General Program Information
Graduate School Contact:
Stacie Hill; hillsr1@etsu.edu; 423-439-4302
Marie Tedesco, Ph.D., Director
916 West Maple
Box 70659
(423) 439-4223
e-mail: tedescom@etsu.edu
Faculty:
Jill LeRoy-Frazier; Marie Tedesco.
The Master of Arts in Liberal Studies is an interdisciplinary program that offers students from a variety of backgrounds an alternative graduate education. Firmly grounded in the values of interdisciplinary learning, the MALS degree allows students to design an individualized program of study in the Arts, Humanities, Sciences, Social Sciences, and related fields. Students may thus pursue study in such areas as Women’s Studies, Appalachian Studies, and African American Studies, fields where graduate courses exist, but not graduate degrees. MALS students, except those who choose the Archives Concentration -complete a common core, then combine graduate courses from other academic departments with either a thesis or a special project to complete their programs of study.
Program Admission Requirements for Master of Arts in Liberal Studies
A student applying to the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies program needs the following:
- A baccalaureate degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.
- An undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- A successful admissions interview.
- A writing sample of four-five pages. In the writing sample, the applicant will elaborate on reasons for applying to the MALS program, on comprehension of liberal arts, and interdisciplinary, on relevant intellectual interests, and if an Archival Studies Concentration applicant, on the work of the archivist and the nature of the archive. If an Applied Theatre Pedagogy Concentration applicant, the essay should include a description of related work experience and interest in the program.
- For applications for admission into the Applied Theatre Pedagogy concentration: after a review of the application materials, applicants whose documents indicate a potential for success will be invited for an interview with the MALS director and the head of Project REAL conducted either in person, by telephone, or by Skype.
Students may be admitted into the MALS degree program fall, spring, or summer, but hose admitted to the Applied Theatre Pedagogy Concentration in other than the fall semester can begin the concentration core fall semester only.
Archival Studies Concentration
The concentration in archival studies within the MALS program offers students a cross-disciplinary program of study consistent with recommendations of the Society of American Archivists. Students take core courses in liberal studies, as well as core courses in archival studies. Electives come from three (3) categories: Library Science, Management, and Subject Field. A practicum at a local repository is an elective option.