The Liberal Studies program allows adults — whose jobs, family or community obligations may have prevented regular college attendance — to earn a degree while completing coursework at their own pace. Liberal Studies students integrate their wealth of knowledge and real-world experiences with formal learning to meet their personal learning goals and gain the rewards of academic achievement.
Liberal Studies students work through our competency-based education (CBE) track. This format allows you to learn at your own pace: once you’ve mastered a topic, you can advance immediately to the next topic. For students who are eager to complete their program as quickly as possible, the CBE track can represent a meaningful savings in time and resources.
UToledo’s Liberal Studies program includes topical seminars in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences that provide the foundation of the program. These examine a wide variety of studies including anthropology, art, drama, geography, history, literature, music, philosophy, political science and sociology. Students benefit from taking a wide scope of subjects; attending seminar-formatted, student-driven classes that focus on a specific topic; and exploring events and attitudes through critical thinking and interaction with other adult students.
Students also pick a concentration related to an area that meets their professional or personal goals. Students take an active role in determining the direction and content of their learning. The capstone requirement of the program is the Senior Capstone, which builds upon the concentration selected by the student.
This Liberal Studies program is a popular degree completion option for those with existing college credit. Additionally, you may be able to apply transfer credits, military credits and prior-learning credits — relevant academic, work, volunteer and life experiences — toward your bachelor's degree.
This degree can be completed on campus or 100% online. Some required courses in the major are offered only online; electives and general education classes may be taken either online or on campus.
Minimum computer skills are advised for online distance learning courses, such as Internet navigation, email and basic knowledge of Microsoft Office. Students who need assistance with basic computer skills should consult with their advisor for information.
What jobs can I get with a liberal studies degree?
University College provides degree programs that are interdisciplinary and oriented to your unique individual needs.
Graduates find their broad education valuable in finding employment opportunities in all business, industry and service sectors. Students may choose to pursue advanced degrees in law; and other areas of special interest. Many students also use this program as a pathway to graduate school or personal fulfillment.
Hands-On Learning Opportunities
At UToledo, we take you beyond the textbooks and the four walls of a classroom. These real-world experiences are what help our graduates gain professional skills and land jobs.
Internships
Finding an internship is easy thanks to UToledo’s robust community partnerships with companies and organizations around the region. Dive into unique opportunities that prepare you to launch your career.
Internships help you:
- Gain practical experience
- Build your resume
- Refine your skills
- Cultivate contacts
Internships often lead to full-time jobs after graduation!
The Rocket Career Center can help you track down job opportunities. You also might be able to receive academic credit for your internship or job.
Research
UToledo is known for its undergraduate research opportunities. Start as early as your freshman year. Work with faculty who enjoy collaborating with students.
Our Office of Undergraduate Research can:
- Connect you to faculty mentors and projects
- Help you find funding
- Help you present your research at conferences and other events
Study Abroad
Travel, experience new cultures and meet new people — all while earning college credit.
UToledo's Education Abroad Office can help you find the perfect opportunity. You can apply for grants, scholarships and financial aid to help fund study abroad.
- Semester at Sea
- Short-term, summer and faculty-led trips
- Direct exchange programs with other universities
- Teach English abroad
- Global health program (med student clerkships)
- Rocket Kids (work with youth around the world)
Rocket Kids Semester
The Rocket Kids program offers University students a fall, spring or summer semester internship providing recreational programming to U.S. military youth while experiencing the world in locations such as Germany, Italy, Belgium and The Netherlands.
Rocket Kids interns will gain practical experience in programming, leadership, health and wellness, creative arts, performing arts, cultural and literary arts, team and individual sports, adventure and outdoor recreation and STEM education.
On-campus and Part-time Jobs
- Learn skills that prepare you for a career after graduation.
- Build your resume.
- Earn money.
If you want to work, there are plenty of opportunities on campus and at businesses near campus. If you demonstrate financial need, you may qualify for the federal work-study program.
Student Organizations
Our most successful students get involved.
UToledo has 400+ student organizations that will help you:
- Make friends.
- Build your resume.
- Network.
- Be a leader.
- Serve your community.
- Have fun!
Tuition and Scholarships
Most new students don't pay full price. 94% of new UToledo students receive scholarships or other state and federal aid.
Keep in mind: Your cost will vary by college, program and a host of other options. This is the average amount full-time students pay per year.
Tuition and Fees
Living Expenses (Housing & Food)
per year
How to pay for collegeInternational Student - How to Pay for College
Honors College
The Jesup Scott Honors College at The University of Toledo offer our best and brightest the resources and opportunities needed to unlock your fullest potential. Whether you aspire following graduation to cure disease, innovate technology, advance statecraft, redefine markets, or express creatively, together we can fuel vibrant and promising tomorrows.
Honors students come from a variety of countries, backgrounds and cultures. While we may bond over a tough class, our differences make us blossom.
Benefits of Honors
The Honors College is a community of academically gifted students from all majors on campus. Students take unique Honors classes taught by dedicated Honors faculty and complete an Honors thesis or capstone project in their major, earning the Honors medallion at graduation within their normal program of study. Honors students are challenged to think more deeply and broadly about what they learn. With special academic, cultural, and professional development opportunities, their education extends beyond the classroom.
Honors students can also choose exclusive housing in the Honors Academic Village or President's Hall.
Explore more about what the Honors College can offer you as a budding professional, inquisitive scholar, and engaged person.
Visit Campus
A campus visit is the best way to figure out if UToledo is a great fit for you.
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