The College of Arts and Sciences offers the bachelor of liberal arts (B.L.A.) degree for individuals who seek scientific literacy, an understanding of the social sciences and an appreciation of the humanities. The B.L.A. is an alternative to the B.A./B.S. degree programs and is for individuals who do not wish to commit themselves to a specialty, whose aspirations are not served by a traditional major, and who desire maximum flexibility in course selection. Additional students who have found the B.L.A. degree particularly beneficial are those who have matriculated into the six-year medical program and pursue the combined B.L.A./M.D. degrees and those students wishing to apply to the UMKC School of Law through the Early Entry Law Program.
The B.L.A. degree can also be earned through the Program for Adult College Education, PACE. This program makes it possible for individuals with full-time work or home responsibilities to complete a baccalaureate degree in a reasonable time by attending class in the evenings and on weekends, by registering for the corresponding independent study courses, by connecting to online courses via the Internet, and through approved internships.
For a detailed description of this program, see the Program for Adult College Education (PACE) section in the program listings under the College's section of the catalog.
Potential for Graduate Study
Students completing the B.L.A. degree have the potential to pursue graduate study in many areas. One option is the master of arts in liberal studies , a master's degree similar in structure to the B.L.A., which continues the tradition of interdisciplinary work in the College at the intermediate level between baccalaureate and doctoral work. Students completing the B.L.A. degree who wish to continue their education at the graduate level are strongly encouraged to seek counsel from a graduate adviser in that discipline early in their undergraduate career.
