OVERVIEW OF MAJOR
Are you committed to a life of learning and a broad-based education? Are you interested in knowing past and contemporary cultures? Would you like exposure to a diversity of worldviews? Do you wish to develop excellent writing, speaking, thinking, and reading abilities? Would you like to study human behavior, history, and institutions in diverse societies? Have you ever wanted to explore the ways cultural forms and beliefs unite and give coherence to the American experience? Do you ever wonder about the wide variety of cultural expressions and values within American society? If your answers are "yes," then a major in Liberal Arts may be for you.
Liberal Arts majors can select from five, unique programs of study.
The Interdisciplinary Liberal Arts major emphasizes the study of many forms of creative human expression as well as examination of the social sciences. This concentration includes coursework in art, American Studies, dance, English, foreign language, music, philosophy, speech communication, theatre, as well as courses in anthropology, economics, ethnic studies, geography, history, technical journalism, political science, psychology and sociology.
The International Studies concentration is a multidisciplinary program designed to help students understand the nature of diverse cultures and peoples. Students focus on one of the following option areas: Latin American Studies, Asian Studies, Middle East & North African Studies or European Studies. Courses are required in language, history, and international studies, with other courses chosen from literature and cultural studies, the arts, philosophy, political science, ethnic studies, anthropology, and economics.
The Ethnic Studies concentration offers an interdisciplinary curriculum designed to develop critical skills and understanding of the histories and cultures of African Americans, Asian/Pacific Americans, Chicana/o and Latina/o, and indigenous peoples or Natives in the United States. Courses examine the local, national, global, and comparative contexts of racial and ethnic formation, community formation, culture, migration, and inter-group conflicts.
In addition to the three liberal arts concentrations, the College of Liberal Arts and the College of Engineering offer two five-year joint programs with dual degrees in liberal arts (BA), with either a Arts & Humanities concentration or a Social Science concentration, and engineering science (BS). The Social Sciences and Engineering Science concentration is a 155-credit programs that prepare students for a vast array of career options. The Arts & Humanities and Engineering Science degree program requires 152 credits.
To further increase depth and focus, and to enhance expertise and career opportunities, liberal arts students are required to complete a minor or an interdisciplinary studies program. With the aid of an academic adviser, Liberal Arts majors have maximum flexibility to choose a curriculum that best suits individual interests. Liberal Arts majors acquire a well-rounded education and develop a number of transferable skills, including problem solving abilities, reading comprehension, analytical skills, and communication skills.
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CHARACTERISTICS AND SKILLS
* Interest in a broad range of topics
* A creative spirit
* Ability to adapt to a variety of situations
* A desire for an interdisciplinary approach to education
* Reading and comprehension abilities
* A strong desire and an ability to learn how to learn
* Ability to integrate knowledge from several perspectives into a coherent whole
* Excellent writing and speaking skills
* Ability to think critically and logically
* A strong interest in beauty and creativity
* A capacity to study human expression, behavior, history, and institutions
* Ability to research and write on topics of interest
* A desire to know past and contemporary cultures
* A desire to understand American culture
* A desire for responsible and creative participation in society
* Knowledge of diverse cultures and viewpoints
* Leadership abilities
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POTENTIAL CAREER OPTIONS
Graduates apply their education in jobs in the private, non-profit, and public sectors. Others enter graduate and professional schools for more specialized study. Because Liberal Arts graduates are broadly educated, communicate well, and think both logically and critically, many graduates find satisfying jobs after a period of “job moving”. Liberal Arts majors who are able to achieve some depth in one or two areas have better job prospects. Many employers appreciate liberal arts majors for their multiple skills and their ability to adapt to a variety of tasks and work environments. Careers for graduates are available in education, business and government. Participation in paid or voluntary work, internships and cooperative education opportunities is recommended to hone your skills and enhance your resume. Depending on your interests, focus, and concentration, a large variety of careers can be found in the following areas, among others:
* Public policy
* Artistic production
* Mass media
* Engineering
* Law
* City planning
* Business
* Information systems
* International business
* Journalism
* Publishing
* Education
* Management and administration
* Government
* Communications
* Museum work
* Entertainment
* Foreign Service
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RELATED STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
* Liberal Arts College Council
* Student clubs exist in most academic departments
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MORE INFORMATION
Dean’s Office
College of Liberal Arts
C138 Clark Building
1701 Campus Delivery
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1701
970- 491-5421
http://www.colostate.edu/Colleges/LibArts/
* Academic and career advising for majors
Center for Advising and Student Achievement (CASA)
TILT Building
801 Oval Drive
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1033
970-491-7095
http://www.casa.colostate.edu
* Academic advising/Major exploration
Career Center
26 Lory Student Center
Lower level, by Student Media
Fort Collins, CO 80523
970-491-5707
http://career.colostate.edu
* Major and career exploration/Job search information
Admissions and Undergraduate Recruitment
Ammons Hall
711 Oval Drive
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523
970-491-6909
http://www.admissions.colostate.edu
* Admission applications/University visits and tours
General Catalog Online
http://www.catalog.colostate.edu/
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