Liberal Studies and Medical Scholars Program

Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies

This degree differs from the regular Bachelor of Arts degree in that it requires 60 credits at the 300-level or higher. The most significant difference from the more conventional degree, however, is that instead of a major, students pursue a sequence of courses of their choice that are consistent with their stated educational goals.

Admission into the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies is determined by a faculty committee appointed by the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, which reviews student proposals and approves them or makes suggestions on improving or strengthening them. To be eligible to apply to the program, a student must have a cumulative grade index of 2.25 and must have completed no more than 75 credit hours at the time of the application. The committee looks for proposals that are cohesive and realistic, designed to afford the student knowledge in some broad, interdisciplinary field or focused more narrowly and in greater depth on one theme and, in general, involving course combinations that would not be feasible within one of the standard degree options. A minimum of 39 credit hours must be related to the main theme of the BALS project and a minimum grade of C- must be earned in these core courses. Students who are accepted into the Medical Scholars Program complete a major in Liberal Studies using the Medical Scholars template.

Advisement and planning are essential in formulating such a proposal. Students are urged to seek advice from faculty members and the Program Director as they work on drawing up their programs. The screening committee requires the applications to carry the signature of three faculty members including the candidate’s primary advisor. Proposals should be submitted to the Program Director by October 15 or by March 15. Application forms and further information are available on the web at https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/cas/prospective-students/undergraduate-programs/bachelor-arts-liberal-studies/

Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies - Medical Scholars Program

The Medical Scholars Program offers an eight-year (4+4) academic program sponsored by the University of Delaware in collaboration with the Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and the Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine. It is designed for students who are certain that they want to become physicians and who seek a program of academic study that blends the scientific and cultural aspects of the medical humanities. This program is accomplished by providing highly qualified students with a balanced education in liberal arts, sciences, and professional studies. The commonly shared curriculum in preparation for this profession not only includes the traditional courses in the life/physical sciences but also the opportunity to specialize in one of four areas related to medicine dealing with Administration and Public Policy, Bioethics, One Health, Translational Research, or Nutrition and Health.

To join the interest group, freshman are encouraged to attend one of our interest group meetings offered in fall and spring semester. You can learn the dates for these meetings by connecting with the Center for Health Professions Studies in the first few weeks of starting at UD. At the meeting, you will be given detailed information on the program application, requirements, and affiliated schools. After attending an interest meeting, you will be given access to a Canvas page with specific application details.

For more information, contact the program Director Dr. Saskia Richter srichter@udel.edu or consult the Medical Scholars Program website: http://sites.udel.edu/healthpro/msp/

Programs

Major

Honors Degree

Liberal Studies Honors (HBA)