Liberal Studies Degree (LAS)

This program is for those who do not require the specific courses of the Liberal Arts option but would like a strong educational background to transfer to a four-year institution or immediately enter professional employment by carefully selecting electives, students may choose to major in virtually any academic discipline such as biology, English, history, or physical science. Students are encouraged to discuss majoring in any specific area of study with their academic advisor. LAS students can transfer to many four-year colleges or universities and start as a junior.

Campus/format: This program can be completed online or during the day or evening at the Gardner Campus.

Helpful hints: Students are encouraged to discuss majoring in any specific area of study with their academic advisor. Eligible LAS students should consider entering MWCC’s Honors Program. Honors Program students benefit from a challenging, highly individualized academic experience, a tuition waiver during their final semester, active recruitment by four-year colleges and universities, and the use of the Honors Center. Also, because of the program’s Commonwealth Honors Program status, all MWCC Honors courses are transferable as Honors courses within the Mass public higher education system, and MWCC graduates are guaranteed acceptance into the Honors Programs of these colleges and universities. See page 121 of the college catalog for more information.

Transfer options:This program qualifies for MassTransfer.* Transfer agreements exist with Becker College, Cambridge College, Charter Oak State College, Framingham State College (with an online option in social sciences and humanities), Hesser College, and the University of Phoenix. A partnership exists with Amherst College. Visit MWCC’s transfer planning services website: http://transfer.mwcc.edu. The Liberal Studies curricula closely parallel the general education curricula of the first two years required by most four-year colleges and universities.

3 Plus ONE eligible–go to: www.mwcc.edu/3PlusONE.

Special requirements: Technical standards must be met with or without accommodations.

Elective courses by abbreviation

Program Competencies

Upon graduation from this program, students shall have the ability to:

1. Demonstrate competence in written and oral communication in English.
2. Demonstrate competence in problem solving, scientific modes of inquiry, quantitative reasoning, and critical thinking.
3. Demonstrate competence in understanding historic and social processes.
4. Demonstrate competence in the use of modern technology to access, evaluate, and apply information.
5. Demonstrate competence in assessment of aesthetic and ethical standards in a diverse local and global environment.
6. Demonstrate competence in career planning, health management, and lifelong learning.

Technical Standards*

*general information about technical standards and accommodation.

Students entering this program must be able to demonstrate the ability to:

1. Comprehend textbook material at the 11th grade level.
2. Communicate and assimilate information either in spoken, printed, signed, or computer voice format.
3. Gather, analyze, and draw conclusions from data.