Meeting the Challenges of a Changing World
In a fast-paced world, we are all faced with the need to understand
complex issues of global development, changes in our own lives, and the
relevance of traditional solutions to today's problems. There are no easy
answers to the big questions, but today more than ever, people are studying
and reflecting in meaningful ways in a structured environment on issues
of importance to all of us. It is clear that meeting the challenges of a
changing world requires a sound liberal education.
Graduate liberal studies date from 1952 when Wesleyan University established a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies program. Other leading educational institutions soon followed, including Harvard, Dartmouth, Duke and Johns Hopkins universities. Monmouth University, starting its program in 1978, was one of the first institutions in New Jersey to offer the M.A.L.S. program.
The M.A.L.S. program at Monmouth University is supported by an advisory board comprising six faculty members and two students enrolled in program. The board meets monthly to discuss curricular and long-term academic matters, as well as to plan events for each semester.
A Graduate Education for the Adult Learner
The M.A.L.S. program is for adults of every age who accept the exciting
challenge of a graduate liberal education that will better prepare them
for changes in the world and workplace in the twenty-first century. The
program will help students to think more clearly and more profoundly on
a variety of issues. It will expose students to literature focusing on enduring
central issues of human existence, as well as literature in specific fields
of interest to the student. The program emphasizes an interdisciplinary
approach covering a broad range of arts, humanities, and social and natural
sciences.
At Monmouth University, the M.A.L.S. curriculum is structured, yet flexible enough that students can design their course of study to meet individual needs and interests while fulfilling program requirements.
An extended paper/project, for example, gives students the opportunity to explore a topic related to coursework or professional interests. Recent topics have included women in international business, and the relationship between ethical values and career choices.
Most courses are offered in the evenings and many students work full time while pursuing a degree.
"In the M.A.L.S. program, I took everything from biology to history. The flexibility of the curriculum helped me develop research ideas that I am now exploring as a doctoral candidate at New York University's School of Education. I also wrote a research paper for my Master's Degree that I think helped me get into NYU's doctoral program."
Gina A. Kennedy '86, '90
Program at a Glance
A total of 36 credits of course work is required as follows:
18 credits comprising three credits in each of these six core areas:
6 credits from designated application courses
9 credits of electives
*Students are also required to attend four evening colloquia. A colloquium is held at the end of each semester for the purpose of integrating ideas and discussing themes, based on presentation related to the semester's courses or a topic of contemporary interest and significance.
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Requirements, Financial Aid, Application Procedure