Liberal Studies, MLSt
Collaboration, Consulting, Culture, Ideas, Liberal Arts, Society, cultural, ethics, general, humanities
Develop broad, integrative knowledge and apply it to practical contexts and problems. Whether you're interested in growing your workforce skills, becoming a more effective community contributor, or preparing for a doctoral or professional degree program, or you simply want to pursue a love of learning, you'll appreciate this program's flexibility and customizable design.
The Master of Liberal Studies is an advanced degree program that situates knowledge and know-how at the intersections of culture, community and profession. Its emphasis on integrative knowledge and cross-disciplinary approach cultivates students' capacity to see and understand the complex reality of societal problems and navigate challenges across cultural, professional and personal contexts. Communication, holistic analysis, perspective-taking and research are featured aspects of all core courses.
A distinct aspect of the program is the customization of learning. Working closely with faculty advisors, MLSt students build the majority of their program by choosing from a wide-ranging list of elective courses that best meet their interests and needs. With courses from across the humanities, social sciences, arts and natural sciences, this program prepares students to become master learners and problem-solvers. The program culminates in an applied learning experience under the guidance of a seasoned faculty member.
- College/school:
College of Integrative Sciences and Arts
- Location: Downtown Phoenix, Polytechnic or Online
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
30 credit hours including the required applied project courses (MLS 582 and MLS 593)
Required Core (9 credit hours)
MLS 510 Communicating in Complex Cultural Environments (3)
MLS 511 Advanced Liberal Studies and Worlds of Possibility (3)
MLS 512 Exploring and Expressing Ideas (3)
Electives (15 credit hours)
Culminating Experience (6 credit hours)
MLS 582 Applied Project Plan (3)
MLS 593 Applied Project (3)
Additional Curriculum Information
Featuring courses from English, film and media studies and art, this program prepares students to become master learners across a wide variety of cultural and social contexts. Electives are chosen in conjunction with graduate advisors.
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts.
Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- a letter of interest in the program
- a resume, biographical statement or curriculum vitae
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.
Professionals with excellent critical problem-solving and communication skills are in high demand across sectors and industries, including business, media, entertainment, politics and community organizations. Skills in communication, creative practice, and the collection and critical analysis of data for the development of impactful content are valuable to businesses, nonprofit sectors and institutions that rely on relevant strategies to engage and serve diverse audiences.
Career examples include:
- archivist
- business manager of artists, performers and athletes
- market research analyst
- public relations specialist
- writer or creative writer
School of Applied Sciences and Arts
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SANCA 233
SASAGrad@asu.edu
480-727-1526
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.