Master of Liberal Arts: Focused or Interdisciplinary Studies

The MLA in Liberal Studies offers two “build-your-own” tracks.

In the Focused Studies track, students explore a particular subject from within the larger perspective of the liberal arts, earning 18 of the 33 required hours in a specific discipline. As part of their core requirements, students may take courses in pedagogy and education, theory, or research methods, which would enable them to teach at the community college level (with the 18hrs), continue on for the Ph.D., or work in areas related to their chosen field of study.

In the Interdisciplinary Studies track, students build their own unique degree from various disciplines (e.g., culture and the environment, ethics and the workplace, social justice and engagement, etc.) and related core requirements, preparing them for future study or professional careers in related areas, including work for non-profits and other businesses.

Admission Requirements

• Baccalaureate degree with at least 3.0 cumulative GPA or a GPA of 3.0 on their upper two years of baccalaureate work (Students who do not meet this requirement must submit a standardized test score as outlined below).*
• Written Statement (2-3 pages addressing the applicant’s reasons for enrolling in this MLA program, major scholarly interests, educational and career goals).
• Writing Sample (substantial term paper, e-portfolio, or other evidence of academic or professional writing ability).
• Three Letters of Recommendation (letters should be from people who have supervised the applicant’s academic or professional work).

*Students who do not meet this requirement must submit a GRE test score with at least a 153 or higher Verbal section (500 or higher if the test was taken prior to August 2011) and a 4.5 on the essay portion. The GRE must have been taken within the previous five years. The following alternate standardized tests, also taken within the previous five years, will be considered on a case-by-case basis: LSAT, GMAT, or MAT (at the discretion of the Graduate Admissions Committee).

Students may choose from one of two track options:

Track One – Focused Studies in Liberal Arts

Program Requirements

Total minimum required hours: 33 credit hours (Course Checklist Form)

• 18 credit hours must be taken within a particular disciplinary field at the 5000 level or above
• 9 credit hours elective hours from approved courses – 5000 level or above
• 6 credit hours thesis or 6 credit hours project option

Core Requirements:

• Introduction to Graduate Study (ENG 6009)**This course must be taken in the first Fall semester of study.

AND at least one of the following in subsequent semesters:

• Composition Pedagogy (ENC 6745)*, OR
• Research Methods in Mass Communications (MMC 6421)*, OR
• Role of Education in a Democracy (EDG 6931)*

*other courses may be substituted to meet the student’s individual course of study only upon advance approval by the Program Director.

AND at least one of the following in subsequent semesters:

• Ethics in Private and Professional Life (PHI 6605)**, OR
• Graduate Seminar: Issues in Rhetoric and Literature (ENG 6939)

**This course is to be taken following completion of all other coursework except thesis or project.

Comprehensive Exam

Students are required to pass a comprehensive exam in three areas of specialization within their main focus. (Examples: a student working on a focused track in English literature might have the following three areas: American literature, and British literature; world literature; a student in American Studies might have the following areas: American literature, American history, American politics). These areas will be determined by the Program Director.

AND at least one of the following:

Thesis Option

Students will complete a 50-80 page thesis (scholarly research for an academic audience) on a topic approved by a thesis committee of three (3) faculty members, one of whom serves as Thesis Director. During the course of their thesis work, students must be enrolled for at least six (6) credit hours. Students will defend the thesis orally before this committee and Program Director. Students must receive a unanimous committee vote to approve the thesis in order to graduate.

OR

Project Option

Students will complete an alternative project under the direction of two (2) faculty members, one of whom serves as Project Director. Projects are applied in nature and geared toward a lay or trade audience. Projects may include the following: a substantive website, curriculum, or program design; a substantive professional e-portfolio; a substantive article for a trade publication; a creative/artistic work or exhibition. The student will present, exhibit, or showcase their project before the committee and Program Director, as well as the invited audience, if appropriate to the type of project. The project type and its topic must be approved by the project committee and the Program Director. During the course of their work on the project, students must be enrolled for at least six (6) credit hours. Students must receive a unanimous committee vote to approve the project in order to graduate.

Track Two – Interdisciplinary Studies in Liberal Arts

Program Requirements:

Total minimum required hours: 33 credit hours

• 27 credit hours at 5000 level or above from approved courses
• 6 credit hours thesis or 6 credit hours project option

Program Description

The Interdisciplinary Studies track provides students the opportunity to build their own approved course of study from various fields. Students may combine disciplinary subjects and tailor their degree to suit their intellectual interests and career goals, enabling them to continue their studies at the Ph.D. level or embark on various career paths. As active learners, students will be creating their own unique areas of expertise, working toward their planned educational and professional goals.

Core Requirements:

• Introduction to Graduate Study (ENG 6009)**This course must be taken in the first Fall semester of study.

AND at least one of the following in subsequent semesters:

• Composition Pedagogy (ENC 6745)*, OR
• Research Methods in Mass Communications (MMC 6421)*, OR
• Role of Education in a Democracy (EDG 6931)*

*other courses may be substituted to meet the student’s individual course of study only upon advance approval by the Program Director.

AND at least one of the following in subsequent semesters:

• Ethics in Private and Professional Life (PHI 6605)**, OR
• Graduate Seminar: Issues in Rhetoric and Literature (ENG 6939)

**This course is to be taken following completion of all other coursework except thesis or project.

Comprehensive Exam

Students are required to pass a comprehensive exam in three main areas of their studies. These areas will be determined by the Program Director. AND at least one of the following:

Thesis Option

Students will complete a 50-80 page thesis (scholarly research for an academic audience) on a topic approved by a thesis committee of three (3) faculty members, one of whom serves as Thesis Director. During the course of their thesis work, students must be enrolled for at least six (6) credit hours. Students will defend the thesis orally before this committee and Program Director. Students must receive a unanimous committee vote to approve the thesis in order to graduate.

OR

Project Option

Students will complete an alternative project under the direction of two (2) faculty members, one of whom serves as Project Director. Projects are applied in nature and geared toward a lay or trade audience. Projects may include the following: a substantive website, curriculum, or program design; a substantive professional e-portfolio; a substantive article for a trade publication; a creative/artistic work or exhibition. The student will present, exhibit, or showcase their project before the committee and Program Director, as well as the invited audience, if appropriate to the type of project. The project type and its topic must be approved by the project committee and the Program Director. During the course of their work on the project, students must be enrolled for at least six (6) credit hours. Students must receive a unanimous committee vote to approve the project in order to graduate.