About the Program Bachelor of Liberal Studies
The Bachelor of Liberal Studies (BLS) empowers students to solve complex problems in a rapidly changing world. A recent survey of more than 1,000 business executives and hiring managers by the American Association of Colleges and Universities found that "Employers overwhelmingly endorse broad learning and cross-cutting skills as the best preparation for long-term success." This is exactly the kind of education offered by our BLS program. A study of Barry University’s BLS students who graduated between May 2014 and May 2019 revealed that 90 percent of these graduates are employed.
Among these students, 20 percent work in mental health and social services fields and an additional 28 percent work in closely-related fields of law enforcement and education. Another 15 percent of graduates have applied their liberal studies competencies to careers in real estate and business. In addition, 21 percent of graduates have completed or are currently enrolled in graduate studies, primarily in the fields of behavioral health and social work. Among the BLS alumni enrolled in graduate school, 10% are enrolled in graduate programs at Barry, in social work, education, administration, and public administration.
By giving students the opportunity to draw from a broad field of study, the BLS program prepares graduates to identify, define, and address problems in their families, careers, and communities.
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21st Century Skills
Through a series of guided individual and group projects, BLS students sharpen skills in analysis, research, creativity, communication, and collaboration. The BLS curriculum promotes these skills using 21st Century tools in digital publishing, audio and video production, and networked knowledge. These skills are sought after in a broad range of professional fields, such as management, marketing, public relations, public safety, community and social services, education, nonprofits, and the arts, as well as arts management. -
Capstone Project as Signature Accomplishment
In both the specializations, BLS culminates in a capstone project that each student develops in consultation with faculty. This project has special meaning in furthering each student’s personal and professional interests. The capstone serves as a signature accomplishment that students can use as a calling card in their career and a point of pride in their community.
