SALEM — Salem State University has announced the creation of a new academic major in liberal studies, beginning this fall semester.
Offered by Salem State’s interdisciplinary studies department, the major will benefit traditional, transfer, and adult students who are looking to develop knowledge across a variety of academic areas and grow as creative and critical thinkers.
In conjunction with the major, students are required to complete a foundational, interdisciplinary studies methods and research course, complete a capstone research project, and work with a faculty advisor to focus their additional courses around two or three academic areas or themes.
Elizabeth Duclos-Orsello, chair of the interdisciplinary studies department, said the liberal studies major will allow students to build 21st-century skills of integration and synthesis across areas of academic inquiry, ultimately preparing them to succeed as they meet their personal and educational goals.
“As a department committed to equity and access, we are excited to add a major that will allow students to maximize prior coursework, creating a robust degree path designed to ease the journey to graduation for students who may have switched majors or taken courses in multiple academic areas,” Duclos-Orsello said.
The major is designed to meet the needs of students with some prior college credits or those who have changed majors and are looking for a pathway to integrate what they have learned in order to graduate on time.
“We look forward to teaching and mentoring students along their journeys to personal and professional success,” said Duclos-Orsello. “Our aim is to build creative and critical thinkers suited to lead and make change, with justice at the center in all sectors.”
In addition to liberal studies, the interdisciplinary studies department offers a major in interdisciplinary studies, with concentrations in American studies, and peace-and-conflict studies.
For more information about the liberal studies major or Salem State’s department of interdisciplinary studies, visit salemstate.edu/interdisciplinarystudies or contact Chair Elizabeth Duclos-Orsello at [email protected] or 978-542-6354.
