Program Overview

Master of Arts in Liberal Studies Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS) is a 31-credit program of online interdisciplinary coursework with highly qualified faculty across the fields of literature, history, philosophy, religion, social sciences, psychology, and the arts. It provides students with the intellectual stimulation of attending a top public research university alongside bright, enthusiastic, and mature fellow students from a wide diversity of educational and professional backgrounds and from around the United States and abroad. The Graduate Liberal Studies program was established in 1994, became an online program in 2012, and in 2024 introduced the further option of a 13-credit Certificate in Graduate Liberal Studies (MINI-MALS).

Program Details

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

Online or Campus Options

The majority of students complete our program entirely online. All of our courses are especially 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 courses at other Rutgers campuses.

Recognition and Awards

Our Master of Arts in Liberal Studies program is rated among the top programs in the country.

• Intelligent.com: Best Online Master’s in Liberal Arts Programs 2025, #3 out of 25
• DegreeQuery: 20 Best Online Masters in Liberal Arts Programs 2024, #1 out of 20
• Great Value Colleges: Master of Arts in Liberal Studies Programs 2023, #3 out of 10

Curriculum

The program includes:

• Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS)
• Certificate in Graduate Liberal Studies (MINI-MALS)
• Academic Concentrations
• Non-Matriculated Coursework
• Accelerated Degree Program
• Library Resources
• Learning Goals

Courses

• Upcoming Courses
• Past Courses

Policies and Forms

The program has specific policies and forms that students must follow.

Capstone Instructions

The program includes capstone instructions and a list of capstones from 1997 to present.

Graduation Instructions

The program provides graduation instructions for students.