Liberal Studies, MLSt
Collaboration, Consulting, Culture, Ideas, Liberal Arts, Society, cultural, ethics, general, humanities
Develop broad, integrative knowledge and apply it to practical contexts and problems. Whether you're interested in growing your workforce skills, becoming a more effective community contributor, or preparing for a doctoral or professional degree program --- or you simply have a love of learning and want to pursue further studies --- you'll appreciate this program's flexibility and customizable design.
The Master of Liberal Studies program is an advanced degree offering that situates knowledge and know-how at the intersection of culture, community and profession. Its emphasis on integrative, applied knowledge and cross-disciplinary approach cultivates your capacity to see and understand the complex reality of societal problems and navigate challenges across cultural, professional and personal contexts. Communication, holistic analysis, perspective-taking and research are featured aspects of all core courses.
A distinct aspect of the program is the customization of learning. Working closely with faculty advisors, you build the majority of your program by choosing from a wide-ranging list of elective courses that best meet your interests and needs. With courses from across the humanities, social sciences, arts and natural sciences, this program prepares you to become a master learner and problem-solver. The program culminates in an applied learning experience under the guidance of a seasoned faculty member.
- College/school:
College of Integrative Sciences and Arts
- Location: Downtown Phoenix, Polytechnic or Online
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
30 credit hours including the required applied project courses (MLS 582 and MLS 593)
Required Core (9 credit hours) Electives (15 credit hours) Culminating Experience (6 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information
MLS 510 Communicating in Complex Cultural Environments (3)
MLS 511 Advanced Liberal Studies and Worlds of Possibility (3)
MLS 512 Exploring and Expressing Ideas (3)
MLS 582 Applied Project Plan (3)
MLS 593 Applied Project (3)
Featuring courses from English, film and media studies, and art, this program prepares students to become master learners across a wide variety of cultural and social contexts. Electives are chosen in conjunction with graduate advisors.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
U.S.
applicants | International
applicants | English
proficiency
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts.
Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- a letter of interest in the program
- a resume, biographical statement or curriculum vitae
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.
Professionals with excellent critical problem-solving and communication skills are in high demand across sectors and industries, including business, media, entertainment, politics and community organizations. Skills in communication, creative practice, and the collection and critical analysis of data for the development of impactful content are valuable to businesses, nonprofit organizations and institutions that rely on relevant strategies to engage and serve diverse audiences.
Career examples include:
- archivist
- business manager for artists, performers and athletes
- market research analyst
- public relations specialist
- writer or creative writer
School of Applied Sciences and Arts
|
SANCA 233
SASAGrad@asu.edu
480-727-1526
Program term definitions
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

