Kevin E Kennedy, Ph.D.Director
The Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS) at St. John's University is designed to provide a quality, multidisciplinary graduate education to the intellectually curious. Unlike traditional graduate programs, the MALS encourages study of interdisciplinary themes that cross traditional academic boundaries.
The MALS program offers the opportunity to pursue a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies by choosing an interdisciplinary course of study or track that focuses on an integrating theme. There are four tracks in the MALS program.
Humanities Track
Human Meaning and Value in the Western Tradition
Social Science Track
The Intellectual Heritage of the Social Sciences
Cultural Studies Track
Multiculturalism and the Dawn of a New Century
Innovative Research Track
Interdisciplinary Innovations
For this track a sufficient number of credits in the relevant disciplines as determined by the Program Director.
The MALS is designed to provide a basis for a number of professional and vocational goals. Further, the MALS does not intend to duplicate or replace the specialized disciplinary training required for earning a Ph.D., though it would for many programs be an excellent preparation for such training. The MALS is ideally suited for career development of secondary education teachers, but its primary objective is the intellectual enrichment and personal growth of its students.
Entrance Requirements
For the Humanities track, a total of 18 credit hours from English, History, or Philosophy; for the Social Science track, a total of 18 credit hours from Anthropology, Economics, History, Government and Politics, Psychology, or Sociology; for the Cultural Studies track, a total of 18 credit hours from Anthropology, Sociology, English, Area Studies (Latin America, Asian, Middle Eastern, African, etc.)