Liberal Studies, M.A.

Admission Requirements

Applicants seeking admission to the MALS program are required to submit the following to the Graduate School:

1. An application for graduate admission
2. Official transcripts of all college work (undergraduate and graduate)
3. Three recommendations that address the student‘s chances of success in a MALS program
4. A writing sample in the form of an essay explaining how the MALS degree can assist the candidate in meeting his or her personal goals.

Students seeking admission to the MALS program must hold a bachelor‘s degree with an academic record of a “B” average or better in an undergraduate major from an accredited college or university in this country or its equivalent from a foreign institution based on a four-year program.

At the discretion of the GLS Program Director, the admission procedure may also include an interview with a graduate coordinator of the program and a representative from the advisory committee.

Degree Requirements

1. The program requires a minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate study.
2. No more than six hours may be taken from cross-listed 400/500 courses.
3. Students must maintain a “B” average in all graduate courses taken.
4. No more than six semester hours of credit may be transferred from another accredited institution. Grades earned on transfer work must be equivalent to “B” or better. A minimum of 24 hours of graduate study must be completed in residence.
5. A final project (GLS 598 ) of three credit hours is required of all students who have successfully completed 27 hours of course work. The project provides students with the opportunity to explore particular areas of study in greater depth under the close supervision of a faculty member. The final project may take the form of scholarly research or a creative work, but in all cases a written analysis is required to meet the degree requirements. Students will present their project to a forum of faculty and students.
6. Students are expected to complete all course work within five years after enrollment. Students wishing to withdraw from the MALS program prior to the completion of thirty hours who have completed a minimum of fifteen hours in residence towards the MALS degree may be eligible for a certificate of study in liberal studies. Students must consult the director to apply for the certificate.