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Master of Arts in Liberal Studies

Varner Hall, Room 217
371 Varner Drive
Rochester, MI 48309-4485
(location map)
(248) 370-2154

Interim Director
Associate Dean of the
College of Arts and Sciences
Joe Shively
[email protected]

Master of Arts in Liberal Studies

Varner Hall, Room 217
371 Varner Drive
Rochester, MI 48309-4485
(location map)
(248) 370-2154

Interim Director
Associate Dean of the
College of Arts and Sciences
Joe Shively
[email protected]

Academic Requirements

The MALS degree offers students a highly challenging, interdisciplinary exploration of the liberal arts, designed for post-baccalaureate students wishing to broaden their education through a rigorous study combining methodologies and subject matter drawn from the following four umbrella areas:

The Humanities

  • Art and Art History
  • Philosophy
  • History
  • Music/Theatre/Dance
  • Cinema Studies

Literature and Languages

  • American, British and World Literatures
  • Communication and Journalism
  • Modern Languages and Literatures
  • Linguistics

Sciences

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics
  • Physics

Social Sciences

  • Sociology and Anthropology
  • Political Science
  • Psychology

Students must complete 36 hours of coursework including:

  • A liberal studies colloquium, designed specifically for MALS students, with a new thematic focus each time it is offered.
  • Two liberal studies core courses.
  • Five elective courses.
  • Master's project, which integrates methodologies and materials from at least two different academic disciplines.

View the 2021-2023 Graduate Catalog for additional information.

Angela Kayi, MALS Graduate and former MALS Graduate Assistant: "The flexibility of the MALS program allowed me to really shape the coursework, combining different areas of study that I found fascinating.  There are very few programs that allow you to explore very different disciplines and apply them to each other in this way.  The program also exhibits very high standards and emphasizes the importance of effective oral and written communication."