Master of Liberal Studies > Program Overview
Program Overview
The Purpose of Liberal Studies
Liberal Studies helps us to value the world by intergrating aspects of the three schools, arts and letters, natural science, and social science. By doing this, the curriculum helps us to understand why we view ourselves and our surroundings the way that we do. It encourages us to communicate better with those around us. A liberal education gives a greater appreciation for the literature, music, and visual arts that society offers us. It helps us to comprehend the complex social and political programs of the contemporary world and facilitates our ability to make use of today's rapidly evolving technology.
An Individualized Program of Study
The Master of Liberal Studies program is designed to allow students flexibility to fashion a course of study that blends their interests, talents and experience. Students, under guidance of their faculty advisor, may choose graduate courses and seminars in a variety of disciplines within the schools of arts and letters and the sciences. The program culminates with a thesis or alternative project that will grow out of the information and methodologies acquired throughout the course work. In order to complete a thesis a student must carry out an extensive amount of research and analysis on an interdisciplinary topic with assistance of a faculty committee. Three thesis options are available: traditional, creative, and applied.
Program Mission
Students who have completed the MLS program will demonstrate:
- understanding of the methods of intellectual inquiry in multiple disciplines
- development of broader knowledge base with sufficient depth
- improved ability to critically analyze information
- ability to synthesize knowledge to examine complex issues
- capacity to apply learning to make informed decisions
- ability to communicate effectively
