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Degrees Offered
Graduate Liberal Studies at Wesleyan offers the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS) and the Master of Philosophy in Liberal Arts (MPhil). Students who would like to pursue the MALS or MPhil must apply for the degree program.
Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS)
MALS students complete a program of study with a concentration of courses in one area of study, complemented by a small number of courses outside the area of concentration. The possible areas of concentration are: Arts, Humanities, Mathematics, Sciences, and Social Sciences. Completing a master's essay or project is an option in the MALS.
Distribution Requirements for the MALS:
6 courses (18 credits) within the area of concentration
6 courses (18 credits) outside the area of concentration
Courses must be taken in at least three of the five areas of concentration
Optional master's essay or project instead of the sixth course within concentration
Master of Philosophy in Liberal Arts (MPhil)
The Master of Philosophy in Liberal Arts requires a previously earned master's degree or higher. MPhil students may concentrate in Arts, Humanities, Mathematics, Sciences, or Social Sciences. The MPhil requires a final thesis. All courses leading to this degree must be taken at Wesleyan University; no transferred credit will be accepted. Students may pursue a MPhil after completing an MALS at Wesleyan or a post-baccalureate degree elsewhere. Distribution Requirements for the MPhil:
5 courses (15 credits) within the area of concentration
2 courses (6 credits) outside the area of concentration
2 courses (6 credits) electives, either inside of outside the area of concentration
1 thesis
Courses must be taken in at least three of the five areas of concentration
Timeline to Complete Degree
Students are expected to complete all degree requirements within six years of their first GLS course. If circumstances arise that prevent a student from completing the degree within six years, students may petition for an extension of one or two years. Eight years is the maximum amount of time students may take to complete degree requirements.
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