Liberal Studies
Overview
Flexible online learning that launches your university journey.
Start your post-secondary journey on your own terms with Lambton College’s fully online Liberal Studies program. Designed to provide a broad, engaging foundation in the humanities and social sciences, this program develops the critical thinking and academic skills needed to succeed in university and beyond.
Why Choose This Program?
- Fully Online & Flexible: Study from anywhere, on your schedule
- University-Ready Skills: Build critical thinking, research, communication, and numeracy skills
- Broad Academic Exploration: Courses in humanities and social sciences to expand your perspective
- Transferable College Credit: Apply your Lambton education toward future university degrees
- Career & Academic Confidence: Gain the foundation to excel in both higher education and professional environments
Your Pathway Forward
Earn a recognized college credential, gain valuable skills, and open doors to university programs and diverse academic opportunities—starting from anywhere, anytime.
Admission Requirements
O.S.S.D. or equivalent with:
- Grade 12 English C or U
Mature Student Assessment for this program is available in the subject of English for the purpose of demonstrating proficiency in this required admission subject. For all other admission requirements, applicants must complete the required course(s) as listed above. For more information, please contact counselling@lambtoncollege.ca. Review the Mature Student Admission process.
Academic admission requirements can be obtained through Academic Upgrading and the Pre-Programs at Lambton College.
New Indigenous Studies Pathway
In response to the Truth & Reconciliation Commission, Lambton College is excited to share a new program that will address the university attainment gap for Indigenous Students while also providing an opportunity for non-Indigenous students to be better equipped to understand varied perspectives as daily life and mainstream employment intersect with Indigenous people. Students have the option to enrol in the Liberal Studies - Indigenous Studies to focus in an Indigenous stream.
All students at Lambton College will have access to a variety of Indigenous-focused electives. Having access to foundational knowledge on Indigenous history and pedagogues is critical to advancing Truth & Reconciliation.
Costs
- Fees will be determined in Spring 2026.
Technology Requirements
In order to keep pace with the requirements of each and every course in your program, Lambton College requires that each student have access to a laptop while studying at our college.
Courses
Emergency on Planet Earth
What is, and is not, part of nature? How have people related to nature at different points in history? In what ways has human development impacted the natural world? This course is designed to help students better understand the environment, environmental concerns and our relationship to the natural world. In addition, students discuss topics such as the living environment, environmental pollution, eco-disasters, biological sustainability and social responsibility.
Business English Skills I
This course emphasizes the writing of effective business communications, including letters, memoranda, email, and short reports. Other tasks include applying proofreading and editing skills. These skills will prepare the student for the work environment, which requires practical business writing to be clear, correct, and concise. Students are introduced to the research process and develop critical thinking skills.
Sociology I
Focusing on the Canadian perspective SOC 1003 explores the intersectional influences on behavior within the context of human group life. The sociological perspective, data collection, socialization, crime, and the dynamics of group structure and stratification are critically assessed against the backdrop of global interdependence and socio-cultural change. Small group discussion and gamification of materials all offer an enhanced course experience for individual growth and understanding of sociology.
Psychology I
This course provides a foundational overview of psychology, exploring the biological and cognitive processes that underlie human behaviour and experience. Students are required to purchase the assigned textbook to be successful in the course.
Introduction to Computers
This course will familiarize students with the digital world by exploring the hardware and software of their computer system. Graduates will be able to use the most common functions of the Windows operating system including File Explorer for file management, utility programs, various web browsers for social media while observing and identifying security and privacy concerns and issues. Graduates will be able to build properly formatted documents using Microsoft Word and spreadsheets including correctly functioning formulas using Microsoft Excel and create commanding presentations with Microsoft PowerPoint while using the cloud to store and access their files.
Personal Wellness
This course introduces students to key aspects of personal health and wellness, including nutrition, fitness, stress management, and digital well-being. Through practical application and self-assessment, students will use current health guidelines, such as Canada's Food Guide, to develop personalized goals and healthy habits. The course also explores how media, technology, and social environments influence health choices and overall well-being.
General Education Elective
Communications for Business
This course provides students with the skills required for professional, written, and oral communications essential to business success and subsequent courses. Students will develop database and internet research skills; prepare professional written business communication; and create, practice and deliver professional oral presentations. Students will research and document borrowed information in a business report and will demonstrate critical reading and thinking skills.
Social Psychology
Social psychology is the scientific study of how people think about, interact, influence and relate to others. The course will emphasize understanding about how and why individuals behave, think and feel in social situations. Of particular importance will be the study of the individual, their thoughts and resultant behaviour in social situations.
Business Math
This is a course in the mathematical concepts needed for success in the modern business world. We will study percentages, ratios and proportions, exponents; algebraic manipulation and solution of equations and equation systems; plotting, graphing and reading descriptive charts; deriving and presenting descriptive statistics.
Critical & Ethical Decision Making
Students are introduced to business ethics, applied ethics, and social psychology. They will assess today's most important ethical dilemmas and the human behaviours that drive them. Students will recommend how to best navigate corporate landscapes, political influencers, and social contexts to ensure ethical decision-making.
AI & Society: Playing with Power, Ethics, & the Future School
General Education Elective
Introduction to Sustainable Development
This course introduces the concept of sustainable development to a broad audience. Students are presented with the factors that affect the environmental, economic and social sustainability of our communities. The course investigates the development of human populations and how their need for resources (e.g. energy, food, water) has compromised the natural ecosystems. Social and economic factors are explored in the context of social equality and sustainability in the local and global economy. The effects of individual lifestyle changes on the sustainability of communities are also examined.
