Wartburg College

What you'll study

The General Studies and Humanities pathway in Wartburg's Liberal Arts and Sciences degree emphasises a broad, interdisciplinary liberal arts curriculum. Students complete a common core of general education courses in writing, inquiry-based learning, quantitative reasoning and the natural sciences, then choose concentrations from humanities, social sciences and elective clusters to shape an individualized degree. Typical modules and topics include:

• Foundations in the Humanities: introductory courses in literature, philosophy, history and religious studies that develop close reading, argumentation and cultural context.
• Interdisciplinary Perspectives: courses that bridge disciplines such as cultural studies, environmental humanities, ethics, and digital humanities.
• Communication and Writing: advanced composition, rhetoric, public speaking and media studies to strengthen written and oral communication.
• Social Science Options: introductions to psychology, sociology, political science and economics to provide social and behavioural context for humanistic inquiry.
• Quantitative and Scientific Literacy: courses in statistics, quantitative reasoning and natural science electives to ensure numeracy and empirical understanding.
• Capstone and Integrative Experience: a senior seminar, research practicum or applied project that synthesises interdisciplinary learning and often incorporates community-engaged research or a portfolio.
• Experiential Learning: internship placements, service-learning courses, study abroad opportunities and faculty-mentored research to apply classroom learning to real-world settings.

Students personalise their programme by selecting electives and a concentration or minors in areas such as creative writing, music, theatre, history, philosophy, languages, public policy or education. Academic advising helps map coursework to career goals or prepare for graduate and professional schools.

Entry requirements

Admission to Wartburg College typically requires a completed secondary school record or equivalent and evidence of academic readiness for undergraduate study. Specific expectations commonly include:

• High school diploma or equivalent with a strong mix of college-preparatory courses in humanities, mathematics and sciences.
• A competitive cumulative GPA; successful applicants demonstrate consistent academic work and engagement in extracurricular activities or leadership roles.
• Submission of an application form and official transcripts. Standardised test scores (SAT or ACT) may be optional depending on current institutional policy; applicants should check Wartburg's admissions guidance for testing requirements.
• One or more letters of recommendation from teachers or counsellors, and a personal statement or essay that describes academic interests and reasons for pursuing a liberal arts education.
• International applicants must provide proof of English language proficiency (for example, TOEFL or IELTS) if their prior instruction was not in English, together with equivalent academic documents and credential evaluations where required.

Prospective transfer students should supply college transcripts and may receive credit for prior college-level coursework. Applicants with non-traditional educational backgrounds are encouraged to contact the Admissions Office to discuss pathways and documentation.

Career prospects

Graduates with a Liberal Arts and Sciences degree concentrating in General Studies and Humanities leave Wartburg prepared for diverse career paths that require critical thinking, clear communication and adaptability. Common directions include:

• Communications, public relations and marketing roles that value writing, storytelling and audience analysis.
• Education and youth services, including secondary teaching (with additional certification where required), tutoring, and programme coordination for cultural or educational organisations.
• Non-profit and community organisations, working in programme management, fundraising, outreach and advocacy.
• Government, public policy and municipal roles that require research, analysis and constituent engagement.
• Publishing, journalism and digital media, including editorial work, content creation and social media strategy.
• Library, museum and archival work, often combined with internships, volunteer experience or graduate study in library science or museum studies.
• Further study in law, business, library and information science, graduate humanities programmes or professional schools; the degree provides a strong foundation for postgraduate specialisation.

Wartburg’s Career Services and alumni network support students with internships, job placement resources and advising to translate liberal arts skills into marketable experience.

Why study at Wartburg College

Wartburg is a residential liberal arts college with a strong commitment to personalised teaching, small class sizes and faculty mentorship. Students benefit from close interactions with faculty who are active teachers and often involved in undergraduate research and community-engaged projects. The college’s liberal arts core emphasises values-based learning and civic responsibility, shaped by its Lutheran heritage while welcoming students of all backgrounds.

Key features include a robust advising system to design interdisciplinary programmes, abundant experiential-learning opportunities—such as internships, service learning and study abroad—and campus organisations that foster leadership and creativity. The supportive campus community, combined with resources in career development and alumni connections, helps graduates move confidently into careers or further study.