COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (M.A.L.S.) degree requires a total of 30 credits structured into two main components. The first and largest part is a 24-credit interdisciplinary concentration, which is built from at least six graduate-level elective courses chosen from different departments across the university. These courses are typically at the 700–900 level and are selected around a central theme, topic, issue, perspective, or cultural development that the student wishes to explore in depth. The concentration is designed to be highly flexible and allows students to either choose from suggested interdisciplinary tracks or create their own customized area of study with guidance from the program director and a faculty adviser. Up to three of the six courses may be independent study courses, provided they are approved and supervised by faculty members, allowing students to pursue more individualized research or specialized interests. The goal of the concentration is to develop a sustained and coherent academic focus that draws on multiple disciplines and encourages critical thinking across fields such as American studies, ecology and values, justice studies, disability studies, labor studies, religious studies, urban studies, and women’s studies. The second part of the degree is a 6-credit capstone experience, which can be completed either as LS 898 (Master’s Project) or LS 899 (Master’s Thesis). This final requirement is intended to integrate and synthesize the student’s learning throughout the program. Students work closely with a committee of three faculty members to develop and complete a scholarly thesis or a creative/applied project, such as research work, documentaries, artistic production, or other substantial interdisciplinary outputs. The capstone is often concluded with a formal defense, where students present and discuss their work. Overall, the program emphasizes intellectual independence, interdisciplinary learning, and the ability to connect diverse academic perspectives into a meaningful and original final project.