015

I was amazed at how active learning is brought immediately into the classroom. I love the focus on students. -Taylor Raftery, Liberal Studies, 2015

Claire Agni, Liberal Studies, 2010

At APU you’re with the same people – students, faculty – and you get to know each other well. Faculty could see if and when you needed help. -Claire Agni, Liberal Studies, 2010

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Institute & Program Area

APU’s Institute of Culture & Environment promotes the advancement of knowledge, understanding, and reasoning in Liberal Studies, Marine and Environmental Sciences, and Outdoor Studies. Honoring Alaska’s cultural and geographic diversity, the Institute prepares students to address and engage our region’s complex and unique challenges.

Moving ideas! When you want to combine creative thinking with practical skills, choose any of the Liberal Studies programs and put your talent to work. Whether your outlet is in music, poetry or media and communications– whether you aim to improve the planet or enhance well-being one person at a time – our programs provide meaningful pathways to meet your goals.

Liberal Studies Institutes

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In observance of Labor Day, Alaska Pacific University is closed today, Sept. 4.