Liberal Arts and Sciences Programs

The Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) programs are flexible and focused degrees emphasizing disciplinary concentration in interdisciplinary contexts.  These versatile degrees draw on the rich resources and faculty of the College of Arts and Sciences.

The Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Students work together on chemistry experiment.The Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Sciences is offered at both the Macomb and Quad Cities campuses of Western Illinois University.  Involving focused study in the traditional areas of liberal education (Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences/Mathematics), the degree can be tailored to meet students’ academic needs and interests.  The Bachelor of LAS equips students with the transferable skills most valued by employers; it is also excellent preparation for graduate education.  The degree is especially attractive to transfer students; in most cases, students entering the LAS program with an Associate in Arts or an Associate in Science degree should be able to complete the program within four semesters. (Read more about the program.)

The Master of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Informal discussion between students and professorThe Master of Liberal Arts and Sciences is for students on the Macomb and Quad Cities campuses who need or desire advanced education but do not require a specific specialized content area. This interdisciplinary degree stresses critical thinking, comparative analysis, and highly flexible content rather than a more traditional advanced specialization in a fairly small content area. LAS is designed especially for students seeking a master’s degree as an occupational qualification and for those who wish more in-depth inquiry into the liberal arts and sciences as a step toward greater personal fulfillment. LAS promotes an advanced level of critique, analysis, and comparison; students explore the broad questions faced by human beings, as well as the specific means by which individual disciplines in the Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Mathematics have addressed these questions. (Read more about the program.)

Contact us

For program information and Advising contact:

Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Sciences:

Dr. Althea K. Alton, Director
Liberal Arts and Sciences
College of Arts and Sciences
309/298-1828
las-bacc@wiu.edu

Master of Liberal Arts and Sciences:

Dr. Althea K. Alton, Director
Liberal Arts and Sciences
College of Arts and Sciences
309/298-1828
Grad-LAS@wiu.edu