Liberal Arts

What Is Liberal Arts ?

The term "liberal arts" can simply refer to the disciplines of the humanities, social sciences and sciences, but in this case, it refers more generally to a curriculum designed to provide a foundation of knowledge of culture (humanities), society (social sciences) and science (sciences) while developing intellectual and practical skills (critical thinking, ethical thinking, analytical thinking, problem solving and effective communication) that can be applied in real-world settings. This kind of education is highly regarded because it fosters the development of valuable skills that are applicable to a wide range of activities, including the ability to learn and apply knowledge, deal with complexity and adapt to change.

Success Factors

The program is well-suited for students whose needs and interests are not being met by existing A&S majors, such as those

who have several areas of interest or wish to pursue a course of study that spans several disciplines

who are preparing for graduate study in an interdisciplinary or multi-disciplinary area not incorporated in any existing programs at the university (e.g., linguistics, forensics, urban studies, religious studies)

who are aiming for a career where multidisciplinary education could be appropriate or even advantageous (law, diplomacy, public service, mediation, environmental advocacy, etc)

whose engagement in campus or community groups inspires multidisciplinary interests

who are transferring in from a branch campus or elsewhere with an associate of arts or science degree

who are non-traditional and seeking further education to complement life/job experiences

Career Possibilities

Liberal arts majors with strong training in multiple disciplines are prepared to undertake a wide variety leadership positions that stress teamwork and visionary thinking. Each individualized degree plan supports and enhances career potential within the identified degree goals. More general career options are listed on the Career Development Center’s Web site.

Major Details

The liberal arts major in UC McMicken College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) is constructed by combining three minors or certificates, at least two of which must chosen from those offered by A&S departments (not including business French or business Spanish). Although there is no requirement that the three components of this program be linked thematically, students would be expected to use the capstone to tie their studies to their academic goals.

At least 15 credits of each minor/certificate must be applied only to that minor or certificate and may not be used to fulfill the requirements of another minor or certificate in the program. The same rules on double-counting of courses for college distribution requirements will apply to this program as to other majors in the college. GPA and residency requirements specified by the individual minors/certificates will apply (but in any case, the GPA in each certificate/minor must be at least 2.0).

Each minor or certificate must include at least one course at the 300-level or above. In order to fulfill general education requirements, students pursuing this degree must include at least one mid-collegiate "methodology" course in one of the minor/certificate areas they choose, as identified by that discipline.

The student must complete a capstone project/experience that has been approved by the A&S Interdisciplinary Council as part of the student’s overall course of study. The capstone project/experience/course requirement may be met by completing it under the auspices of one of the A&S programs in the degree (with the cooperation and engagement of the other programs as appropriate), or this may be an interdisciplinary capstone (i.e., 15INTR505) if the corresponding program directors agree to cooperate and this makes academic sense.

Students will be required to meet all relevant prerequisites (coursework, GPA minimum credit hours) prior to embarking upon a capstone.

Students interested in this major should contact the A&S Student Affairs and Advising Office (French West, 2nd Floor, 513-556-5860) for information and for instructions on how to set up a course of study within the program. Students should work closely with their college advisor and with departmental faculty advisors when choosing courses to meet degree requirements as well as their educational and career goals.

Minor Details

A minor in liberal arts is not available.

Curriculum

This curriculum information is intended as a general information guide for students considering enrollment in this major. These online tools are designed to assist you, but are not a substitute for planning with an academic or faculty advisor.

If you are currently enrolled at UC, you can audit your degree online. If you are considering transferring to this major from another school use the course applicability system (CAS) to see how credits you have earned will apply to this major at UC. For course descriptions by college, click here.

I. College Distribution Requirements [Checklist]
English Composition (ENGL 101-102) = 6 cr.
Intermediate Composition (ENGL 289) = 3 cr.
*Quantitative Reasoning = 9 cr.
*Historical Perspectives (at least 3 cr HIST) = 9 cr.
*Natural Science = 9 cr.
*Social Science = 9 cr.
*Humanities, Fine Arts, Literature (at least 3 LIT and 3 HUM) = 9 cr.
Foreign language = 15 cr.

Note: SE and DC General Education requirements can be met with above courses.

* At least 6 of these credits must be taken in A&S. Equivalent or comparable A&S courses earned while enrolled at previous colleges will count toward these requirements.

II. Liberal Arts Programs (at least 57 cr hr)
Students select three minors or certificates (typically 27-40 cr each), subject to the following:

1. at least one course must count as a "methodology" course in the relevant discipline (to satisfy the General Education Mid-Career requirement) (3 cr)
2. each certificate or minor must include at least one course at the 300 level or higher
3. the student must include a capstone project, experience or course attached to one of the constituent A&S programs (1 ? 3 cr, depending on program) or an interdisciplinary capstone
4. at least two of the three certificates/minors must be housed in/offered by A&S
5. at least 15 credits of each minor/certificate must be applied only to that minor or certificate and not be used to fulfill the requirements of another minor or certificate.