Cults & Terrorism
In this course, students will explore the historical evolution and social impact of cults and terrorist groups. Students will learn ways to identify and define cults. Using discussions and active learning approaches, students will examine what motivates cults and terrorist groups with a specific lens towards violent activity. The impact of media and globalization will also be discussed. Students will advance their social and cultural understanding and gain awareness of cults in contemporary society. Students in this course will discuss the validity of historical evidence and research historical interpretations of events using relevant and recent sources.
Organizational Behaviour
This subject is an examination of the contemporary Canadian business environment including the organization, leadership and management decision process which influences the behaviour of individuals and groups. Increased global competition, technological change and the rising expectations of both employees and employers have underlined the need for improved and more effective leadership. This subject provides a better understanding of this process.
Introduction to Project Management
Project management practitioners need to understand the established industry norms, methods, and practices for managing all stages of the project life cycle and its related processes. Students are introduced to the fundamental principles of project management, such as project strategy, selection, scheduling, risk management, quality assurance, performance measurement, audit and closure. By participating in discussions, analyzing readings, and conducting preliminary research, students acquire a working understanding of project management knowledge and theory.
Elective - Select 2
General Education Elective
Who Runs Canada: Government, Rights & Resistance
Canadian Politics and Government are introduced. Students identify the terms and concepts utilized in the discipline of political science, identifying key geographic and demographic factors; identify the major components of Canada's constitution; outline the evolution of Canadian federalism; identify the functions of political parties and the party system; and identify in detail the election process, outlining the distinctive characteristics of Canada's major parties and the Canadian party system.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion: A Canadian Perspective
Empowering a variety of ideas, perspectives and talents are paramount in the continued evolution of a more inclusive Canada. It is essential for individuals, communities, businesses, industries and government to advocate for inclusion and to reduce barriers for the greater good of our society. As we live and work in an increasingly global world, this overview course is designed to provide learners with the tools to develop cultural competencies and inclusive practices so that they can recognize the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion (EDI) as in integral part of a more socially inclusive Canada. Through activities and self-reflection, learners may explore a variety of relevant topics including intercultural awareness, gender identity, sexual orientation, unconscious bias, ageism, disabilities, mental health and indigenous ways of knowing.
Power, Politics & Change: Shaping Canada’s Future
The structure and functions of the Canadian government are explored in this course. Students analyze the roles and responsibilities of the executive branch of the government; describe the role of the bureaucracy in the Canadian political system as well as the characteristics and organization of the legislative branch of government; examine the role of the judicial branch of government; illustrate political socialization, the role of the mass media, and public opinion polls as sources of political values and information; summarize the effects of advocacy groups, social groups, and lobbying on the political system; and finally examine Canada's external political environment and the influence it has on domestic political and economic policy.
Contemporary Canadian Issues
A critical understanding of contemporary Canadian issues is vital to being an active member in our democratic society. Students explore a variety of topics and analyze their ethical implications and relevance to Canadian life. Discussions, debates, and other collaborative activities offer opportunities to consider recent controversies from different perspectives, and use of a variety of media (e.g. newspapers, articles, and other resources online) allows for in-depth reflection on the history and current state of a range of social and political topics.
Entrepreneurship
This course will cover a wide variety of topics for those interested in starting, or seeking employment in, a small business. The course will capture the entrepreneurial spirit, and students will get first-hand exposure to the benefits and drawbacks of starting a new business and being your own boss. Issues pervasive in small businesses such as spotting trends or taking advantage of niche business opportunities will be discussed and factored into class exercises. Students will have the opportunity to practice start-up skills through feasibility analysis, the idea pitch, defining markets, targeting customers, operations, and deciding on which type of business to start. The ability to maintain and sustain operations of a small business will be experienced with particular attention to budgeting, forecasting, and cash management. In this course, students will have an authentic opportunity to test their entrepreneurial skills through a real business venture.
Elective - Select 2
Contact
Online Education
Room B2-280
Program Information
After Graduation
Employment Opportunities
Our graduates use the Liberal Studies program to transfer to university or college diploma programs. Some graduates opt to enter direct employment. Past data has shown that Liberal Studies graduates are prepared for employment in a number of various sectors, such as the technology field, community agencies, administration, marketing, education and social services.
Lambton to Huron University College
Students graduating from this program will be considered for Year 2 of the Social Sciences program at Huron University College.
More Information
Technology Requirements
It is recommended that you use a Windows laptop for your coursework. While other devices like MacBooks or Chromebooks might work for some tasks, they may not support all the software required for your program. If you're unsure, check with your professors before buying.
Internet Speed Requirements
To get the best experience while learning online, we recommend having an internet connection with at least 40 Mbps download speed and 10 Mbps upload speed. This will help you use video calls, attend online lectures, and access other learning tools smoothly.
Because students live in many different areas, we can't suggest a specific internet provider. You'll need to check with local companies to find one that works best for you.
Laptop Requirements
In order to access the internet and virtually-delivered software and courseware, student laptops should include the following at a minimum. By meeting the following specifications, students will be equipped to access software and courseware on their laptop through the internet:
- Intel i5 8th Gen Processor or equivalent
- 8GB of RAM
- 100 GB HDD or more
- Webcam with a microphone
- Wi-Fi capable (802.11n/ac 5GHz)
- Windows 11 operating system
Mobile Device
Students will require a mobile device (smartphone) for:
- Accessing your digital student ID
- Using campus applications and services
Software
To ensure students are getting the most our of their classroom experience, some software will be required.
Lambton College has made this software easily accessible online. Students can leverage our Microsoft Office 365 software packages and services. In addition, much of the software you require for your courses will be available on demand for use on any device - on or off campus.