Master of Liberal Studies > FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
- Why should I get an MLS degree?
- What are MLS students like?
- How long can I take to finish the degree?
- What are the grade requirements?
- Is there an orientation to the MLS program?
- Can I transfer credit hours?
- What happens if I get an incomplete?
- How do I apply for graduation?
Why should I get an MLS degree?
Liberal Studies, the basis of a liberal education, involves the study of the world around us and the choices we face as we live in this world. A liberal education helps us understand who we are, what we are, and where we are. It encourages us to communicate better with those around us.
At Indiana University Southeast, and other schools, MLS students are rather diverse in their backgrounds and interests. Many are recent college graduates who simply miss the classroom and intellectual stimulation of a university environment. Some are teachers taking this program in addition to or in place of a Master in Education degree. Some MLS programs attract significant numbers of doctors, lawyers, and other professional people whose careers are very narrowly focused. They enjoy opportunities to read, write, and think in areas outside their professional expertise; others simply wish to have training and experience in graduate research. Finally, some businesses will pay to have their employees earn an MLS degree because they understand students who finish this degree will be able to read more perceptively, write more clearly, think more creatively, and thus be better, more productive employees. Presently, MLS students at Indiana University Southeast range in age from 23 to 65. Occupations vary from social work to mid-level business manager to machinist to attorney.
What are MLS students like?
At other schools and at IU Southeast, MLS students are rather diverse in their backgrounds and interests. Many are recent college graduates who simply miss the classroom and intellectual stimulation of a university environment. Some are teachers taking this program in addition to or in place of a Master in Education Degree. Some MLS programs attract a significant number of doctors, lawyers, and other professional people whose careers are very narrowly focused. They enjoy the opportunity to read, write, and think in areas outside their professional expertise. Finally, some businesses will pay to have their employees earn an MLS degree because they understand students who finish this degree will be able to read more perceptively, write more clearly, think more creatively, and thus be better, more productive employees
Presently, MLS students at IU Southeast range in age from 23 to 65. Occupations range from social work, mid-level business manager to machinist.
How long can I take to finish the degree?
The experience has been that most all MLS students progress through the program on a part-time basis, taking just one or two classes a semester. Although it is possible to finish the program in as little as three semesters, we anticipate most students will take from three to five years to earn their degrees. The graduate school policy in their bulletin stipulates that course work may not be counted if it has been completed more than five years prior to awarding the degree.
In order to maintain active student status, if a student does not complete D602 Graduate Project within the semester after they have registered for a total of three(3) hours, they must register for one (1) hour of D602 each semester until the project is completed.
What are the grade requirements?
MLS students are expected to maintain a GPA of 3.00 or better throughout their participation in the program. Credit toward the MLS degree is given only in courses for which you have earned a B or better. Should your GPA fall below 3.00 at any time, you will be asked to meet with the Director of the MLS Program and/or the MLS Program Advisory council to discuss any problems you are having in the program. Students whose GPA falls below 3.00 may be placed on academic probation until they bring their GPA back to the 3.00 level.
Is there an orientation to the MLS program?
All students admitted to the MLS program are required to attend orientation at the beginning of their admission. Orientation is held in August and December of each year. Students will be introduced to the MLS program, the program staff, the program requirements, and the program faculty.
Can I transfer graduate credit hours?
A maximum of six graduate hours of course work, earned at an accredited institution may be applied to the MLS program at IU Southeast, subject to the approval of the director and the advisory council. Any transfer course credit can not be over 5 years old when the MLSdegree is completed. However, the MLS program cannot accept credit based on life experience, job skills, or other non-academic accomplishments.
What happens if I get an incomplete?
When an incomplete is given, students have up to 12 months to complete the balance of the course. The grade of 'I' will be changed to an 'F' after 12 months.
How do I apply for graduation?
It is each students' responsibility to apply for graduation when nearing completion of the MLSprogram. Applications must be filed in the MLS office by:
- October 1 for May graduation
- March 1 for August graduation
- June 1 for December graduation
This allows the MLS program staff to verify academic records and ensure graduation requirements have been met.
Forms are available in the MLS office.
