Liberal Studies

Master of Liberal Studies

Degree Requirements (30 cr.)

The Master of Liberal Studies (M.L.S.) is a course of study intended for students who desire to continue their formal education in a degree program that is interdisciplinary and not directed to a specific profession. For most students, the M.L.S. will be a terminal academic credential. The M.L.S. provides students with the opportunity to 1) take an individualized program of graduate courses and interdisciplinary core seminars in a variety of disciplines in the Arts and Sciences, and 2) identify and explore significant patterns and connections that exist among the diverse disciplines that define current knowledge.

The 30 hours must be distributed as follows:

Six hours in two of the three departments (Social and Behavioral Sciences [including Economics], Natural, Information, and Mathematical Sciences, or Humanities) that are considered to be primary to the candidate's program of study.

Nine hours in three interdisciplinary seminars, which represent each Arts & Sciences department and which are designated by the M.L.S. Program Faculty Committee.

Three hours of electives.

Six hours of thesis work or a capstone project or 12 graduate hours in lieu of the thesis work or capstone project, 6 hours replacing the thesis/capstone, plus 6 additional hours of course work. The work will be assessed by a portfolio. .

Completion of a thesis or capstone project that is interdisciplinary and is acceptable to the candidate's Faculty Supervisory Committee and the Director of the M.L.S. Program.1 This requirement could be met by an experimental or creative project, supported by a written paper.

Upon completion of the above requirements, each candidate must pass an oral examination based on the thesis or equivalent project approved by the M.L.S. Program Faculty Committee. If a student chooses the additional coursework option, the oral exam will consist of questions from the areas of coursework.

Electives: All courses in a candidate's program, including electives, must have prior approval of either the Director or the student's Advisor.

Other: Candidates are strongly encouraged, but not required, to demonstrate competency in a foreign language.