Graduate Liberal Studies Program Overview

The Masters of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS), established in 1994, is a cross-disciplinary, 31-credit program leading to a Masters of Arts Degree and offering a broad range of courses in literature, history, philosophy, religion, social sciences, and the arts. It is intended to provide students with the kind of intellectual stimulation that comes from working with a highly qualified faculty of expert scholars in a variety of disciplines and with bright and enthusiastic fellow students from a wide diversity of backgrounds. Starting in 2024, we also offer a 13-credit Certificate in Graduate Liberal Studies (MINI-MALS). 

Is the Graduate Liberal Studies Program for you?

• If you love to read …
• If you have multiple intellectual interests …
• If you would like to broaden your intellectual horizons …
• If you need a master’s degree to advance your position or increase your salary …
• If you want to prepare yourself for doctoral study …
• If you wish to add intellectual spice to your retirement …
• If you like to explore ideas in a serious and systematic way …

… then Graduate Liberal Studies may be just what you are looking for!

Online or Campus Options

The program is designed for mature students with varied work and life experiences. Graduate Liberal Studies students come from all over the United States, as well as from a number of countries outside the U.S. The majority of students complete the program entirely online. All our courses are specially designed for MALS (and MINI-MALS) students and are kept small to encourage the in-depth collaborative exploration of ideas. International students must take all courses online and are not eligible for F-1 student visas.

Students who live near the Rutgers-Camden campus also have the option of supplementing their program with traditional campus graduate classes offered by various other graduate programs such as English, History, Childhood Studies, Criminal Justice, and Public Policy. Campus classes meet at convenient times, either in the late afternoon or early evening, in order to accommodate returning students who work. It is also possible to take a limited number of classes at other Rutgers campuses.

Recognition and Awards

The Masters of the Arts in Liberal Studies Online program has been rated among the top programs in the country!