Master of Arts in Liberal Studies

MALS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who are MALS students?

Traditionally MA in Liberal Studies programs are designed as programs for the intellectual development of classroom teachers. However, the Clayton State University model, while still recognizing the primacy of this goal, extends beyond to include individuals from the private sector, law, journalism, healthcare, non-profit organizations, the arts, as well as recent college graduates preparing for advanced graduate work at the doctoral level. The MA in Liberal Studies degree will offer graduates of Clayton State University, and other regionally accredited colleges and universities, opportunities to grow in their awareness of cultural tendencies; to cultivate their analytical and communication skills to reach their full potential; to develop and expand a commitment to others; to attain a liberal studies perspective on contemporary problems and opportunities; to broaden their general knowledge; to strengthen their capacity to think critically and creatively; and to gain insights into the relationships between disciplines, ideas, and historical developments.

The program seeks to "liberate" in the classic sense of that term. It serves the needs of those who want a rich and satisfying intellectual experience as well as enhancement of their analytical and communication skills.

Its subject matter is the whole spectrum of the modern American experience, as well as the roots of that experience as we discover them in other times and cultures. Areas of study include, but are not limited to, literature, the arts, politics, music, philosophy, science, and intellectual and social history.

Unlike professional education or traditional academic programs, liberal studies does not offer a set career path ensured by a degree. Many prospective students exploring this field will return to or continue their profession with a new perspective on key content issues and honed skills of inquiry. Others are anticipating a career change and choose the MA in Liberal Studies to gain a broader base of knowledge in a new area. In the case of recent college graduates, MA in Liberal Studies courses allow them to continue the breadth of inquiry of liberal arts while also providing a bridge to a doctoral program in a discipline other than their prior major. We expect our MA in Liberal Studies alumni to pursue careers in most sectors: private, public, and not-for-profit, with strong leanings towards educational and creative fields.

Generally, the credential of having taken a Master’s degree or other graduate level work from a university-system institution will look impressive on any resume. MA in Liberal Studies alumni at other universities report that having the degree made a positive difference in their career advancement and salary. As noted earlier, we expect MA in Liberal Studies students to come from a variety of professional disciplines. We expect to offer classes to practicing public and private school teachers, doctors, lawyers, writers, accountants, librarians, entrepreneurs, museum and archive professionals, and homemakers, all united by their interests in continuing the life of the mind. Some students will switch careers as a result of their experience in this program. Others will come because they are interested in intellectual pursuits for their own reward.

Why choose the Clayton MALS program?

The Master of Arts in Liberal Studies is a relatively new concept in graduate education, but it actually rests squarely in the venerable tradition of liberal education; it has proven itself as an exciting and useful form of graduate education. The MA in Liberal Studies degree has become an increasingly popular degree nationwide and is now offered by over a hundred universities (e.g., Johns Hopkins, Dartmouth, LSU, and Duke). It was first offered in the early 1950's by Wesleyan University in Connecticut and is now offered in Georgia at Emory University.  Clayton State University is Georgia’s only public university to offer the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies.

Clayton State University’s MALS program is a natural outgrowth of its interdisciplinary curriculum, which offers a Communicative Arts and Integrative Studies Major, combining a variety of disciplines including Art, Philosophy, Film and Media Studies, Communication, Theater, and Women’s Studies, alongside more traditional degrees in History, English, Music, Teacher Education, Psychology, and the natural and social sciences. Faculty work closely with one another, combining their expertise to provide MALS students with a comprehensive and deep liberal education, while our Capstone requirements ensure our graduates’ proficiency.

I feel ready for graduate school, but have been out of school for a while. How will I do in the program?

Students drawn to a liberal arts education are generally motivated by a desire to satisfy their intellectual curiosity. Our Introduction to Graduate Studies seminar will provide you with the tools you need to fulfill this desire, tools which serve our graduates in a variety of artistic, intellectual and professional paths, and our selective admissions policy helps us identify students with a strong potential for success in the program.

