Liberal studies is both a major and a method of study. As a major, students study the liberal arts, including philosophy, art, history and more. This is the equivalent to a general studies degree from a non-liberal studies school. As a method of study, students of a specific major study outside their field in these liberal arts subjects. By drawing from multiple pools of knowledge, students learn to form intellectual relationships between seemingly unrelated subjects as a way of gaining global perspective.
There are many schools from which to receive a liberal studies degree, however, for an even more diversified example of liberal studies in action, there are liberal studies colleges. These schools are typically private, boast small class sizes, allow for fewer absences, have more one-on-one student-teacher interaction and offer ability-based learning. Ability-based learning is education based on mastering critical abilities, such as communication, analysis and effective citizenship, rather than exam scores and grades. Each student's education is completely unique and students are assessed based on classwork and self-reflective reports.
Having a liberal studies degree is beneficial because of the variety of classes you are exposed to as a student and the ability to explore many areas of study. For example you can study philosophy, literature, psychology and history while still pursuing your major in science, education, technology or medicine.
Some are of the opinion that a liberal studies degree is not credible or serious enough. It is typically asserted that proper studies are narrow in focus so that the student retains the knowledge of only that which is necessary to a career.