Division of Social Sciences & History

Master of Arts in Liberal Studies

The Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS) degree program promotes an interdisciplinary approach to graduate education by offering a diverse set of humanities and social science tracks. This program is designed for students who want to pursue advanced understanding of the nature of societal values and ideals that influence the human condition in the context of past and present human behavior and institutions.

Students are exposed to perspectives that are useful for solving real problems while deciphering major philosophical, cultural, and social concepts about the world around us. MA-LS creates an open, engaging intellectual space for full-time and part-time students from diverse backgrounds and stages in their professional lives. Thanks to a highly qualified and diverse group of faculty and a vibrant, flexible curriculum, the MA-LS program is designed to help scholars sharpen their analytical, critical thinking, writing, and research skills.

Students can choose from one of the following tracks that reflect an interdisciplinary approach to education:

  • Community Development (emphasis in Sociology)
  • English
  • Globalization Studies (emphasis in Geography and Political Science)
  • History
  • Interdisciplinary Studies (two or more subject areas of the student’s choosing with advisor approval)

Full Admission. An applicant qualifies for automatic full admission if he/she has:

  1. Applicants with a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 may be automatically admitted without additional requirements.
  2. Applicants with less than a 3.0 undergraduate GPA must:
    1. Submit a resume and a list of three references from professors and/or employers familiar with the applicant’s academic or professional work.
    2. Submit a personal statement/essay.

Degree Requirements. A candidate for the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies is required to:

  1. Fulfill the general requirements for a graduate degree at Delta State University.
  2. Complete graduate work consisting of core courses and elective hours as specified.
  3. Earn a minimum grade of B in GLS 600.
  4. Pass an oral and/or written comprehensive exam administered by a committee appointed by the MALS coordinator. Thesis Option (requires advisor approval): With the successful completion of a thesis, the student is exempt from the comprehensive examination(s).

Master of Arts in Liberal Studies Curriculum Tracks

Community Development

30
GLS 600 3
Required Course
(COD 521, 575, 600; SSC 570, 669)
15
Electives 12
Thesis Option: COD 699 or SOC 699 and 6 hours from relevant graduate courses with advisor approval.

English

30
GLS 600 3
Required Course
(ENG 601)
3
Electives 24
Thesis Option: ENG 690 and 18 hours from relevant graduate courses with advisor approval.

Globalization Studies

30
GLS 600 3
Required Course
(GEO 504, 516; PSC 550, PSC 570; SSC 570)
15
Electives 12
Thesis option: GEO 699 or PSC 799 and 6 hours from relevant graduate courses with advisor approval.

History

30
GLS 600 3
Required Course
(HIS 500 and HIS 632)
6
Electives 21
Thesis option: HIS 690 and 15 hours from relevant graduate courses with advisor approval.

Interdisciplinary Studies

30
GLS 600 3
Electives 21
GLS 690 (Thesis) 6
Elective hours for the Interdisciplinary Studies track can come from any academic unit in the University.

Contact

Program Coordinator

Dr. Charles Westmoreland
P: (662) 846-4065
cwestmoreland@deltastate.edu

Address and Mailing

Division of Social Sciences & History
College of Arts & Sciences
DSU Box 3264 Kethley 206
Cleveland, MS 38733