Liberal Arts Exploration

Take up to two years to explore RIT's portfolio of liberal arts programs before deciding on a major.


Overview for Liberal Arts Exploration

Many students excel in the humanities, and they love the history, English, and social science courses they took in high school. But some are unsure which direction to choose when it comes to picking a college major. Liberal arts exploration gives you the time to figure out who you are and better understand the kind of work you love to do. Through intensive one-on-one advising, meetings with faculty members, and hundreds of courses to choose from, you can take the time to explore your personal and career interests before committing to a major. You’ll gain a better understanding of your goals and interests, as well as your career aspirations, as you remain on track to graduate in four years.

Liberal arts exploration is an undeclared option designed to allow students to complete required liberal arts, mathematics, and science courses while actively pursuing career exploration and receiving individualized academic advising. Students may stay in the option for up to two years (or 60 credit hours) before they must choose a major. The option offers students the flexibility and time to explore a variety of majors within the College of Liberal Arts without delaying their graduation.

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Curriculum for 2023-2024 for Liberal Arts Exploration

Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements

Liberal arts exploration, typical course sequence

Course Sem. Cr. Hrs.
First Year
YOPS-10
RIT 365: RIT Connections
RIT 365 students participate in experiential learning opportunities designed to launch them into their career at RIT, support them in making multiple and varied connections across the university, and immerse them in processes of competency development. Students will plan for and reflect on their first-year experiences, receive feedback, and develop a personal plan for future action in order to develop foundational self-awareness and recognize broad-based professional competencies. (This class is restricted to incoming 1st year or global campus students.) Lecture 1 (Fall, Spring).
0
ITDL-101
Career Exploration Seminar
This seminar is designed to introduce students to the process by which they can make an informed decision in selecting career options and identifying an educational program which will lead to their career goals. With the assistance of facilitators familiar with assessment instruments, careers and the RIT programs, students begin by assessing their interests, values, skills and personal traits. Students will be introduced to online and print resources used for researching occupational information and may be asked to interview faculty and administrators as well as professionals working in fields in which they are interested. Students will complete a variety of activities including class discussions, journal entries, papers and presentations, allowing them the opportunity to reflect on information gathered throughout the course. Students in the university studies and liberal arts exploration programs are required to complete this course successfully in the first term of their program. (This course is restricted to LAU-UND and UNIVST-UND Major students.) Seminar (Fall, Spring).
1
 
General Education Perspectives
15
 
First Year General Education-Elective
3
 
General Education-First Year Writing
3
 
General Education-Electives
9
 
Wellness Education*
0
Second Year
CSCI-101
Principles of Computing
This course is designed to introduce students to the central ideas of computing. Students will engage in activities that show how computing changes the world and impacts daily lives. Students will develop step-by-step written solutions to basic problems and implement their solutions using a programming language. Assignments will be completed both individually and in small teams. Students will be required to demonstrate oral and written communication skills through such assignments as short papers, homeworks, group discussions and debates, and development of a term paper. Lecture 3 (Fall).
3
 
General Education Perspectives
6
 
General Education-Immersion 1, 2, 3
9
 
General Education-Electives
12
Total Semester Credit Hours
61

Please see General Education Framework for more information.

* Please see Wellness Education Requirements for more information. Students completing bachelor's degrees are required to complete two different Wellness courses.

Admissions and Financial Aid

First-Year Admission

A strong performance in a college preparatory program is expected. This includes:

  • 4 years of English with a strong performance is expected.
  • 3 years of social studies and/or history with a strong performance is expected.
  • 3 years of math is required and must include algebra, geometry, and algebra 2/trigonometry. 
  • 2-3 years of science.

Learn How to Apply

Financial Aid and Scholarships

100% of all incoming first-year and transfer students receive aid.

RIT’s personalized and comprehensive financial aid program includes scholarships, grants, loans, and campus employment programs. When all these are put to work, your actual cost may be much lower than the published estimated cost of attendance.
Learn more about financial aid and scholarships