Liberal Studies, M.A.L.S. (Archival Studies Concentration)

General Program Information

Jill Leroy-Frazier, Ph.D., Director
217 Nell Dossett Hall
Box 70659
(423) 439-4223
e-mail: leroyfra@etsu.edu

Faculty: Julie Fox-Horton; 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. MALS students complete a common core and then select graduate elective courses from disciplinary departments. MALS students choose 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:

1. A baccalaureate degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.
2. An undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
3. Three letters of recommendation.
4. A successful admissions interview.
5. 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 interdisciplinarity, on relevant intellectual interests, and if an Archival Studies Concentration applicant, on the work of the archivist and the nature of the archive. 

Students may be admitted into the MALS degree program fall, spring, or summer.

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. 

Liberal Studies, M.A.L.S. Degree Requirements: 46-49 credits

Liberal Studies Core Requirements: 10 credits

• MALS 5000 - Foundations in Liberal Studies (1 credit)
• MALS 5100 - Introduction to Interdisciplinary Study (3 credits)
• MALS 5200 - Seminar in Liberal Studies (3 credits)
• MALS 5400 - Seminar in Interdisciplinary Research (3 credits)

Archival Studies Concentration: 18 credits

• AVST 5310 - Archives History, Theory, and Current Issues (3 credits)
• AVST 5311 - Archives Principles and Practices (3 credits)
• AVST 5312 - Archives Conservation (3 credits)
• AVST 5320 - Principles and Practices of Records Management (3 credits)
• AVST 5570 - Archives Practicum (3 credits)
• AVST 5330 - Digital Archiving (3 credits)

Advisor Approved Electives: 15 credits

Thesis/Non-thesis Option: 3-6 credits

• MALS 5950 - Special Project in Liberal Studies (3 credits) (repeatable up to 6 credits)

• or

• MALS 5960 - Thesis (3 credits) (repeatable up to 6 credits)