Catalog 2025-26

Liberal Studies, College of

Liberal Studies, College of

253.535.8397 www.plu.edu/liberal-studies/ cols@plu.edu
Stephanie Johnson, Ph.D., Dean

Degrees Offered

The College of Liberal Studies provides a hub for the humanities, languages, social sciences, and interdisciplinary programs on campus. We seek to engage students in the critical study of human existence and social systems across diverse cultures, time periods, and environments, using a range of academic tools and methods.

Our majors prepare students for a multiplicity of careers and for wide-ranging graduate study.  All of our programs incorporate the essential tools of a liberal arts education: critical thinking, collaborative learning, strategic problem solving, and the ability to make connections thoughtfully and creatively.

Our students work closely alongside faculty in discussion, research, and reflection. In choosing any of our majors or minors, you will find outstanding support and the career preparation you need for this complex world.

The College of Liberal Studies offers B.A. degrees in most of our programs, as well as minors, pre-law advising, and courses that fulfill Core Curriculum elements. Programs include: Anthropology, Chinese Studies, Criminal Justice, Economics, English, French and Francophone Studies, Global Studies, Hispanic and Latino Studies, History, Individualized Major, Philosophy, Political Science, Publishing and Printing Arts, Religion, and Sociology. The Department of Critical Interdisciplinary Studies houses programs in Gender, Sexuality, and Race Studies; Holocaust and Genocide Studies; a Native American and Indigenous Studies. At the graduate level, we offer a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing.

Descriptions of specific course offerings and degree requirements offered are listed under their respective departmental pages below.

Undergraduate

Graduate