"Liberal education is built on these values: it aspires to nurture the growth of human
talent in the service of human freedom."
William Cronon, from The American Scholar, Volume 67, No. 4, Autumn 1998.
The purpose of the WCU Liberal Studies Program is to prepare students to become contributing and informed citizens in a global community.
The university's bachelor's degree programs include courses in Liberal Studies designed to help each student attain the knowledge,
skills, and attitudes of an educated person, including the ability to think critically,
communicate effectively, identify and solve problems reflectively, use information
and technology responsibly, develop an appreciation for the creative and performing
arts, and, form a basis for continued personal development and lifelong learning.
Additionally, some aspects of the program foster the development of citizenship characteristics such as behavior characterized by honesty, integrity, and responsibility; service to others; awareness of and sensitivity to the concerns of diverse people and cultures; and commitment to stewardship of the natural and cultural environment.
Liberal Studies requires a total of 42 semester hours, distributed in the following way: The Core (21 hours), The First-Year Seminar (3 hours), and The Perspectives (18 hours).
We invite you to access resources and forms for students and faculty, learn about our liberal studies committee, or contact us with your questions.
Official Liberal Studies Document (PDF)