Sample Timeline for Degree Completion

Students may opt to take courses on a non-degree basis, or apply for admission into the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS) or Master of Philosophy in Liberal Arts (MPhil) degree program. Students may choose to take their first few courses on a non-degree basis and apply after the first semester; up to 4 GLS courses will transfer toward a degree for students who apply after beginning their GLS studies. 

Click here for details on how to apply to the Degree Program.

Below are sample timelines for students participating full-time in the GLS Summer Program; please note all below timelines are accelerated. Students may take up to eight years to complete their degree requirements. Students who choose to take courses during the other GLS terms (Fall and Spring) will be able to accelerate their graduation further. Online seats in courses are currently available on a limited basis, please see course listings for details.

MALS

Summer #1 Summer #2 Summer #3

Supplemental
Part-Time
Semester(s)

Summer #4
4 courses 4 courses 4 courses n/a
3 courses  3 courses 3 courses

n/a

3 courses

4 courses  4 courses 3 courses

online course or
master's essay/
project

3 courses 3 courses 3 courses

3 online courses
over multiple
semesters

Distribution Requirements for the MALS:

6 courses within the area of concentration
6 courses 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

MPhil

Summer #1 Summer #2 Supplemental
Semester #1
Summer #3 Supplemental
Semester #2
Summer #4
3 courses 3 courses n/a 3 courses Thesis prep

MPhil Thesis

4 courses  4 courses

online course
+ Thesis Prep

MPhil Thesis

n/a

n/a

Distribution Requirements for the MPhil:

5 courses within the area of concentration
2 courses outside the area of concentration
2 courses electives, either inside or outside the area of concentration
1 thesis
Courses must be taken in at least three of the five areas of concentration