Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (M.A.)

The Master of Arts in Liberal Studies is a 30 credit-hour graduate program designed to provide students with the opportunity to pursue advanced interdisciplinary study in the humanities, arts, and social sciences. Students will learn to conduct advanced research applying a major conceptual framework of analysis, evaluate and synthesize information, and present that information in a range of formats, both oral and written, suitable for a variety of audiences. Students in the program design their own focus of study.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students who complete the MALS program will be expected to:

1. Conduct research that integrates methodologies, perspectives, and knowledge from multiple disciplines.
2. Critically reflect on how perspectives on research questions are shaped by multiple aspects of experience and identity. 
3. Critically reflect on how research questions are shaped by disciplinary assumptions and methodologies.
4. Effectively communicate information in speech and writing to diverse audiences across disciplines.

Graduate Applications

Applications for graduate study should be directed to the Office of Graduate Studies.

Admission Requirements

For admission to the MALS Program, the applicant must:

1. Submit a completed application for graduate study and pay the application fee.
2. Submit official transcripts from all regionally accredited institutions attended in this country or the equivalent from a foreign institution reflecting an undergraduate Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 (overall).
3. If applicant does not meet the 3.0 GPA overall minimum then the applicant is encouraged to submit additional materials to support their application, for example, an academic writing sample, a statement explaining special
   challenges the students faced as an undergraduate that affected their grade point average, and/or samples
   of professional work relative to their proposed course of study.
4. If applicant is a non-native speaker of English, then applicant must meet the English language proficiency as described by the University’s graduate admission requirement.
5. Arrange submission of two letters of recommendation from people who have known applicant in either a professional or academic context.
6. Submit a 3-5 page, double-spaced personal statement of intent. This statement should describe the applicant’s academic and professional development and explain their specific interest in the MALS program by addressing the following question: why have you selected this program and what do you wish to gain from it for your personal, academic, and professional development? Please be aware that the committee will consider not only the content of this statement but also the quality of writing. 

In addition to the above application materials, the director/assistant director reserves the right to conduct an interview with the applicant to gain further clarity on the alignment of program goals to individual goals.