Pictured | April Lidinsky, PhD | Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 2000, Director, Master of Liberal Studies Program; and Professor of Women’s Studies

Master of Liberal Studies

April Lidinsky, PhD | Program Director

Wiekamp Hall 2257 | (574) 520-4528 | mls.iusb.edu

General Information

The Master of Liberal Studies (MLS) degree program in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences provides opportunities for students to engage their curiosity in an intellectual exploration of the world of ideas. But the rewards of the pursuit of knowledge go beyond intellectual satisfaction. Students gain a refreshed approach to an enriched personal and professional life through a program that reinvigorates curiosity and creativity. They gain fresh perspectives and the critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills so valued in today’s workplace.

Students begin with an introduction to graduate liberal studies and interdisciplinary methodology, then enroll in at least three core seminars in the humanities, the sciences, and the social sciences. Seminars combine detailed study of a particular topic with a broad interdisciplinary examination of ways of understanding. The MLS degree program draws on faculty with diverse expertise to explore topics through an interdisciplinary approach.

Admission Requirements

Students are admitted to the MLS degree program by the graduate liberal studies faculty of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. To be considered for admission, students must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and must have obtained an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0. Exceptions can be made to the required GPA for students will subsequent educational or work experience. Consult with the director about this.

A student whose native language is not English must have a minimum TOEFL score of 560 (standard grading) or 220 (computer graded). The recommended TOEFL score is 600 (standard grading) or 250 (computer graded).

Exceptions to these requirements may be made at the discretion of the graduate liberal studies faculty. MLS faculty consist of Ananth, Chaney, Feighery, Lidinsky, Lisoni, Lucal, Marr, Nair, Scheessele, S.R. Sernau, Tetzlaff, and Wells.

Application Deadlines

Students may be admitted to the MLS degree program to begin in either the fall or spring semesters. All admission decisions are made by the graduate liberal studies faculty. The Admissions Committee reviews applications on a regular basis. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, although it is advisable to apply as early as possible. Contact the director for advice on applications made within a month or two of the start of the semester.

Students are also advised to provide reference letter writers at least two to four weeks notice so letters arrive in plenty of time for review. Completed applications include the following:

• Application for admission
• Personal essay on educational history and goals (approximately 600 words)
• Three letters of reference
• Transcripts of all previous undergraduate study
• Application fee

All students wishing to enter the program should contact the director prior to submitting an application.

Transfer Credit Hours

Applicants may request transfer of up to 6 credit hours of graduate elective credits from another accredited college or university. A written request must be sent to the director along with a copy of transcripts from the originating institution. Students may also request that up to 9 credit hours of graduate elective credit taken at an Indiana University campus be counted towards elective requirements. Again, a written request must be sent to the director identifying the specific course and describing how they contribute to the Master of Liberal Studies.

Academic Regulations

Students must have their programs of study approved by the MLS program director. Students may take up to 9 credit hours of electives in a single academic program.

An average grade of B (3.0) is required for graduation, and no course with a grade lower than B– (2.7) is counted toward the degree. Students are required to retain good academic standing, i.e., to maintain a GPA of at least 3.0. Failure to maintain good standing may result in dismissal from the program.

Other academic regulations and policies are established by the MLS faculty of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Students should consult the MLS program director for further information.

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