Liberal Studies (MALS)

Description

The Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS) at University of Detroit Mercy is a highly-personalized course of study. It is designed for individuals who believe that learning is a lifelong endeavor and who recognize that education is the means for dealing with life's changes. The MALS is for those who wish to explore and understand the social, cultural and humanistic dimensions and context of today's world and their own individual lives. Most of all, the program is for people who value their freedom and independence to think and to understand.

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    Admission Requirements

    Admission to the program is approved by the dean of the College of Liberal Arts & Education upon the recommendation of the program director. To be admitted, the applicant must:

    1. Submit evidence of a bachelor of arts from an accredited institution, with at least a 3.0 grade point average (GPA).
    2. Submit a written statement (approximately 1,500 words in length) setting forth your motivation for entering the program, a plan of study and your overall goals for yourself in the program.
    3. Complete a personal interview with the program director.
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    Degree Requirements

    The program requires 30 credits of planned study as indicated below.

    MALS Program

    The MALS program provides for an individualized course of study. It permits maximum flexibility and personal customization within a student-created curricular design, subject to the program director's endorsement. It is a 30-hour program based on a nine-credit-hour, three-course core.

    Required Courses

    • MLS 5000 Introduction to Liberal Studies (3 credits)
    • MLS 5060 Final Project (3 credits)

    One of the following:

    • MLS 5010 Seminar in the History of Ideas (3 credits)
    • MLS 5020 Seminar in Study of Society/Change (3 credits)
    • MLS 5030 Seminar in Study of Culture/Society (3 credits)

    Seven additional electives* (21 credits)

    *The remaining 21 credit hours are distributed across disciplinary lines in accordance with a program of study designed by the student and his or her mentor and may consist of formal courses or a combination of formal courses and individual readings or tutorials. Select your course of study from the following subjects: Communication Studies, Criminal Justice, Economics, English, History, Performing Arts, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology, Women's & Gender Studies, Liberal Studies (MLS) and others. All must have an advisor's approval.

    Religious Studies Concentration

    For students who wish a more focused learning in religious studies, this designated concentration identifies specific courses relevant to that area.

    Required Courses

    • MLS 5000 Introduction to Liberal Studies (3 credits)
    • MLS 5060 Final Project (3 credits)

    One of the following:

    • MLS 5010 Seminar in the History of Ideas (3 credits)
    • MLS 5020 Seminar in Study of Society/Change (3 credits)
    • MLS 5030 Seminar in Study of Culture/Society (3 credits)

    Four courses from the following:

    • MLS 5010 Seminar in the History of Ideas (religious studies focus) (3 credits)
    • MLS 5111 Academic Study of Religion (3 credits)
    • MLS 5120 Modern Roman Catholic Theology (3 credits)
    • MLS 5132 Sexuality and Love in Christian Thought (3 credits)
    • MLS 5150 Christian Gospels (3 credits)
    • MLS 5170 Judaism (3 credits)
    • MLS 5180 Buddhism (3 credits)
    • MLS 5230 Christianity and World Religions (3 credits)
    • MLS 5240 Feminist Biblical Interpretation (3 credits)
    • MLS 5420 Problems in Social Ethics (3 credits)
    • MLS 5500 Religion and Psychology (3 credits)
    • MLS 5540 Gender and Religion (3 credits)
    • MLS 5550 Poets, Mystics and God (3 credits)
    • MLS 5570 Spiritual Autobiographies (3 credits)

    Three electives* (9 credits)

    *The remaining three electives are chosen with the input and approval of the student's program mentor.

Program Contact Information

Program Director: Martin Leever, Ph.D.
Briggs Building, Room 312
McNichols Campus

Email: leevermg@udmercy.edu
Telephone: 313-993-1135
Fax: 313-993-1166

Program Website