What are Liberal Studies or Liberal Education?

"Liberal Studies" are representing almost identical concept as "Liberal Arts", but it is more clear definition of the degree itself. We designated these studies as Liberal Studies and concentrated programs in the School of Liberal Studies for the avoidance of any possible confusion. Liberal Arts programs are representing liberal (favoring or permitting freedom of actions) studies and are mostly identical to Liberal Studies Programs. Nevertheless, word “Arts” in the program designation can be confusing for people that are not well informed about academic studies. Many people are assuming that word “Arts” in the degree designation indicates ART as a word of exact expression (production, expression or realm according to aesthetic principles, something beautiful and appealing; for example paintings, sculptures, etc.). However, in academic world, "Liberal Arts" are representing “freedom of studies”, because word “Art” in academic settings indicates NOT only “artistic expressions in creation of appealing forms” (for example, performing a creation of painting, sculpture or music composition), but also “creation of the higher level of knowledge”.  

To eliminate any possible confusion, studies indicating freedom of expression and freedom of selecting study courses are concentrated in the School of Liberal Studies and studies that are related to the form of artistic expressions are concentrated in our School of Arts. At the same time, students can study art and artistic expressions in the School of Liberal Studies, as a form of the freedom of selecting study courses.  

What is the difference between Liberal Studies and regular academic/educational studies?  

Academic/educational degrees:  

Academic/educational studies are following “educational rules” for the higher education. Such as, each follow-up degree (step-up education degree) is a continuation of previous studies related to previous degree. For example, if you have Bachelor’s degree in “Journalism”, you cannot ask for the admission into Master’s degree in "Engineering” or in “Religions” because you never studied any similar courses during your Bachelor’s degree studies. You only can be admitted into similar studies for your step-up degree (superior degree). There are some exceptions for these rules. For example, business degrees can be combined with other previous studies because business interactions, at present time, are the part of any profession (in such way, business degrees can be considered as related studies).  

Liberal Studies Degrees (educational but liberal):

See our description of liberal studies. In Liberal Studies program, there is no need to study the same subjects as you studied in your previous degree(s) program. You can freely express yourself and study anything you never had chance to study before. In our School of Liberal Studies only your imagination can be your limit. Study anything you want to study (some restrictions apply).  

Obviously, some restrictions will apply, because some studies we cannot allow, if it is in contradiction to our principles, or to the principles of civility or morality. We are assuming that intelligent people only would be selecting study areas that are acceptable for civilized societies. We also do not offer study subjects that require classroom attendance and direct supervision.

Main difference between “liberal studies” and “regular studies”

Main difference between “liberal studies” and “regular studies” is the form of selecting higher degree program (step-up degree program).   

For example, you have Bachelor’s degree in “Journalism”. HOWEVER, you decided to study “Theology” or a combination of a few different courses (General Studies)… and you want to have Master’s or PhD degree. If you would request the admission into regular degree program, we will tell you that in order to be admitted into Master’s or PhD degree program in “Theology” you would need to complete Bachelor’s degree in “Theology”. Only after that, we can admit you into Master’s degree in “Theology”. We also may offer to you an admission into dual degree program (that has lower fees). This is classic approach that is used historically in most universities (but in recent years, we often see that many universities are disregarding these classic educational rules and very often are admitting students into non related degree programs). With “classic” educational approach, you will have a steady track of your educational progress that required in many professions.  

When you are admitted into Liberal Studies Program, there is no requirement to study similar subjects. You will be able to study subjects that are not related to your previous studies.  

You diploma will be reflecting the fact that your degree is not a continuation of previous studies. Your diploma would have the words identifying Liberal Studies Program. It would be printed in your diploma, for example, “Master of Liberal Studies” (or “Doctor of Liberal Studies”, or “PhD degree in Liberal Studies”). All studies/courses would be listed in your educational record (Transcript).

Program curriculums for liberal studies are very flexible. ONLY after the admission, we are creating customized study plan (curriculum) for each student. Student also can prepare own curriculum that must be approved by our representatives. See more details about curriculums

General descriptions of different degrees:

 

Associate Degree
Bachelor’s Degree
Master’s Degree
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS)
Educational Costs

 

Key words: Liberal studies - online liberal studies - liberal education - online courses in liberal arts - online programs - distant education in liberal studies - liberal arts programs.