The Bachelor of Liberal Studies (B.L.S.) is designed for students who have earned college credit at a regionally accredited institution and would like to complete a bachelor's degree by distance education. The degree may be completed completely online or through a combination of on-site and online coursework. Students may earn credit toward the degree with a selection of several types of courses, including semester-based online courses, extension courses at sites throughout Iowa, and regular session on-campus courses.
The B.L.S. emphasizes workplace and leadership skills. Students must select at least one track from the following six options: expression in writing and arts; family, community, and social support; global studies; health and human studies; justice and ethics; and organizational studies. B.L.S. students may complete multiple tracks and earn undergraduate certificates offered by the University of Iowa. They may not earn minors or enroll in a second college at the University of Iowa while completing the B.L.S. degree.
The B.L.S. is awarded by University College and is administered by Distance and Online Education.