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 interdisciplinary research; analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information; and present that information in a range of formats, suitable for a variety of audiences. Students in the program design their own focus of study, with guidance from the program Coordinator.

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 research questions are shaped by multiple aspects of experience and identity, as well as by disciplinary assumptions and methodologies.
3. 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 submit:

• a completed application for graduate study, along with the required application fee.
• official transcripts from all regionally accredited institutions attended in this country, or the equivalent from a foreign institution, reflecting a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (overall).
• a 2-page, single-spaced statement of intent. (Please see the program FAQs related to application materials.) The committee will consider not only the content of this statement but also the quality of writing. 
• an academic paper or project that demonstrates research ability. (Please see the program FAQs related to application materials.) If a candidate does not have such a paper or project to submit, please contact the program Coordinator.
• two letters of recommendation from people who have known applicant in either a professional or academic context. (Please see the program FAQs related to application materials.)

If the applicant is a non-native speaker of English, then the applicant must also meet the English language proficiency standard, as described by the University's graduate admission requirements.

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