Why a Degree in Liberal Studies?
Discover the endless career possibilities with an online Liberal Studies degree (BLS) from The University of Southern Mississippi. Our BLS program allows you to design an academic pathway that will focus on your academic interests and talents. Southern Miss offers you a flexible and convenient online learning environment as you pursue your goals, while maintaining your personal life and schedule.
If you are in the military; you’ve started a four-year degree and then life happened and had to take time away; or are a mid-career professional looking for further advancement in your field—the BLS is particularly well-suited for you!
Designing Your Pathway
As you choose online courses from across the university that fit your interests and career aspirations, the emphasis areas will guide you toward developing a research project that incorporates aspects of your concentration.
- DESIGN YOUR OWN LIBERAL STUDIES DEGREE: Take 36 hours of coursework by selecting three of six areas, including:
- Arts & Media
- Business & Economic Development,
- Health & Education
- Humanities & Communication
- Social Science & Interdisciplinary Studies
- Science & Engineering
To help you plan, we have created a list of all course prefixes associated with each of the six areas: course prefixes.
- CHOOSE A CONCENTRATION: Take 18 hours for a concentration by selecting from among the list of available minors offered at USM.
- COMPLETE THE CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE: Be career-ready as you develop and implement either an individual research project or an experiential learning project that will culminate with a professional portfolio.
Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Allan Eickelmann
D.Min., Associate Teaching Professor
BLS 401 Research Seminar and BLS 402 Liberal Studies Capstone
Although most online students never meet him in person, due to his charming personality and his care and attention, you will feel like you know him well after a semester in his class.
I've been at USM for over 20 years. I love everything about the academic life, and after earning a bachelor's degree, three masters and a doctorate, you can see that I never wanted to say goodbye to a university campus, so here I am at USM’s beachfront campus in Long Beach—it doesn’t get any better than this.
Dr. Eickelmann
Given Dr. Eickelmann’s interdisciplinary background, he has free ranging interests and is affiliated with 4 different schools. Inspired by his varied interests, Dr. Eickelmann hosts a YouTube show called, “Scholars in a Bar.”
Student Spotlight: Samuel “Cole” Powell
A Jayess, Mississippi native, majoring in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Religion and Philosophy
USM’s Liberal Studies program allowed me to expand my knowledge base on subjects that were both of personal interest and professional relevance. The program’s online course offerings also provided me with the convenience and flexibility necessary to effectively balance my schooling with other responsibilities
Powell
Availability
| Degree Plan | Availability |
|---|---|
| Liberal Studies BLS | Gulf Park, Hattiesburg, Online 100% |
- Management
- Government
- Nonprofit Work
- General Business
- Military