Are there people for whom the MALS program in not a good fit?

Yes. Students interested in technical or vocational training should look for a different sort of program. The interdisciplinary, liberal arts environment of our program recommends it to those seeking to broaden their intellectual perspective. This of course does not mean that one’s career cannot benefit from these studies, merely that such advancement is not their primary focus.

How do MALS students design a course of study?

Clayton State University’s MALS program offers four tracks: Liberal Arts, English, History, and Music. Working with an advisor, you will structure your coursework around your track; however all students are required to take Introduction to Graduate Studies, select three out of five foundational seminars, complete 18 hours of work within their academic concentration, and fulfill either the Capstone Thesis or Capstone Courses requirements. The purpose of the foundational seminars is to provide all students with a selected background in Art, Literature, Music, Philosophy, and Political/Historical thought. After completing these seminars, graduate students will have a wealth of cross disciplinary knowledge to bring to their academic concentration, and this work, in turn, prepares students to fulfill their capstone requirement.

Will I receive help designing my program?

Yes. You will work closely with faculty advisors within your area of concentration when designing your program and again with a special committee when fulfilling your Capstone requirement.

How long does the MALS program take to complete?

This is a 36 semester hour graduate degree program. At least 30 of these credit hours must be taken at Clayton State. To remain in good standing, degree candidates must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0. In their first semester, students will take the required Introduction to Graduate Studies course (3 hrs.). Also, in this and subsequent semesters, additional foundational seminars (9 hrs.) will provide all students with a selected background in Art, Literature, Music, Philosophy, and Political/Historical thought. Each student will also select an academic area of focus or concentration (18 hrs). Students may select from one of four areas in this degree program: Liberal Arts, English, History, or Music. Students have two options in completing the program: the Capstone Thesis Option or the Capstone Non-Thesis Option.

Summary Degree Requirements:

In addition students must take a minimum of one class per academic year and complete the program within six years. Any student who exceeds the six-year time limit for completing a degree must apply for admission to the degree program as a new student and begin a new planned program of study. Course credit over six years old will not be accepted in the new program. Other previous course work will be evaluated on the basis of its applicability to the new program of study.

What's involved in satisfying the Capstone requirements?

The Capstone Thesis Option (6 hrs)
Students who have completed all their course work in the areas of Foundational Seminars and at least fifteen hours in their Academic Concentration may select the capstone thesis option to fulfill the requirements for their degree. Students work under the supervision of three faculty advisors (from at least two different academic disciplines, one of whom must be designated the Thesis Chair), and may begin work on the thesis project only after a capstone thesis proposal has been formally approved. The thesis may take the form of academic or applied research, or it may be a creative work. The capstone thesis must be of a nature to warrant six hours of graduate credit. In general, the projects should yield a written piece of work, although products such as artistic/musical creations also may be acceptable.

The Capstone Courses Option (6 hrs) This non-thesis option requires that, after completing the Foundational Seminars and the Academic Concentration, the student complete an additional six semester hours in research problems which requires products such as submission for publication of a book review (or other publishable review), an application (with abstract) to present a paper at a local or regional conference, or a major revision of a previously-written essay/paper in the program which will be submitted for publication to a refereed journal. Students selecting this option must also pass a comprehensive exam of all course work.

What can I do with a Masters of Arts in Liberal Studies?

Clayton State University’s MALS program is intended to provide you with a better understanding of contemporary culture and its rich intellectual and artistic heritage, within an interdisciplinary environment. This education will enable you to pursue a variety of artistic and intellectual paths, including advanced study for a doctorate. Again, a liberal arts education helps you attain a fresh perspective on your work while equipping you with the proficiency in communications, intellectual confidence, and analytic ability to support your vision. Finally, some students wish only to broaden their intellectual horizons. At Clayton they will find enthusiastic guides to provide context and focus.