Degree Requirements

• MLS 500 (An introduction to Liberal Studies). Designed to acquaint entering candidates with the varieties of perspectives contained within Liberal Studies. This seminar focuses attention on selected texts that are discussed by the group in concert with faculty members representing the several disciplines contributing to the overall program. Each text is approached from at least two different points of view, permitting members of the class to experience the interdisciplinary richness of the program first hand.
• MLS 501 (Seminar in the History of Ideas). A second, thematic and an interdisciplinary seminar chosen from a range of three specific courses whose contents change with each academic year. This course explores programs and questions concerning human values and experience from the perspective of Philosophy and/or Religious Studies.
• MLS 502 (Seminar in Society and Charge). Examines aspects of human experience from the perspectives of the social sciences.
• MLS 503 (Seminar in Culture and Society). Addresses literature and the Fine and Performing Arts as expressions and reflections of human experience in a socio-historical context.
• MLS 506(A Final Project). Under the direction of the mentor, each student produces a substantial, integrative project and submits it to the critical consideration of his or her colleagues.

Other work toward the degree consists of graduate courses from various departments, directed readings, and tutorials. Candidates may combine courses from several departments in the College of Liberal Arts and Education, as well as selected courses in the School of Architecture, College of Business Administration, and the College of Engineering and Science. Written approval is required from each college specifying course(s) that students will be granted permission to take.

Many of the University's graduate-level courses are offered in the late afternoon and evening.

Track A (Individualized)

The student who wishes to design an individualized course of study completes a 30-hour program based on a nine credit hour, three course core: MLS 500, MLS 506 and one selected from MLS 501, 502, and 503. The remaining 21 credit hours are distributed across disciplinary lines in accordance with a program of study designed by the student and his or her mentor and may consist of formal courses or a combination of formal courses and individual readings or tutorials.

Track B (Integrative)

The student who prefers a moderately structured plan of study with a special emphasis on human values and experiences (past and present), may complete a 30-hour program consisting of a fifteen credit hour, five course core: MLS 500, MLS 501, MLS 502, MLS 503, and MLS 506; one additional course from each of the three areas--history of ideas, society and change, and two remaining courses from among the various disciplines within the College.

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