William Paterson University

What you'll study

The Liberal Studies major comprises 45 credits: a 9-credit core and two 18-credit tracks selected from the program’s options. Core courses introduce interdisciplinary methods, applied ethics and a culminating capstone.

• LBST 2010: Liberal Studies Colloquium — 3 credits, 7-week course serving as the program portal; focuses on interdisciplinary reading, research, writing and instructional technology with rotating thematic topics (examples include Life Span; Gender and Society; Technology and Society; Citizenship in a Global Age).
• LBST 2500: Liberal Studies & Community Engagement — 3 credits, 7-week course that addresses social justice and applied ethics topics (responsible citizenship, economic inequality, corporate and environmental responsibility, animal rights, reproductive and end-of-life ethics) and includes civic engagement projects.
• LBST 4800: Senior Capstone Seminar — 3 credits, 7-week seminar that requires an individual research project synthesizing the two chosen tracks.

Entry requirements

Admission is streamlined for adult learners. Minimum requirements include a cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale, official transcripts from all colleges previously attended (or high school transcript if no prior college), and completion of the online application with a $50 fee. Applicants must be either four years post-high-school, or at least two years post-high-school with 60 or more college credits. Official documents are sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Enrollment Services (email and mailing addresses are provided by the university).

Career prospects

The program focuses on transferable skills—critical reading, interdisciplinary research, written and oral communication, ethical reasoning and portfolio development—preparing graduates for career changes, professional advancement in diverse fields, or further study in graduate programs. Students complete a portfolio intended to showcase strengths to employers or admissions committees.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

William Paterson’s online undergraduate programs use a pay-by-the-course model; the published per-credit rate for this program is $381 (per course listed as $1,143). All fees are included in that tuition figure. Prospective students should check the university’s financial aid office for transfer credit policies, scholarship opportunities, employer tuition benefits, and federal aid eligibility.