Program Overview

Master of Arts in Liberal Studies Program

The Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS) program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education in the liberal arts. The program is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive intellectual community, where students can explore a wide range of academic interests and pursue their passions.

Program Overview

• The MALS program offers a flexible and customizable curriculum, allowing students to tailor their studies to their individual interests and goals.
• The program is designed for students who wish to pursue advanced studies in the liberal arts, but may not be seeking a traditional academic or professional degree.
• The MALS program is ideal for students who value intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and creative expression.

Degree Requirements

• The MALS program requires students to complete a minimum of 30 credits of coursework, including a thesis or final project.
• Students must also complete a summer symposium, which provides an opportunity for students to engage in intensive academic study and community-building.
• The program also includes an ethics requirement, which is designed to promote critical thinking and ethical awareness.

Concentrations

• The MALS program offers several concentrations, including:
  • Creative Writing
  • Cultural Studies Program
  • Globalization Studies
  • General Liberal Studies
• Each concentration provides students with a focused and in-depth exploration of a specific field or discipline.

Course Information

• The MALS program offers a wide range of courses, including:
  • Course Descriptions: Students can explore a variety of courses, each with its own unique description and learning objectives.
  • Course Schedules by Term: Students can plan their coursework in advance, using the program's term-by-term course schedule.
  • How to Enroll in Courses: Students can learn about the enrollment process and how to register for courses.

Independent Study

• The MALS program offers students the opportunity to pursue independent study, under the guidance of a faculty advisor.
• Proposal Guidelines: Students must submit a proposal outlining their independent study project, including its objectives, methods, and expected outcomes.

Thesis

• The MALS program requires students to complete a thesis or final project, which is designed to demonstrate their mastery of the subject matter.
• Thesis Proposal: Students must submit a thesis proposal, outlining their research question, methodology, and expected outcomes.
• Thesis Grants: The program offers thesis grants to support students in their research and writing.
• Thesis Research: Students can engage in original research, using a variety of methods and approaches.
• Submitting Your Thesis: Students must submit their thesis for review and approval by the program faculty.
• Sample Thesis Abstracts: Students can review sample thesis abstracts, to gain a sense of the types of research and writing that are possible in the program.

The Byam Shaw-Brownstone Thesis Excellence Award

• The program offers the Byam Shaw-Brownstone Thesis Excellence Award, which recognizes outstanding thesis work in the MALS program.
• The award is given annually, to the student who produces the most outstanding thesis in the program.

Oxford Summer Program

• The MALS program offers an Oxford Summer Program, which provides students with the opportunity to study at Oxford University.
• Student Experience: Students can learn about the Oxford Summer Program, including its curriculum, faculty, and student experience.
• Click here to order your Dartmouth transcript: Students can order their Dartmouth transcript, which includes their coursework and grades from the Oxford Summer Program.

Academic Transcripts

• The program provides academic transcripts, which include a student's coursework, grades, and degree completion information.

Student Forms

• The program provides student forms, which include applications, petitions, and other documents that students may need to complete their degree.

Graduate Student Council

• The program has a Graduate Student Council, which represents the interests of MALS students and provides a forum for discussion and community-building.

News & Events

• The program offers a range of news and events, including:
  • Overview: Students can learn about the program's news and events, including its calendar, journal, and video messages.
  • MALS Calendar: Students can review the program's calendar, which includes important dates, deadlines, and events.
  • Clamantis: The MALS Journal: Students can learn about the program's journal, which includes articles, essays, and creative writing.
  • Please click here to watch the Clamantis video message: Students can watch a video message from the program's faculty and staff.

About

• The program offers information about its people, including:
  • People: Students can learn about the program's faculty, staff, and alumni.
  • MALS Alumni: Students can learn about the program's alumni, including their achievements, careers, and contact information.
  • FAQs: Students can review frequently asked questions about the program, including its admissions, curriculum, and degree requirements.

Departments

• The program is affiliated with a range of departments, including:
  • African and African American Studies
  • Anthropology
  • Art History
  • Asian Societies, Cultures, and Languages Program
  • Biological Sciences
  • Chemistry
  • Classics
  • Cognitive Science
  • Comparative Literature
  • Computer Science
  • Earth Sciences
  • East European, Eurasian, and Russian Studies
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Engineering Sciences
  • English
  • Environmental Studies
  • Film and Media Studies
  • French and Italian
  • Geography
  • German Studies
  • Government
  • History
  • Humanities 1 & 2
  • Jewish Studies
  • Latin American, Latino and Caribbean Studies
  • Linguistics
  • Mathematics
  • Medieval and Renaissance Studies
  • Music
  • Native American Studies
  • Philosophy
  • Physics and Astronomy
  • Psychological and Brain Sciences
  • Quantitative Social Science
  • Religion
  • Sociology
  • Spanish and Portuguese
  • Speech at Dartmouth
  • Studio Art
  • Theater
  • Women’s and Gender Studies
  • Writing Program

Inclusivity

• The program is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive intellectual community, where students can explore a wide range of academic interests and pursue their passions.
• The program values intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and creative expression, and seeks to promote a culture of respect, empathy, and understanding.

Also of Interest

• The program offers a range of additional resources and opportunities, including:
  • Dual-Degree Professional Programs
  • Distinctive Undergraduate Arts And Sciences
  • Undergraduate Residential Life And Communities

Connect With Us

• The program offers a range of ways to connect with its community, including:
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube