Graduate liberal studies is designed
for students who wish to deepen their understanding of the world. Liberal
studies concentrations are intended to provide interdisciplinary perspectives
on themes, topics, and enduring human issues.
The program allows students to create
a unique mix of courses from across the humanities, social sciences, and
professionally-oriented programs. It is geared to students committed to
reading, thinking, and discussion. Students select courses and electives in
terms of individualized interests.
With many courses offered in the evening,
this program is ideal for mature, part-time students. GREs are not required. By
learning to design, implement, and assess their own educational program,
students perform many of the same tasks that program designers undertake for
their respective academic programs. Every liberal studies student prepares an
Annual Study Plan (an update of the Statement of Intent from the original admissions application). In consultation with the program director, the plan
outlines the courses to be taken during the following year and overall academic
direction in which the student is headed.
Prerequisites for admission include:
(1) a baccalaureate degree; (2) at least a B cumulative grade-point average in
undergraduate studies; and (3) a brief essay describing what the student hopes
to achieve by getting a degree in liberal studies. The master of arts in
liberal studies (M.A.L.S.) requires 30 credits for graduation. Credits must
represent a concentration of courses chosen from the graduate school's
offerings, including courses offered by other units of Rutgers. Study plans are
designed in consultation with the program director. Nonmatriculated study also
is available on a part-time basis.
Applications
Applicants to the liberal
studies program should include a Statement of Intent (personal statement) with
their application. The statement should be well-written and be one-to-two single-spaced pages in length.
The personal statement should include the following:
- One-to-two paragraphs that explains what you hope to achieve in this
interdisciplinary program. For instance, some students simply enjoy taking
interesting courses with great faculty. Another student may be interested in
the interface between crime, politics, and gender. What motivates you to join
this program? What do you hope to accomplish?
- If your undergraduate average
was below 3.0 (below a B average), please explain what is different now. If you
will not submit GRE scores (or your scores are not particularly good), please
explain. There are no right or wrong answers to these questions, but we would
like to know how you assess your own educational background.
The program is
open on a full-time or part-time basis. Students may apply throughout the
summer for fall semester admission.
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