Liberal Studies, (MALS)

University of Memphis

Master of Arts (MALS) Degree ProgramThe Master of Arts in Liberal Studies program at the University of Memphis allows students to customize an interdisciplinary course of study. The program is for those seeking the personal enrichment provided by liberal learning and the development of intellectual skills necessary to lifelong learning critical reading, scholarly writing, and the art of interpersonal communication.Program Requirements:Because each MALS student follows a unique course of study, students develop a contract with the College of Professional and Liberal Studies to create a program that satisfies both the interdisciplinary intent of the MALS program and the Graduate School’s requirements for graduation.At the time of admission to the MALS program, the Graduate Coordinator approves the student’s course of study as reflected on the Coordinated Study Grid that accompanies the application essay. Students then enroll each semester in available courses from the approved plan. Within two weeks after the start of the final semester students must submit a final Program Contract that reiterates the approved academic goals (if necessary, reflecting any changes that have developed since admission) and identifies the Coordinated Study courses actually completed. Major deviations from the original approved plan require department pre-approval and will be addressed at the time of registration each semester.The program requirements are:Successful completion of the MALS degree requires thirty-three (33) credit hours, with a minimum of 24 credit hours at the 7000 level, twelve (12) of which are included in the MALS core.The MALS core is required of all students, and consists of twelve (12) credit hours including UNIV 7000 - Fndtns Liberal Studies, UNIV 7100 - Rsrch/Intrdiscipl Study, UNIV 7200 - Liberal Studies Sem, and UNIV 7997 - Special Project .The Coordinated Study is comprised of twenty-one (21) credit hours selected from two or more disciplines, with a maximum of 12 credit hours from any one discipline. At least 12 hours must be 7000-level courses. No more than six (6) credit hours may be from non-core UNIV courses, including UNIV 7796 - Independent Study and/or UNIV 7110 - Internship.Transfer credit is limited to twelve (12) semester hours. Credit previously earned at another university must be presented for evaluation not later than the end of the student’s second semester of enrollment.Successful completion of UNIV 7997 - Special Project, followed by an oral comprehensive examination.

College of Professional and Liberal Studies