II. Electives
Remaining credit hours to total 180 credit hrs.

Special Opportunities

Students in McMicken College of Arts & Sciences enjoy many benefits afforded through study at a research-intensive institution ranked among the nation's top 25 public research universities. UC's urban, Tri-state location offers exciting opportunities for global education, research and service learning, while its student-centered focus includes an 11:1 faculty-student ratio, a nationally recognized Center for Exploratory Studies and a highly successful First Year Experience program that teaches critical skills for first-year students and provides connections with important campus resources.

Special Programs

The liberal arts program provides a special opportunity for qualified, highly motivated students to design and complete a major that complements their unique interests and strengths while drawing upon the wide-ranging expertise of a notable liberal arts faculty. Students are able to study multiple, complementary or non-related areas of study to build an exceptional educational portfolio. Opportunities outside of the classroom, such as internships and research, can always be incorporated into the program plan. 

Examples of liberal arts degree combinations include (but are not limited to):

• Political Science, Philosophy, History (pre-law)
• Spanish, International Human Rights, Women’s Studies
• Economics, Business, Asian Studies (with optional 2^nd year of language)
• Chemistry, Psychology, Judaic Studies (for pre-med)
• Philosophy, Biology, Spanish (pre-med)
• Anthropology, Biology, Chemistry (Forensics)

Students interested in this program should contact the A&S Student Affairs and Advising Office (French West, 2nd Floor, 556-5860) for information and for instructions on how to set up a course of study within the program. Students should work closely with their college advisor and with departmental faculty advisors when choosing courses to meet degree requirements as well as their educational and career goals.

Admission Requirements

Admission criteria for this program vary based on the relative strength of test scores, class rank and GPA. Please see the Freshman Class Profile for this major in the Quick Facts sidebar on this page for the range of academic credentials typically accepted into this program. Test scores in the lower range may be acceptable with higher class rank and/or GPA. Freshmen applying to this program should also have completed the following state of Ohio articulation requirements with no more than two units missing:

• English (4 units)*
• College-preparatory mathematics (3 units)*
• Science (2 units)
• Social science (2 units)
• Foreign language (2 units)*
• Additional college-prep subjects (3 units)

*McMicken College of Arts and Sciences does not allow units missing from these areas.

Transfer Requirements

Applicants to A&S whose most recent enrollment was not in any of the UC colleges must apply through the Office of Admissions. Applicants in this category must submit transcripts for all secondary school and college-level work. A cumulative GPA of 2.0 for all college-level work is required for admission consideration. Admission to A&S is generally available for any off-campus applicants who have received an associate degree from an accredited college or university and whose cumulative GPA is 2.0 or higher.

University transfer scholarships are available to those who meet specific requirements and ANY admitted A&S transfer student might qualify for an A&S transfer scholarship. Deadlines and eligibility criteria are online via the previous links.

Changing Major Requirements

Applicants to A&S whose most recent enrollment was as a degree student in one of UC’s other colleges can apply directly to the A&S college office. Admission to A&S is generally available for any on-campus students who have:

• at least a 2.0 GPA in all college-level courses (both at UC and at other institutions),
• successfully completed two quarters of English composition or its equivalent, and
• gained credit for a college-level mathematics course.

A&S students must meet the college residency requirement of 45.0 hours which begins immediately upon matriculation in the college and consists of courses taught within A&S.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate from UC McMicken College of Arts and Sciences, students must:

• Earn at least 180 credits. This can include transfer credit, AP credit and free electives, but does not include preparatory coursework. Students who have met all other degree requirements must continue earning credit until the total number of their earned hours comes to at least 180.
• Attain a 2.0 grade point average for all courses taken at the University of Cincinnati.
• Be in good academic standing, that is, not on either academic probation or disciplinary probation or suspension.
• Complete the residency requirement by earning at least 45 credits after matriculating into the college. These minimum 45 credits must be taught within McMicken College of Arts and Sciences (15), and also must be completed after gaining admission to the college.
• Complete all of the requirements of at least one major (see major requirements above).
• Complete the College Core Requirements.
• Submit an application for graduation to the registrar's office by their posted deadline.

Application Deadlines

UC operates on a quarter system, with 10-week grading periods beginning in late September, early January, late March and mid-June. While midyear admission is possible, fall quarter is generally the best time to enter the college, since many course sequences begin in that quarter. Applicants to McMicken College of Arts and Sciences who are enrolled or who were previously enrolled as degree-seeking students in A&S or in other UC colleges should apply for admission directly to A&S (in French West, 2nd Floor). All other applicants who wish to earn an undergraduate degree from A&S should apply through the Office of Admissions (3rd Floor, University Pavilion).