Curriculum in Liberal Studies

The bachelor of liberal studies degree (B.L.S.) was established by the three Iowa Regent universities to meet the needs of Iowans who want to earn a college degree but whose circumstances present obstacles to completing a traditional on-campus degree program. The degree may be earned from Iowa State University, the University of Iowa, or the University of Northern Iowa.

The B.L.S. is a general studies degree in the liberal arts. There is no traditional major. Instead, students take coursework in three areas of distribution. These areas may be focused in a single discipline or diversified over several disciplines. With the assistance of a B.L.S. adviser, students can structure a program that meets their individual educational, vocational or personal goals.

Up to three-fourths of the total degree requirements can be transferred from accredited institutions. Work done in community colleges or other accredited colleges and universities can be applied toward the degree, as can applicable courses taken at any of the three Iowa Regent universities, whether on or off campus.

The B.L.S. program has no residence requirements. To complete the degree, students may offer credits earned in various study formats: correspondence courses; telecourses; Saturday and evening courses; off-campus courses, including those with distance-learning formats; and regular on-campus courses. Students may also earn credits by proficiency or test-out examinations.