General Description and Program Overview

Program Objectives

The Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS) provides a postgraduate credential for individuals who seek personal enrichment and whose careers would be enhanced by a formal course of graduate study, but who prefer an interdisciplinary approach. The program is a viable alternative for educators seeking professional development and for meeting state license renewal requirements. In sum, the program provides an opportunity for individuals from a variety of careers to acquire graduate-level skills and knowledge from the perspective of several academic disciplines. The program could be an appropriate step toward further degree work in doctoral interdisciplinary programs.

It is an ideal program for students seeking a practical education who have a lively interest in intellectual and civic life, as well as personal growth, and enjoy serious discussions with other dedicated students searching for a practical yet meaningful education.

Program Requirements

This is an extremely flexible program that allows students to devise their own program of study within a framework of core classes, electives, and a Capstone Experience, consisting either of a Capstone Project or Capstone Courses. All Core courses meet in late afternoon and evening, as do most electives.

Curriculum

• The Core

The core of the MALS is a series of interdisciplinary seminars, one in each of the Physical Sciences, Social Sciences and the Humanities.

Humanities Seminar  * Social Science Seminar  * Science Seminar  *

3 hrs.  3 hrs.  3 hrs.

* These courses are especially designed for the MALS and do not have prerequisites.

• Individual Program of Courses

You can choose from a variety of electives at both the 500 and 600 level in courses taught in the College of Liberal Arts (with or without the LBST heading), as well as from a wide selection of courses available in other university-wide programs.**

** Admission into such courses requires consultation with MALS program director and directors of other graduate programs.

• Capstone Experience

1. Capstone Project/Thesis 6 hrs.

   Capstone Project consists of 3 hrs. for the proposal stage and 3 for final project. Capstone Projects ideally address problems ideally suited for an interdisciplinary approach. Students enjoy a high degree of freedom to make their projects personally useful, fulfilling and creative. The thesis option is more a traditional master’s thesis.
    

2. Capstone Courses 6 hrs

   This option requires two 600 level courses, one of which is LBST 610: The Capstone Seminar and one other 600 level course, usually LBST designated. These courses are usually taken toward the end of the degree. 
    

3. Capstone Links:
   • Guide
   • Completion
   • Proposal Model
   • Examples of Projects
   • Steps for Routing the Final Project
   • A Guide to the Preparation of Theses