Designed with the needs of a wide variety of students in mind, the Bachelor of Liberal Studies (BLS) offers a structured, but flexible, path to a bachelor’s degree. This degree plan is particularly well-suited to students who have earned many hours but are not close to completing a degree in any major, often as a result of changing their major multiple times. The BLS provides a flexible path to degree that allows students to combine courses in ways that are interesting and relevant to them in order to earn a degree. In addition to the General Education Curriculum of the University, students completing the BLS take 36 hours of coursework from three of six academic areas (12 hours in each area; 6 hours must be at the 300/400 level) to design their own general studies degree. Specific course prefixes in each academic area can be found at www.usm.edu/ispd.
- Art and Media
- Business and Economic Development
- Health and Education
- Humanities and Communication
- Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies
- Science and Engineering
Students also choose an 18-hour concentration from among the minors offered at USM. Seniors complete a Capstone Experience by developing and implementing either an individual research project or an experiential learning project. Please talk with an advisor in the school for details about this program.
Liberal Studies BLS Degree Requirements (120 hours)
Liberal Studies BLS Semester Guide
Availability: Hattiesburg Campus; Gulf Park Campus; and Online 100%
Admission Requirements: See University Admission Policies
Program Academic Policies and Requirements:
