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The Master of Liberal Studies (MLS) program of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences provides opportunities to engage your curiosity in an intellectual exploration of the world of ideas. But the rewards of the pursuit of knowledge go beyond intellectual satisfaction. You will gain a refreshed approach to an enriched personal and professional life through a program that reinvigorates curiosity and creativity. You’ll gain fresh perspectives and the critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills so valued in today’s workplace.

Students begin with an introduction to graduate liberal studies and interdisciplinary methodology, and then enroll in at least three core seminars in the humanities, the sciences, and the social sciences. Seminars combine detailed study of a particular topic with a broad interdisciplinary examination of ways of understanding. The MLS program draws on faculty with diverse expertise to explore topics through a multidisciplinary approach.

After successfully passing the introductory proseminar and the core seminar requirements for the program, students may select from one of two capstone options to complete their MLS degree.

Independent Research /Creative Activity Option

The Independent Research / Creative Activity Option offers students the opportunity to work closely with a faculty committee and to complete a final project designed around their unique interests. The graduate project is an independent scholarly enterprise in which the student demonstrates mastery of a specific topic. Several kinds of projects are possible. The project may take the form of an interdisciplinary scholarly research paper. Alternatively, it may a community project that involves the development of an educational program or activity, a community-building project, a community arts project, or some other form of engaging the public in a project to improve the social or physical environment or to serve people. Yet another possible kind of project is a work of creative writing or design (such as a web page that serves a public intellectual purpose). Speak to the Director about other ideas that may better fit with your goals. Students should, at any rate, prepare for the project by taking course work that trains them in the relevant mode of research or writing. Creative projects and designed community activities must include a written component—either a reflection paper or an explanatory introduction or summary of the project, with additional documentation.

Public Intellectual Option

The Public Intellectual Option offers students the opportunity to work within a learning community made up of other students and led by a faculty facilitator to explore the variety of genres through which public intellectuals communicate, and to create their own portfolio of public intellectual work to be submitted for completion of the MLS degree. The capstone seminar pays special attention to the potential of new media, including Twitter and blogging.