The pursuit of a human-centered, interdisciplinary, Master of Liberal Studies degree from SMU fosters growth for professional and community leaders. Students can pursue their lifelong intellectual passions and enhance their leadership contributions to their professions and the world.
Designed to offer flexibility to students in planning their master’s level study, M.L.S. coursework encourages creative and critical thinking by taking courses in humanities, organizational dynamics, social justice, arts, and culture. Students benefit from building vital skills and examining the human condition from a variety of perspectives in order to engage with many complex challenges of the 21st century.
Curriculum
Behavioral Sciences. Behavioral sciences courses examine individuals and their behavior in various environmental settings such as family and the workplace. Courses blend psychology, sociology, organizational behavior and anthropology to introduce students to issues in human behavior as it is influenced by cultural values and expectations.
Fine Arts. Fine arts courses offer a variety of perspectives on artistic expression throughout history and across cultures. The variety of courses encourages students to study Western and non-Western visual arts, dramatic arts, and creative writing within a broad socio-historical context.
Humanities. Humanities courses offer the broadest possible treatments of literature, philosophy, religion and communications. By connecting the history of human ideas as presented and disseminated through poetry and imaginative literature and the development of religious and philosophical thought, humanities courses provide insight into the nature and development of humankind.
Science and Culture. Science and culture courses present issues pertaining to health, the environment, the understanding of the natural world and the implications of technological advancement as approached by professors of chemistry, environmental sciences, physics and biology.
Social Science. Social science courses provide a blend of history, human rights, economics and political science in the study of wealth, power and status. Courses explore the nature of citizenship as it has evolved over time.
Admission Requirements
The M.L.S. program serves motivated and enthusiastic students prepared for and interested in graduate-level study. All applicants must have the following:
- A completed online application.
- A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
- Official undergraduate transcripts from all institutions of higher education previously attended.
- An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher and a graduate GPA of 3.5 or higher is preferred.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- An essay, minimum of 250 words, maximum of two pages double spaced, explaining why the applicant wants to study liberal studies at the master’s level.
- A critical analysis essay or previous academic writing sample
- Resume or curriculum vitae (CV).
- Interview with a member of the admissions committee.
- Non-refundable application fee.
- If English is not the student’s native language or if the student attended school outside the US, a score from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) must be submitted via the online application. The minimum acceptable TOEFL score for admission is 80.
- International students: order transcript translations for degrees outside the U.S.; language proficiency scores if English is not the native language
Applications are considered on a rolling basis for admission to the fall, summer and spring terms. Applications for M.L.S. admission must be completed and submitted online before the beginning of the term. A student must receive official acceptance into the program before enrolling in classes. In some cases, a provisional acceptance may be tendered for one term while awaiting the arrival of an official transcript or when it is deemed appropriate by program director/faculty chair.
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required for admission. Admission decisions are based on the applicant’s previous academic record, letters of recommendation, the level of writing ability demonstrated in the essay and an interview that includes discussion of the applicant’s academic goals and expectations.
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