Bachelor of Liberal Studies Degree (B.L.S.)

Iowa State University

The Bachelor of Liberal Studies degree (B.L.S.) is a general studies degree in the liberal arts. It was established by the three Iowa Regent universities primarily 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. While the B.L.S. does not have traditional majors focused on a specific discipline and students have more flexibility in choosing courses that apply to their program, the requirements for the degree are as rigorous as requirements for other degree programs offered by Iowa State University. With the assistance of a B.L.S. advisor, students can structure a program that meets their individual educational, vocational or personal goals. At Iowa State University, students can complete the requirements of the Bachelor of Liberal Studies either on campus or as part of the Distance Education B.L.S. For more information about completing the B.L.S. degree fully online, visit Iowa State Online. The B.L.S degree is a transfer-friendly degree. Work done in community colleges or other accredited colleges and universities can be applied toward the degree and can often meet requirements for one of the B.L.S. majors. Up to three-fourths of the total degree requirements can be transferred from accredited institutions. Students with military or professional and technical credits with outcomes contributing to the learning outcomes of the distribution areas of either major are encouraged to submit coursework for review to potentially apply such credits to the major. The B.L.S. degree has no residence requirements, but students are expected to have 30 credits from ISU earned during the junior and/or senior year. Students who have completed an Associate of Arts degree at an Iowa, Illinois, or Minnesota community college will not have to take any additional courses to satisfy the General Education Areas for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Transfer coursework will first be applied to the General Education Areas for the College and the academic advisor will mark any unmet general education credits as satisfied. Unused transfer coursework can apply in the distribution areas an academic advisor will assist in determining course placement. Students can earn the Bachelor of Liberal Studies Degree by choosing to major in either Liberal Studies or Professional Studies.

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences