About Liberal Studies
Liberal Studies is a strong starting point for students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university.
At CMCC, you’ll complete a broad foundation of general education coursework while exploring areas that align with your academic interests. The program includes pathways that help guide your studies in areas such as humanities and social sciences, while still allowing flexibility to explore different fields.
This program is built for transfer, allowing you to work with advisors to select courses that support your intended major and continue your education at a four-year institution.
Chart your own course
Pathways and Coursework
The Liberal Studies program offers several academic pathways that help guide your coursework and align with your transfer goals. Students can focus their studies in areas such as history, economics and public policy, English, philosophy, and political science, while still maintaining the flexibility to explore different disciplines.
Economics & Public Policy
- COM 100 Public Speaking
- ECO 201 Introduction to Macroeconomics
- ECO 202 Introduction to Microeconomics
- MAT 135 Statistics
- PHI 111 Introduction to Ethics
- POS 150 Introduction to Public Policy
- SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology
- SSC 200 Research Methods for Social Science
English
- COM 100 Public Speaking
- ENG 112 American Literature I
- ENG 113 American Literature II
- ENG 221 Advanced Composition & Research
- ENG 294 Special Topics
- PHI 111 Introduction to Ethics
- ENG electives (three from select lists)
- MAT elective (one from select list)
History
- COM 100 Public Speaking
- ENG 125 Introduction to Literature
- PHI 111 Introduction to Ethics
- HIS 131 American History to 1887
- HIS 132 American History since 1887
- HIS 220 America & the Civil War
- HIS electives (three from select lists)
- MAT elective (one from select list)
Philosophy
- COM 100 Public Speaking
- ENG 125 Introduction to Literature
- MCO 165 Medical Ethics and Law
- PHI 101 Critical Thinking
- PHI 111 Introduction to Ethics
- PHI 151 Introduction to Western Philosophy
- PHI 153 Introduction to Eastern Philosophy
- REL 101 Comparative Religion
- MAT elective (one from select list)
- GEN elective (one from select list)
Political Science
- COM 100 Public Speaking
- ENG 125 Introduction to Literature
- PHI 111 Introduction to Ethics
- POS 150 Introduction to American Politics
- POS 151 American and State Government
- POS 152 Introduction to Public Policy
- POS 160 Introduction to International Relations
- POS 205 Introduction to Comparative Politics
- POS 296 Special Topics
- MAT elective (one from select list)
Continue the Journey
Where Graduates Transfer
Graduates of the Liberal Studies program transfer to four-year institutions to pursue bachelor’s degrees in fields such as history, English, political science, and other humanities and social sciences, often continuing their education based on their chosen area of study.
Got Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Liberal Studies program?
Graduates of the Liberal Studies program transfer to four-year institutions to pursue bachelor’s degrees in fields such as history, English, political science, and other humanities and social sciences, often continuing their education based on their chosen area of study.
How is Liberal Studies different from General Studies?
Liberal Studies offers a more structured academic pathway with defined areas of focus, helping students align their coursework with a specific transfer goal. General Studies is more flexible and is often used by students who are still exploring their academic direction or completing prerequisites.
How does this program support transfer to a four-year college?
Students work closely with advisors and transfer resources to select courses that align with their intended major and transfer institution. Early planning helps ensure that credits transfer effectively and that students are prepared to continue their education at the bachelor’s level.
How do the pathways work within the Liberal Studies program?
Students can choose from several academic pathways to help guide their elective choices and align their coursework with their intended major. These pathways provide direction in areas such as history, economics and public policy, English, philosophy, and political science, while still allowing flexibility to explore different disciplines.
Your Future at CMCC
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