60 Universities related to Liberal Studies found in Canada

LIBERAL STUDIES

Introduction

Liberal Studies refers to the field of academics where one learns multiple, diverse courses or subjects like humanities, mathematics, visual arts, social sciences, etc. It is a multidisciplinary and non-traditional approach which provides the opportunity for an idea-driven person to gain knowledge in a variety of subjects than to follow a traditional single academic discipline. As from the name, the student is at his or her own freedom to learn subjects that interest her. So, if a person wishes to pursue his studies in various dimensions rather than concentrating and focussing on just one field for the sake of following a profession, a degree in liberal studies would be the best option. The course helps to become more aware of oneself, improves the communication skills and also transforms the individual into a better personality. Studying Liberal studies or Liberal Arts makes the student respect the cultural and societal diversities of the world. Generally the degree awarded is a Bachelor of Arts (B.A. in Liberal Studies).

Scope of the subject

                        Since the course involves the study of various diverse subjects, it paves the way to a plethora of careers. Taking up the course helps to build a strong base or foundation which becomes quite necessary for many jobs. Also, there is a wide scope for the graduate himself developing his own path of coursework depending upon his interest. Various skills such as analytical and problem solving skills get a boost through liberal studies and the students’ reading and writing skills can be improved by way of this course. Good communication skills come as an added advantage. Some career prospects include sales and marketing, educationist, opportunities in NGO, etc.

Types of Specializations

                        Liberal Studies is not a field of specialized study of one or two subjects but a combination of many. Having said this, a student wishing to pursue the course must be aware of the various topics that will be covered generally in the courses. In the olden times, probably during the medieval European times, universities offered programs basically in seven art subjects. They were, Grammar, Logic, Rhetoric, Music, Astronomy, Arithmetic and Geometry. The present day universities offer Liberal Studies as a course consisting of subjects in Humanities (like language, literature, philosophy, fine arts and history), natural physical and biological sciences, Mathematics as well as Social Science. Other branches of Liberal studies may include Economics, Media studies, Psychology, Political science and computer science as well.

Prerequisites for the course

Candidates who have completed schooling in any discipline and have sufficient score in the English language tests like TOEFL or IELTS (depending upon the university) are eligible to pursue this course. Candidates who have passed Bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts can pursue Master's degree in Liberal Arts in Foreign universities.

Liberal Studies Abroad

                Personal growth and life changing adventurous moments may be experienced when one opts for the Liberal Studies abroad. Compared to the course in India and abroad, doing the course overseas would be of higher value. This is quite evident from the differences in the very own education system of our country and the system in many other parts of the world. When the career focussed approach is emphasised in India, the case is different in foreign developed nations. The individual interests are mainly focussed in foreign education. This in fact is reflected upon in courses like these. Moreover, when one has to explore more the country that one wishes to settle down for career, it is worth doing programs in arts in the place. For instance, studying fine arts in France might help one to understand the nuances in French techniques and methods, while studying language in Italy can familiarise with the dialects of the country. The students’ global network get chances of widening and enhance capability.

Some Top Universities and their Study programs in Liberal Arts

Bachelor’s programs (3 and 4 years programs)

In the US:

• Johns Hopkins University – Bachelor of Music in Liberal Arts

• New York University - AA in Liberal Arts

• University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign - 88 Liberal Studies courses like B.A. in Liberal Arts and Sciences – Anthropology and Archaeology, Art History etc.

• Boston University - Bachelor of Liberal Studies in Art History

In the UK:

• King’s College London – University of London

- King's International Foundation - Liberal Arts & Social Science

- King's International Foundation - Liberal Arts & Politics

- Liberal Arts BA (Hons.)

• University of Bristol - Liberal Arts BA (Hons.)

Other Universities:

• McGill University, Canada - Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Major Concentration Liberal Arts

• The Chinese University of Hongkong - Bachelor of Education (Liberal Studies) Programme

• University of Amsterdam, Netherlands - BA/BSc in Liberal Arts and Sciences (Joint Degree)

• University of Sydney - Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Science

Master’s programs (2 years programs)

• University of Pennsylvania, USA -Master of Liberal Arts (MLA); Master of Philosophy in Liberal Arts

• Duke University, USA - Master of Arts in Liberal Studies

• University of South California, USA - Master of Liberal Studies

• Boston University, USA - Master of Liberal Arts in Gastronomy

• Rice University, USA - Master of Liberal Studies

• Dartmouth College, USA - MA in Liberal Studies

• Vanderbilt University, USA - Master of Liberal Arts and Science

• University of Winchester, UK - Liberal Arts MA

                        It may be advisable for a person still in dilemma whether to go ahead with the course or not to consider the following benefits of doing the Liberal Studies courses.

• Liberal arts become the foundation for a multiple other careers or specializations.
• It is suggested that a student learn such courses when he or she does not have a clear idea of interest or is rather interested in more than two or three fields of study.
• The programs under Liberal Studies moulds the personality into a better community member and this helps in the development of the person.
• A recent study in the US pointed out that 74% of CEOs surveyed said that they would recommend Liberal Arts education to students. Students of Liberal studies are found to possess transferable skills to adapt to a changing workplace.
• Apart from academia and education, Liberal studies improves communication skills and help the person better thrive in the society.

                        Students of Liberal studies are quite distinct when it comes to choosing a career. Generally for any other degree, the student has the clear idea of the field he has to work in before he begins the program. But in the case of Liberal Studies, it is generally towards the end of the program that the students chooses his preferred area of job. This is an advantage that this course possesses because the person can be hundred percent sure that he does not end up with the wrong career choice which most of the youngsters in the job market do.

Some key roles or job-profiles held by graduates in Liberal Studies include the following:

• Business, Sales and Marketing: Marketing and sales and other such business development projects are in dire need of employees who have the potential to work, communicate and adapt themselves with the people in the field. Liberal studies programs aids this requirement.

• Education & Academia:  as you explore, research, and/or teach a chosen subject, liberal studies provides the extra dimensions to the interdisciplinary knowledge and skills. A teacher is known for wide range of knowledge which is a product of this study program

• Arts and Media: With the various kinds of subjects related to visual and media communications, the Art and Media industry require professionals with liberal studies to enhance and develop their business as well.

• Political Science: This area includes careers in the field of law, administration, public policies, NGOs, charities, etc.

In his book, ‘Way to Wealth’ in 1758, Benjamin Franklin says, “Investment in knowledge always yields the best interest”. Thus we see that the importance of taking up a degree in Liberal studies can be beneficial to student willing to study abroad.

Canada, ranked amongst the top 10 countries of the world by United Nations, is known for its eminent education, excellent institutions and quality of life. It has the top institutions and universities which provide excellent education to students from all over the world, thereby becoming one of the top choices for studying abroad.

A number of Canadian Institutes provide exchange programs for its students, all over the globe, which gives them the right exposure and a great experience to learn and develop as an individual. Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec are the top hubs for education in Canada where a number of international students prefer.

The country spends a lot on providing the best education to its students. Various undergraduate degrees, postgraduate courses, diploma, advanced diploma, etc. are being provided in most of the Canadian Universities.University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, University of Alberta, University of Waterloo and York University are counted among the best universities in Canada.

Canada can be a great choice for students planning to pursue higher degrees of education because of the high standards and lower cost of living. The universities provide excellent infrastructure and facilities, which makes it a highly favored study abroad destination.