What is the Program of Liberal Studies major like at Notre Dame?
"We read the original texts that have shaped the way that the world has thought for the last 2,000 years," said PLS major Zach Huber.
Through a sequence of six seminars, PLS majors analyze influential works of literature, philosophy, and political theory chronologically from the ancient Greeks to the 20th century. Students dive deeper into a range of topics through 13 tutorials:
- Metaphysics and Epistemology
- Music and Culture
- Political and Constitutional Theory
- Philosophical Inquiry
- The Bible and its Interpretations
- Shakespeare and Milton
- Intellectual and Cultural History
- Scientific Inquiry
- Science, Society, and the Human Person
- The Lyric Poem
- Christian Theological Traditions
- Ethics
- Fundamental Concepts of Natural Science
PLS majors pursue their passions while developing skills such as interpersonal communication, critical reading, thoughtful articulation of arguments, and problem-solving.
After graduation, students go on to top graduate and professional schools and work in a variety of professions and industries. First jobs include:
- Associate, McKinsey & Co.
- Business management associate, General Mills
- Publicity assistant, Penguin Books
- Foreign service officer, U.S. Department of State
- Analyst, Cornerstone Research
“The most amazing thing about PLS alumni is that they are in such a diverse range of fields," said PLS major Soren Hansen. "You can really take it wherever you would like to go."
“The most amazing thing about PLS alumni is that they are in such a diverse range of fields. You can really take it wherever you would like to go.”
