Receiving an education in General Studies is to follow in the tradition of the liberal arts and sciences. The term “liberal arts” dates back to the middle ages, and is derived from the Latin word liber, which means free. The degree’s chief aim is to equip an individual with the ability to think freely and critically. A General Studies degree from St. Mary's University allows students to have flexibility in their programs, based on their areas of interest. The three-year Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in General Studies has been designed to engage students in the study of the breadth and depth of human intellectual experience. The program reflects the commitment of St. Mary’s University to a liberal arts education as valuable for its own sake since it provides individuals the opportunity to discover and eventually realize their human potential. Students enrolled in this program will learn through a broad and extensive, multi-disciplinary approach to think critically and communicate clearly. Such skills are in keen demand for a variety of careers including the fields of education, business, government services, health care, technology, and ministry