Masters of Liberal Arts Studies

The Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS) is an interdisciplinary program designed for those wishing to pursue various intellectual and academic topics on the graduate level rather than specializing in a particular discipline. It is intended to foster the intellectual excitement and personal enrichment achieved through an interdisciplinary liberal education. MALS students design their own curricula based on individual interests and goals. It is particularly well-suited for adults who want to work toward a master's degree while maintaining their careers. MALS students come from a wide range of educational backgrounds and professions, but they all share intellectual curiosity and a love of learning.

The MALS program is not intended to prepare students for specific careers, nor is it designed as a transition into future graduate study. At the same time, since it promotes critical thinking and writing skills, and a global perspective on the world, its graduates will be highly regarded by prospective employers and directors of graduate study in a variety of disciplines.

Graduate Liberal Studies (GLS) courses are taught in the late afternoon and evening by regular full-time faculty of the University at Albany and by invited part-time faculty.

If you have questions or wish to apply to the program Contact or schedule an appointment with:

Dr. Rachel Dressler
Director of the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies Program
(518) 442-4730
e-mail:  mals@uamail.albany.edu

For application materials call or write to:

The Office of Graduate Admissions
The University at Albany
1400 Washington Avenue
Albany, New York, 12222
(518) 442-3980.

MALS-Program Structure

I Required Interdisciplinary Core Courses 12 credits

While the specific topics of these courses will vary from year to year, all of them focus on interdisciplinary approaches and on topics general enough to demand treatment from a variety of perspectives. The following are samples of courses taught in the past: The Modern Tradition; From Darwinism to Biotechnology; Culture and Technology; The Self in Literature: Three Psychological Approaches; Minority Communities; Nineteenth Century American Studies; Science and Gender; The Humanities in Transition

GLS 500 Topics in the Humanities 4 credits

Students will focus on texts in the Humanities, frequently cutting across disciplines within the humanities and drawing upon areas in the Social and Natural Sciences.

GLS 501 Topics in the Social Sciences 4 credits

Students will explore fundamental issues concerning the structure and dynamics of society, drawing upon components of the Humanities and Sciences where appropriate.

GLS 600 Topics in the Natural Sciences 4 credits

Students will examine concepts in the Natural Sciences and the inter-relationships of science, individual values, and social institutions, drawing upon components of the Humanities and Social Sciences where appropriate.

One of these courses is taught each semester in a rotating sequence. Students will not be allowed to substitute another course for one of the core courses.

II Electives 15 credits

Electives provide each student with the opportunity to design her or his own program from a broad spectrum of graduate courses. Selection should be interdisciplinary either in individual courses or in the relationship among a series of courses. Courses must be selected in consultation with the Program Director.

III Final Research Project 3 credits

An independent research project is carried out in consultation with a faculty advisor. Students should use their elective courses to help them define a topic of research and to identify a faculty supervisor for the project.

Total Requirement 30 credits