The Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (M.A.L.S.) provides a
multidisciplinary graduate opportunity to the intellectually
curious through the study of interdisciplinary themes that draw
from various academic disciplines.
There are four tracks in the M.A.L.S. program:
The program is designed to provide a basis for a number of
professional goals; it is not designed to duplicate or replace the
specialized disciplinary training required for earning a Ph.D.,
though it is an excellent preparation for such training. The
program is especially suited for the working professsional seeking
to expand his or her horizons.
Program Requirements
The student selects the interdisciplinary course of study in the
M.A.L.S. program - either the Humanities, Social Science, Cultural
Studies or Innovative Research.
If Humanities is selected, the
student chooses an area of concentration—either history, literature
or philosophy. The student completes five courses in his or her
area of concentration and two courses each from the two cognate
disciplines. The student also takes introductory and integrating
seminars in the humanities. A total of 11 courses is taken.
If Social Science is selected, the
student chooses an area of concentration—either economics, history,
government and politics, psychology or sociology and anthropology.
The student takes five courses in his or her area of concentration
and two courses from any two cognate disciplines. The student also
takes introductory and integrating seminars in the social sciences.
A total of 11 courses is taken.
If Cultural Studies is selected,
the student takes five courses from a list of courses dealing with
anthropological and cultural themes and four courses in cultural
areas and topics. These include but are not limited to Latin
America, Far Eastern Cultures, Eastern Europe, Africa and the
Middle East. The student also takes introductory and
integrating seminars in Cultural Studies. A total of 11 courses is
taken.
If Innovative Research is selected,
the student consults with the program Director about the theme of
the proposed program (as well as faculty in the relevant areas).
The program Director must approve the proposed program. The
student takes courses from his or her area of concentration and
courses from at least two other areas determined to be relevant to
the proposed research project. The student also takes an
introductory and integrating seminar in the appropriate area.
Every student must complete a research project in the M.A.L.S.
track he/she has selected.
Department Contact
Rev. Jean-Pierre Ruiz, S.T.D.
Director, Master of Arts in Liberal Studies
Phone (718) 990-1393
Fax (718) 990-5726
ruizj@stjohns.edu
Graduate Admission Information
Robert Medrano, Director
Office of Graduate Admission
(718) 990-2790
medranor@stjohns.edu
