The Liberal Studies program at Miami University Regionals is one of 18 programs recognized in the Midwest by LiberalArtsEDU.org as offering one of the most affordable programs in the United States.

The rankings noted the Liberal Studies program — which encompasses the basic precepts of reading and writing skills, critical thinking and analysis, interdisciplinary knowledge, and arts and sciences training — offers an "outstanding liberal arts education available at a rate that comes in well below the regional average for similar programs."

The survey noted that Miami Regionals' total estimated cost to earn the degree is $13,588 less than the regional average for similar programs. 

That comes as no surprise to Leland Spencer, chair of the Department of Interdisciplinary and Communication Studies. 

“Since the Liberal Studies degree launched six years ago, we have provided a cost-effective, efficient path to graduation for students with a lot of credits but no degree,” Spencer said. “We are thrilled that this recognition will bring more visibility to the options we offer students.”

A recent study of business executives and hiring managers overwhelmingly endorsed broad learning and cross-cutting skills — the basis of liberal studies — as the best preparation for long-term career success. Miami’s program is designed to help students become well-rounded critical thinkers, making them ideal for broad-based employment opportunities.  

“Many of our students in Liberal Studies have years of work experience and exceed every requirement for their dream job — except the requirement for a bachelor’s degree. That's where Liberal Studies comes in,” he said. 

Spencer said they work with the credits that students already have, whether from Miami or another accredited school whose transfer credit Miami accepts, and they identify the fastest path to a four-year degree. 

“Some of our graduates have gone on to careers in business, nonprofits, education, social services, and other fields, while others have pursued graduate training in education, law school, pharmacy school, or seminary,” Spencer said. “The possibilities are endless.”

Spencer encourages students who are unsure if a Liberal Studies degree is right for them to email the department at ics@MiamiOH.edu to set up an advising appointment.

“Our award-winning faculty advisors would love to look at the classes you've already completed and chart a path to degree completion for you today.”