The bachelor of liberal studies (BLS) is a general studies degree in liberal arts with three areas of distribution instead of a traditional major. It supports the college’s efforts in retention, outreach, and cooperative programming.
The program attracts, retains, and retrieves students who are experiencing educational barriers or who simply desire a broad curriculum. It serves both traditional and nontraditional students, on and off campus.
The BLS was created by Iowa State University, the University of Iowa, and the University of Northern Iowa to provide a degree completion program that would build on the AA degree from Iowa’s community colleges. The college collaborates with the other two universities on policies and course delivery and offers evening classes targeted for working adults on the Des Moines Area Community College campus in Ankeny.
During a typical academic year, more than 300 students are enrolled in the program with over 120 students graduating annually. BLS graduates find employment in a wide variety of settings as well as gain admission to graduate and professional programs.