Liberal Studies Program

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Liberal Studies (MA)

Telephone: (302) 831-6075
https://www.mals.udel.edu/

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS) degree offers interdisciplinary graduate study centered in the humanities and social sciences. Within the broad parameters of the program, students shape their course of study to suit their intellectual interests and follow their passions. Small seminar classes explore important questions from a variety of perspectives in a stimulating and dynamic learning environment.  The degree is designed to be completed on a part-time basis.

Requirements for Admission

Candidates submit an official transcript of previous undergraduate and graduate studies, two supporting letters from individuals who can discuss the applicant’s strengths and capabilities, and two short essays describing the applicant’s educational and/or career goals, intellectual interests and how the applicant thinks these can be developed in the MALS program. After preliminary screening, promising applicants will be invited to an interview after which the final admission decision will be made. GREs are not required.

Admission is selective and competitive based on the number of well qualified applicants and the limits of available faculty and facilities.

Earning a Certificate and a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies Degree Concurrently

Students enrolled in the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS) program may wish to focus their course of study by earning one of three certificates concurrently with their MALS degree:

1. Museum Studies Certificate Program 
   • Four courses of three credits each (or twelve credit hours) are required for the Museum Studies certificate. Under the MALS/Museum Studies option, three Museum Studies courses (or nine credits) are accepted as electives in the MALS program. MSST 804  Museum Internship (3cr.) (350 hours), which is required for the Museum Studies Certificate, must be taken as overload for the MALS program.
2. Graduate Certificate in Historic Preservation
   • ​​The Graduate Certificate in Historic Preservation consists of 12 credits, two required three-credit courses and six credits of electives. Under the MALS/Historic Preservation option, nine credits of the certificate are accepted as electives in the MALS program and only three credits must be taken as overload for the MALS program.
3. Graduate Community Engagement Certificate
   • The Graduate Community Engagement Certificate creates a scaffold for scholars to integrate their academic study and community engagement experiences. All nine credits of the Graduate Community Engagement Certificate can be counted as electives in the MALS program.

Programs

• Liberal Studies (MA)

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