Oct 06, 2024  
2004-2005 Graduate Catalog 
    
2004-2005 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Liberal Studies


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The Master of Arts in Liberal Studies program allows adult learners to revisit the liberal arts in a way that integrates education with life. It is geared toward part-time adult learners, with most participants taking one or two courses a semester. The classes, held one evening a week for two and a half hours, are taught by experienced, enthusiastic faculty in a relaxed environment. Faculty and students alike learn and explore ideas of intrinsic worth and interest in the humanities, arts and sciences.

The program’s core courses are all team-taught by two teachers from different disciplines. The interdisciplinary nature of the courses allows students and teachers to explore with breadth the topic at hand and to break through the boundaries that may be associated with discipline-specific courses.

The personal benefits of the program are numerous and potentially life-long. Students with a commitment for learning revisit areas they were passionate about as undergraduates or topics that may have piqued their interest in the years following graduation. With an emphasis on critical reading, writing, thinking, and communicating, the program benefits the individual in myriad ways. Students can expect to acquire and hone the skills that will allow them to be more articulate citizens and greater contributors in any professional organization or career setting.

Finally, the unique attributes of the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies program may be of both personal and professional interest to educators. This master’s program fulfills the master’s degree requirement for individuals who are seeking permanent certification in the state of New York.

Program Director
Liberal Studies

Monica Weis, SSJ, Ph.D.

Entry Requirements


  1. Completion of a baccalaureate degree at an accredited institution.
  2. Presentation of official transcripts that demonstrate ability to pursue a master’s degree program.
  3. Two letters of recommendation.
  4. Application and fee.
  5. Completion of the personal-professional statement as described on the application form.
  6. Interview with the Program Director.

Application Deadlines


For admission to Fall Term or Spring Term:
The application deadline is the first of every month, except in the months of January, August, and December when no admissions decisions are made.

Program Requirements


Core Courses: (9 credits)


MALS students take 30 graduate-level credit hours in the form of ten intensive courses featuring in-depth reading, writing, and discussion components. Three foundational core courses help students develop an intellectual methodology, cultivate the ability to find connections among different areas of human thought, and acquire the tools they need to conduct original research and pursue a life of ideas.

Liberal Studies Elective Courses: (18 credits)


Along with the three core courses students select six electives developed specifically for the MALS program, followed by a capstone course. The electives are organized around themes that build on those discussed in the foundation courses. These interdisciplinary courses integrate multiple perspectives on the human experience. Note: This is a partial list of elective courses. New course proposals are continuously in development.

Choose six courses from the following:

Capstone Course: (3 credits)


Total Credits: 30


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