Liberal Studies, A.A.

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Debra Lupica-Scott
Liberal Studies Program Coordinator
116O Advanced Technology Center
304-367-4615
dlupicascott@pierpont.edu

Program Purpose

An Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies offers a versatile foundation in humanities, social sciences, and communication skills, preparing graduates for a broad range of opportunities. Educationally, it can serve as a stepping stone to a four-year program, especially for those interested in fields like education, public administration, or social work. Students develop critical thinking and writing abilities that are essential for continued academic success across disciplines. Occupationally, graduates can pursue entry-level roles in areas such as nonprofit organizations, customer service, administrative support, or community outreach. The degree’s interdisciplinary nature also equips individuals for roles requiring adaptability and interpersonal skills. For those seeking immediate employment or further study, liberal studies creates a flexible launchpad tailored to varied interests and evolving career goals.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates will have demonstrated competency in the outcomes of the individual General Education courses they completed.

Opportunities

Students planning to transfer to four-year programs should consult the requirements of those programs to select the most appropriate courses from the Liberal Studies program.

Required Courses (60 Hrs)

Written Communication (6 Hrs)
~ENGL 1104 - Written English I 3-4 hr(s). (“C” or higher required for graduation)
AND EITHER
~ENGL 1108 - Written English II 3 hr(s). (“C” or higher required for graduation)
OR
~ENGL 1109 - Technical Report Writing 3 hr(s). (“C” or higher required for graduation)
Oral Communication (3 Hrs)
COM 1171 - Mass Communication 3 hr(s).
COM 2200 - Introduction to Human Communications 3 hr(s).
Digital Literacy (3 Hrs)
OFAD 1150 - Computer Concepts and Applications 3 hr(s).
Quantitative Literacy (3 Hrs)
~MTH 1207 - Fundamental Concepts of Mathematics 3-4 hr(s). (Or Higher)
Social Science (12 Hrs)
ECON 2201 - Economic Principles and Problems I 3 hr(s).
~HST 1101 - United States History I 3 hr(s).
~HST 1102 - United States History II 3 hr(s).
HUMN 2210 - Bioethics 3 hr(s).
~POL 1101 - American Government 3 hr(s).
~PSYG 1101 - Introduction to Psychology 3 hr(s).
~SCY 1101 - Introduction to Sociology 3 hr(s).
Natural Sciences (8 Hrs)
~BIOY 1101 - General Biology 4 hr(s).
BIOY 1160 - Introduction to Microbiology 3 hr(s).
BIOY 1161 - Intro to Microbiology Lab 1 hr(s).
~CHM 1101 - General Chemistry 3 hr(s).
~PHY 1101 - Introduction to Physics I 4 hr(s).
~PHY 1103 - Physics of Light and Color - Lecture 3 hr(s).
~PHY 1103L - Physics of Light and Color - Lab 1 hr(s).
SCI 1101 - General Science 4 hr(s).
Literature (3 Hrs)
ENGL 2201 - Introduction to Literature I: Prose Narratives 3 hr(s).
ENGL 2202 - Introduction to Literature II: Poetry & Drama 3 hr(s).
~HUMN 2200 - Bridging Cultures: Work and Identity in a Global Perspective 3 hr(s).
Fine Arts (3 Hrs)
ARTD 1120 - Art Appreciation 3 hr(s).
~MUSC 1120 - Music Appreciation 3 hr(s).
~THTR 1120 - Theatre Appreciation 3 hr(s).
Interdisciplinary (3 Hrs)
AMSL 1101 - Deaf Studies and Culture 3 hr(s).
FOSM 1110 - Nutrition 3 hr(s).
INTR 2200 - Race, Class, Gender, and Sexuality 3 hr(s).

Model Schedule (60 Hrs)

First Semester (15 Hrs)

~ENGL 1104 - Written English I 3-4 hr(s). (“C” or higher required for graduation)
~MTH 1207 - Fundamental Concepts of Mathematics 3-4 hr(s).
OFAD 1150 - Computer Concepts and Applications 3 hr(s).
Social Science Elective (3 Hrs)
Open Elective (3 Hrs)

Second Semester (16 Hrs)

~ENGL 1108 - Written English II 3 hr(s). (“C” or higher required for graduation)
-OR
~ENGL 1109 - Technical Report Writing 3 hr(s). (“C” or higher required for graduation)
COM 2200 - Introduction to Human Communications 3 hr(s).
Social Science Elective (3 Hrs)
Science Elective (4 Hrs)
Open Elective (3 Hrs)

Third Semester (15 Hrs)

Literature Elective (3 Hrs)
Social Science Electives (6 Hrs)
Open Electives (6 Hrs)

Fourth Semester (14 Hrs)

Interdisciplinary Elective (3 Hrs)
Science Elective (4 Hrs)
Open Electives (7 Hrs)

Notice to All Students

Annual Notification: All career and technical education courses and programs are offered at Pierpont regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, or disability.
Advanced Skill Set and Skill Set programs do not qualify for financial aid. Students seeking financial aid eligible degrees may incorporate the classes as electives when their schedule allows or may declare an associate or certificate degree in which the skill set and advanced skill set courses are embedded.
Students are reminded to review campus policies and procedures as stated in the catalog.

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