Liberal Arts and Interdisciplinary Studies (BA)

Pursue your passion.

The Liberal Arts and Interdisciplinary Studies (LAIS) major gives you the flexibility to explore your interests with two tracks to choose from: Humanities and Educational Foundations. Our multi-disciplinary LAIS Bachelor’s gives you the agency and support to curate your own degree – one that aligns with your personal passions and professional ambitions.

Time to finish
4 years
Format
Online, In person with online components
Degree(s)
Bachelor of Arts
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Mary Baldwin University’s James D. Francis Auditorium, music, and film programs are about to get some big upgrades thanks to a new grant from the Rea Charitable Trust. The $180,000 gift will fund numerous improvements — including state-of-the-art stage lighting, live-streaming equipment, studio recording system, and more.

Why pursue an LAIS degree at Mary Baldwin?

The Liberal Arts and Interdisciplinary Studies (LAIS) major reflects the university’s commitment to providing a comprehensive liberal arts education. Drawing from multiple disciplinary areas extending beyond general education requirements, the major allows students the ability to select the track that’s right for them.

Educational Foundations 

If you’re interested in education, but not teacher licensure, you can choose the Educational Foundations track. This could be an ideal course of study for anyone who would like to create instructional content, teach classes, or otherwise lead educational programming for the government, non-profits, corporations, or other private entities, for example.

Humanities 

Interested in history, literature, and art?  The Humanities track gives you a strong foundation in History and English, but also allows you to select courses in Philosophy, Religious Studies, Asian Studies, Art History, as well as Foreign Languages, Cultures, and Literature.

“The Educational Foundation path is an excellent option if you are interested in developing children’s educational programming.  For example, if your passion is art, you may find the opportunity to work for a Children’s Art Museum and develop educational programs for children.”

Stephanie SeboltAssociate Professor of Education

Build your own Bachelor’s

Students enrolled in the LAIS program will complete core requirements in addition to the track of their choice. This provides them with both a strong foundation and maximum flexibility. (Note: Neither track leads to licensure.)

Sample Educational Foundations courses

  • Foundations of Education
  • Characteristics Of Exceptionality
  • Social Skills and Behavioral Strategies: ASD
  • Methods of teaching Social Studies
  • Language Acquisition and Literacy
  • Classroom and Behavior Management

Sample Humanities Courses

  • Women’s Writing
  • Children’s and Young Adult Literature
  • Nature in America
  • Poetics of Hip-Hop 
  • Sexuality & Gender in America
  • History of the Civil Rights Movement

Unique student support

The McCree Center for Life Success assists current students and alumni in finding the best opportunities throughout their career development. We work closely with both faculty and employers to identify how your valued education best matches the needs of today’s evolving marketplace.

One size does not fit all

If you have a clear vision for your future and our other programs aren’t quite right, a Liberal Arts And Interdisciplinary Studies (LAIS) degree may be just what you’re looking for!

Cost & Financial Aid

We work hard to make an MBU education one of the most affordable in the country. 95% percent of MBU students receive scholarship awards or financial aid. And MBU helps you get your degree faster by maximizing transfer credits and translating relevant work and life experiences into course credits. A great education is worth it. Let us help you bring your aspirations to life.

It’s time to level up your career. Apply today!