Every NYU student completes a core curriculum, but the Liberal Studies (LS) Core stands alone in its interdisciplinary and global focus. LS students spend their first two years immersed in the global liberal arts and sciences, learning from outstanding faculty in discussion-based classes. Each LS student gets an academic adviser, faculty mentor, and upper-level peer adviser for guidance and support. Opportunities to pursue leadership positions, participate in community service, attend inspiring events, and engage in multicultural initiatives abound.
As rising juniors, students transition seamlessly into one of over 100 NYU majors (including Global Liberal Studies). Wherever they go, LS students excel with advanced writing, critical thinking, and analytical skills already under their belts.
Connecting People, Places, and Ideas
Liberal Studies courses trace the historical movement of ideas across geographical and cultural borders as well as areas of study. “My science class is not strictly about science. We talk about how it affects people and transcends disciplines,” explains LS sophomore Pierce Alston. “There are no isolated fields. Everything is connected.”
As students examine texts and contexts from early antiquity through contemporary times, the city also becomes a classroom. Pierce’s courses have taken her everywhere from the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Natural History Museum to a Broadway show.
Meaningful interactions among classmates and teachers are another priority. “Class sizes are really intimate and small. You get to know your professors and make connections in ways other classes might not allow,” says Pierce. “I still talk with a lot of my LS professors. They’re there to support you, even when you’re not in their class anymore.”
Study Away as Soon as Year One
Not every Liberal Studies student starts college in New York. Rather, some spend their first year at an NYU global site in Florence, London, Madrid, or Washington, DC. Each choice offers a vibrant city with a rich history and diversity of ideas, people, and cultures.
Sophomore Anjini Katari, for example, spent her first year in London, where she formed a tight-knit bond with her LS classmates. Together they shared a dorm, attended NYU-sponsored events, and took advantage of the chance to explore London and other European cities. “I remember seeing Vivaldi’s Four Seasons performed at a major London theatre. It was amazing,” she recalls. “We had lots of opportunities like that.”
Students also study away during the summer, January Term, spring break, or for a semester later in college. Additionally, the Dean’s Circle, is a sophomore honors program, featuring a year-long seminar taught by the dean and involving group travel and independent research projects.
Preparing Students to Contribute to the World
As Anjini prepares to study Data Science at the College of Arts and Science, she’s thankful for the Liberal Studies Core. “Many scientists and coders lack a strong writing background, which makes it hard to communicate findings,” she says. “I like that I went through such a rigorous program. Though I’m not talking about programming and algorithms in LS, I am explaining and analyzing complex topics. My writing has definitely improved.”
The LS Core and built-in electives can also be invaluable for exploring academic interests. “I chose NYU over other schools because Liberal Studies gave me the freedom to figure out what I wanted to do,” shares Pierce. “I could take time to think about it instead of jumping into something I’m not passionate about.”
Now, Pierce feels ready and excited to major in Media, Culture, and Communications at NYU Steinhardt. “LS develops your global awareness, critical thinking, and ability to read and analyze text,” she says. “That has been really helpful. Without it, I may not have had as much success in my other courses.”
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