LIBERAL STUDIES
Associate of Arts
Program Description
This program can serve as a milestone in the journey towards a bachelor’s degree. It can help strengthen your communication and critical-thinking skills. Students are introduced to a broad range of foundational courses while providing flexibility to sample courses related to multiple fields of study.
This degree is perfect for those seeking entry-level employment while continuing their education. Students are encouraged to tailor the program to correspond to an intended four-year major.
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What You'll Learn
Liberal Studies
In class sessions, students may be involved in learning experiences that may include:
Building foundational knowledge to prepare for continued study in a variety of disciplines. Choose a concentration in science, humanities, business, or world application for a more specialized path.
Exploring of music, literature, and art of various forms
Examining psychological theories related to emotional development and motivation, learning and memory, and the psychological impact of death and dying
Discussing controversial topics such as race, ethnic background, socio-economic status, and religion, with objectivity and civility
Applying foundational and advanced mathematical principles to our everyday world
Career Outlook in Liberal Studies
This program provides students with a competitive advantage in the job market for entry-level careers in fields such as public service, non-profit organizations, human services, and a variety of managerial positions.
Jobs students may consider pursuing include administrative assistant, customer service representative, food service manager, and information clerk.
This background encourages the development of well-rounded individuals who are adaptable to a number of tasks and able to interact with a diverse range of co-workers.
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Criminal Justice
This program is for people driven by the desire to help others, serve the community for the greater good, and maintain safety. Major coursework involves studying corrections, criminology, policing, investigations, criminal procedure, criminal law, and Criminal Justice ethics for students to be able to describe the structures within and functions of the American Criminal Justice systems.
Business Administration
This program establishes foundational business knowledge, skills, and abilities for increased marketability. Students have the opportunity to select between two specializations: General Business or Business Information Systems. General business courses are designed to go beyond the foundational level of information, while the business information systems track equips students with skills in technology, data, and information systems.
Social Sciences
Students in this program study human behavior and the social environment in addition to expanding their world view with courses in psychology, sociology, human development, world religions, and human diversity. Select courses within the program are aligned with the Council on Social Work Education’s Social Work Competencies. Students earning this degree have a competitive advantage for entry-level career opportunities with social and human service agencies.
Liberal Studies FAQ's
See What Our Students Have to Say
Growing up in rural Potter County, Pennsylvania meant if I wanted good educational and employment opportunities, I would have to move. When NPRC started offering classes less than 30 minutes from my home (almost an hour closer than the next closest college), my future was no longer dependent on living in a more urban area. I received a quality education without spending the tens of thousands of dollars on room and board a traditional school would have required. And now, I feel incredibly blessed to be a part of the team making this story possible for so many other people in rural Pennsylvania. NPRC’s mission is a necessary one, helping serve a part of the population that has lacked affordable and quality higher education for decades. This school helped me avoid debt, find my path in life, and now, I have a job I love and opportunities I never expected.
- Brian, NPRC Graduate
While attending NPRC, I am enrolled in 16 credits and working toward a degree in business administration. This switch is already positively benefitting me as a student. I have been keeping up with classes and shifting out of bad habits that may hinder my success. As someone who is diagnosed with anxiety and ADHD, it sometimes gets hard to effectively communicate. However, NPRC continues to provide opportunities to not only challenge myself, but to help me grow as a student, and more importantly, as a person. NPRC was my second chance. My second chance to help me build myself better, and I feel like my future is already better than what it was before NPRC.
-Noah, Business Administration Student
My time at Northern Pennsylvania Regional College has been a great experience even through the COVID-19 pandemic. Never did I imagine doing a year of college in my own home and still be able to be on the Dean’s List and be extremely proud. I am 39 years of age, and it has taken me this long to attempt college. I have to say that starting college at this age was hard. However, everyone at NPRC has made it easy for me to understand what it means to be studious. You can feel the care that is given to you through the staff at NPRC. The instructors are always willing to help and they will always answer the questions that we have. This college is a great way to get started on your new path through life. There are so many options to pick from if you are undecided.
-Claudia, NPRC Graduate
I started with NPRC right after graduating high school in 2018. I was not sure what I wanted to do career-wise, but the criminal justice field had always piqued my interest. Before finishing my two-year degree with NPRC, I decided to transfer to a four-year university to further my education in both sociology and criminal justice. Without the affordability of NPRC and their knowledgeable staff, I would never have dreamed of being where I am today. I will be graduating from RIT in August of 2022 having majored in Sociology and Criminal Justice, as well as having minored in Criminal Justice. I am excited to start a career in the federal Criminal Justice system or within admissions/counseling in higher education. I plan to put myself through law school while working full time after graduating from RIT.
-Ally, Former NPRC Student
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