New! Starting Fall 2024: CERTIFICATE IN GRADUATE LIBERAL STUDIES Looking for a way to get your feet wet in graduate school? Consider enrolling in our new Certificate in Graduate Liberal Studies (MINI-MALS) program. Choose any four courses from the Graduate Liberal Studies listings, plus access to other Rutgers graduate courses. Credits may be applied to masters degree if you decide to continue. Further information here.

 

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 fellow students from diverse backgrounds.

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 wish to add intellectual spice to your retirement…
• If you wish to explore ideas in a serious and systematic way…

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 with online courses specially designed for MALS students. All MALS (and MINI-MALS) classes are kept small to encourage the in-depth exploration of ideas.

Students who live near the Rutgers-Camden campus also have the option of taking traditional campus graduate classes offered by various graduate programs on campus 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 mix online and campus classes, as well as to take a limited number of classes at other Rutgers campuses.

MALS graduates have gone on to prestigious Ph.D. programs and enhanced or new careers.

Recognition and Awards

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