The Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS) program combines graduate study of the nature of knowledge with substantive study of a selected area in the liberal arts. Within MALS, 32 credit hours are earned in two categories: 14 credit hours in the study of knowledge (core courses) and 18 credit hours of focused inquiry, reflection and application (focus courses). The focused inquiry portion of the degree is organized around an identified content area and includes reflective dialogue with co-learners, formulation of a project demonstrating learning and application, and presentation of the completed master project to a selected audience.

SCHEDULE

The schedule of first year core courses is organized around two semesters and a summer session. The fall and spring semester begin with students joining for three full days of on-campus instruction, usually held Friday through Sunday. The campus intensive is followed by two three-credit hour classes which meet one Saturday per month, usually every fourth Saturday, over seventeen weeks.

In addition to the monthly Saturday session, instruction and student interaction occur continuously through the University’s on-line platform, Blackboard. During the summer session, students complete a three hour course in a summer intensive format of four days, Monday through Thursday. The final core course is a two credit hour applied course occurring at the program’s conclusion, during which students present MALS project activity and learning.

As described above, 18 hours of the MALS degree are completed via a content focus for a specific cohort group. A specific content focus area and its supporting courses are defined by Friends University faculty in consultation with community professionals and/or employers. Each cohort group’s content area of study is subject to approval by the University’s Graduate School faculty. Development of the cohort content focus is overseen by the MALS program director.

DEGREE AWARDED

Master of Arts

CONTACT

Dr. Dona Gibson, Program Director
Liberal Studies
316-295-5826
dgibson@friends.edu

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the requirements stated under the Graduate Admissions Policy, the requirements for admission to the MALS program include the following:

1. Official undergraduate transcripts with bachelor’s degree (from accredited institution).
2. Grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
3. Three letters of recommendation (at least one from an academic reference).
4. An interview with the program director and the MALS committee and written approval of admissions by program director after review of admissions requirements.