Overview
The Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts (BLA) is a degree program alternative that may appeal to those with previous transferable college credit seeking to complete and earn their bachelor’s degree, as well as to those seeking a more broadly focused bachelor’s degree program with an individual plan of study. Upon successful completion of the program requirements, students earn the BLA degree.
Students in the BLA degree program are required to earn a minimum of 120 credits. Of these 120 credits, at least 60 must be earned at the 300-level or higher, and at least 30 of these 60 must be earned in the College of Arts & Sciences. No more than 40 credits at the 300-level or higher and no more than 52 credits at any level may be earned in any one department. A maximum of 30 credits towards the 120 credits needed for graduation may be earned in other colleges/schools at the University of Miami, except for those courses expressly excluded from recognition by the College.
Students in the BLA degree program are required to complete the University of Miami's general education requirements by earning a cognate in each of the three areas of knowledge. Students must complete ENG 105 (if required) and 106, and MTH 108 or higher or an approved statistics course. Students must also complete the College of Arts and Sciences' second language proficiency requirement and the advanced writing and communication proficiency requirement (by completing four courses for writing credit). Students in the BLA degree program do not earn a major or minor.
Curriculum Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Requirements | ||
| Written Communication Skills: | ||
| WRS 105 | First-Year Writing I | 3 |
| WRS 106 | First-Year Writing II | 3 |
| or ENG 106 | Writing About Literature and Culture | |
| Quantitative Skills: | ||
| MTH 108 | Precalculus Mathematics II (or higher or approved statistics class. ) | 3 |
| Areas of Knowledge: | ||
| Arts and Humanities Cognate | 9 | |
| People and Society Cognate | 9 | |
| STEM Cognate | 9 | |
| Additional Requirements | ||
| UMX 100 | The University of Miami Experience | 0 |
| Second Language Proficiency Requirement (3-9 credit hours, depending on the student's initial placement in the language chosen) | 9 | |
| Classes at the 300-level or higher | 60 | |
| Electives | 15 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 120 | |
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The Liberal Arts plan requires 60 credits earned at the 300-level or higher, 30 credits of which must be completed in the College of Arts and Sciences. A maximum of 40 credits at the 300-level or higher may be earned in any one department. Additionally, no more than 52 credits, at any level, may be earned in any one department. A maximum of 30 credits at any level may be taken in other schools/colleges at the University of Miami except for those courses expressly excluded from recognition by the College.
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Advanced Writing and Communication Proficiency: Degree candidates must complete at least four writing courses.
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A minimum of 120 credits is required for graduation. Sufficient credits must be earned in electives to enable the student to complete this minimum of 120 credits. The exact number of elective credits required will vary depending on the number of credits needed to complete all other graduation requirements.
Sample Plan of Study
This Sample Plan of Study represents one possible version of a new first-year student’s 8-semester plan. The individual student's plan may vary depending upon the initial placement into English Composition, Mathematics, and modern language. Students are encouraged to consult with their academic advisor(s) to determine their individual plan of study.
| Freshman Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| WRS 105 | First-Year Writing I | 3 |
| MTH 108 | Precalculus Mathematics II | 3 |
| UMX 100 | The University of Miami Experience | 0 |
| Cognate Course | 3 | |
| Language (first course) | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| WRS 106 or ENG 106 | First-Year Writing II or Writing About Literature and Culture | 3 |
| Cognate Courses (2) | 6 | |
| Language (second course) | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Sophomore Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Cognate Courses (3) | 9 | |
| Language (third course) | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Cognate Courses (3) | 9 | |
| Electives (2) | 6 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Junior Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Courses at the 300, 400 or 500-level (5) | 15 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Courses at the 300, 400 or 500-level (5) | 15 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Senior Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Courses at the 300, 400 or 500-level (5) | 15 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Courses at the 300, 400 or 500-level (5) | 15 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 120 | |
Mission
The Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts (BLA) degree program gives students broad knowledge on topics both familiar and foreign, strengthens their critical analysis skills, and sharpens their writing competence to develop insightful views of the past, present and future – on a local, national and international scale.
Goals
Students in the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts (BLA) degree program develop competencies in the basic academic areas and disciplines in higher education. The program incorporates courses that develop the individual, preparing them for the workplace and to participate constructively in a global society.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate proficiency in written and oral communication.
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Students will be able to think critically and demonstrate problem-solving skills.
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Students will demonstrate broad knowledge of the liberal arts.
