Marian University

What you'll study

This interdisciplinary degree emphasises breadth across the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences while allowing depth through elective concentrations. Core elements include courses in literature, history, philosophy, ethics, cultural studies and writing, together with social-science methods, introductory courses in psychology or sociology, and options in mathematics or natural science to maintain scientific literacy.

• Foundations in the Humanities: classical and modern literature, world history, philosophy, and cultural studies.
• Communication and Writing: academic writing, rhetoric, digital communication and research practicum.
• Social Science and Inquiry: introductory sociology, psychology, political science, and qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Scientific Literacy: options in biology, environmental studies or mathematics to ensure a balanced liberal-arts education.
• Electives and Concentrations: students can focus electives in areas such as creative writing, religious studies, gender studies, languages, or media studies.
• Capstone Experience: a senior project, research thesis or integrative portfolio that synthesises learning across disciplines, often incorporating experiential components such as internships or community-based projects.

The programme is typically delivered through small seminars, lecture courses and experiential learning opportunities. Students are encouraged to work closely with faculty advisors to tailor a course of study that aligns with their interests and career goals, and to take advantage of study abroad, internships and service-learning placements.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a high-school diploma or equivalent. Admission looks at academic performance, secondary-school transcripts and a demonstrated readiness for college-level work. Typical supporting materials include a personal statement or essay and one or more letters of recommendation. Mature students and transfer applicants are welcome; transfer credit is assessed on submission of college transcripts. Some applicants may be asked to undertake placement testing in writing or mathematics to guide course selection. International applicants should meet the university's requirements for English proficiency and submit official academic documentation as requested.

Career prospects

Graduates with a liberal-arts degree develop broad, transferable skills — critical thinking, written and oral communication, research and problem-solving — that employers across sectors value. Common career paths include:

• Education and academic support roles, including pathways into teacher certification programmes.
• Communications, publishing, digital content and marketing roles.
• Public service, non-profit and community development positions, including programme coordination and outreach.
• Business roles that value analytical and interpersonal skills, such as human resources, project support and administration.
• Graduate and professional study in fields such as law, social work, public administration, library science and advanced humanities or social-science disciplines.

Students often combine the degree with internships, volunteer work and co-curricular activities to build specific vocational experience. Career services at Marian support résumé development, interview preparation and employer engagement to help connect graduates with internships and entry-level roles.

Why study at Marian University

Marian University offers a small-campus environment with personalised attention from faculty and an emphasis on values-driven education. The liberal-arts and general-studies curriculum is integrated with experiential learning opportunities, community engagement and service that reflect the university's mission. Students benefit from accessible faculty mentorship, academic advising to design interdisciplinary pathways, career and internship support, and options for study abroad and interdisciplinary research. The campus environment and support services are geared toward helping students translate a broad-based humanities education into concrete skills and career plans.