Advanced Graduate Study, Graduate Certificate

The purpose of the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) program is to provide adults the opportunity to pursue advanced studies in the liberal arts in a focused and disciplined manner. The certificate program encourages in-depth study of a core topic while drawing upon various disciplines to provide a broad understanding of the subject.

The certificate program is an 18-hour course of study beyond the master’s degree. With the guidance of an adviser, students select a topic and design a program of study consisting of courses from the M.L.S. program curriculum, departmentally based graduate courses and independent study. A student’s course of study may conclude with a research paper or creative project.

Academic Requirements

The course of study as detailed in this catalog must be completed within four years, and students must maintain a 3.000 GPA throughout the program. The curriculum of 18 credit hours is drawn from

• The M.L.S. program course offerings.
• A maximum of three credit hours in approved departmentally based graduate courses.
• A maximum of three credit hours of independent study.
• An optional three-credit-hour capstone project.

Admission Requirements

The CAGS program is designed for applicants who have already completed a Master’s degree with a GPA of 3.00 (preferred) but wish to pursue additional graduate work in the form of advanced integrated and interdisciplinary, humanities-based study. The completed online application for admission must be accompanied by:

1. A 750-word draft proposal that identifies the student’s interest area, purposes for advanced study, previous study or background knowledge of the topic, and a tentative course of study. This document is used by the program director and faculty/program chair to determine whether the student’s study proposal is appropriate for the program.
2. Official transcripts from SMU’s M.L.S. program or another graduate program.
3. Application fee.