Description

This program certificate is a step towards BSC’s suggested transfer coursework and is designed to help students investigate several academic areas known collectively as the arts and sciences. This certificate program includes required courses in a laboratory science and math. Students may choose 21 credits in elective courses to explore more options on their path to an associate in arts degree or associate in science degree. The curriculum is geared towards science, technology, engineering, and math majors, but it is also appropriate for humanities-based majors such as history, art, music, theater, language, religion, or philosophy.

Preparation

The hallmark of a liberal arts education is the preparation it gives for lifelong learning. BSC’s suggested transfer curriculum is a good beginning for students still deciding on a career choice. This certificate provides a jump start for students to pick up their general education credits in math and science. Students with this preparation often possess the ability to define problems and tasks, plan and execute research, organize ideas and solutions, and learn what they need to know to accomplish a task. They are inquisitive, creative, flexible, good communicators, and work well on teams.

Requirements

Students completing the suggested curriculum earn a program certificate which is a first step toward an associate in arts degree or associate in science degree.

Those interested in the liberal arts should work closely with an advisor to define their academic major and minor during sophomore year and to identify potential employers and entry-level positions.

Bismarck State College has many cooperative, articulation, or transfer agreements with postsecondary institutions both inside and outside of the North Dakota University System. Some of these agreements are established to allow students to remain on campus as they complete their bachelor’s degree. In all cases, students seeking to transfer after completing a degree at BSC should consult the academic catalog of their destination college and work with their academic advisor to plan for this transition.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of liberal arts programs often find employment in academia, small business, government, and industry. Career possibilities depend heavily on selected major and minor. In general, the breadth of knowledge of a liberal arts background combined with good communication and computer skills signals to recruiters an applicant’s adaptability to a wide range of jobs. Experts suggest selecting the business you wish to work in, and then study it in detail to learn how to map skills to a specific job.