Liberal Studies (MALS)
An interdisciplinary degree program
The Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS) at the University of Delaware is an interdisciplinary graduate program that emphasizes broad thinking and exploration of significant questions from multiple perspectives. Courses are taught by faculty across the College of Arts and Sciences, breaking down traditional departmental barriers. The program encourages students to shape their course of study according to their intellectual interests and passions, fostering a stimulating and dynamic learning environment through small seminar classes.
Why choose UD for your graduate Liberal Studies degree?
Small Seminars
Every course in the University of Delaware MALS program is a small seminar style class. Lively discussions and individual attention from faculty are hallmarks of the program. You learn from your classmates as well as your professors, and you form lasting relationships with both.
Flexibility
The UD MALS program is designed specifically for returning adult students who want to earn their degree through part-time study. Courses are offered in the evenings for the convenience of those who are working. Program staff and faculty are sensitive to the needs of students with busy lives with outside responsibilities.
Student Cohort
An introductory course and core courses insure that MALS students at UD get to know each other well. Combined with the relatively small size of the program and many extracurricular options, the outcome is a strong student cohort. Many students mention forming lifelong friendships with their fellow students.
You Shape Your Program
Beyond the introductory and core courses, students are free to shape their own MALS curriculum to pursue their passions. Students can take courses outside the program to suit their own intellectual interests.
Career Possibilities
The UD MALS program cultivates skills valued by employers, such as writing and presentation skills, critical thinking, problem solving and research abilities. In addition, MALS students have access to all services of the UD Career Services Center.
UD’s Reputation
When you get your MALS degree from the University of Delaware, you participate in UD’s long tradition of exceptional scholarship, research, teaching and service. The University’s tradition of excellence traces its origins from 1743 to the nationally-ranked, research-intensive, technologically advanced institution of today.
Successful applicants for the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies program must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Applicants from any undergraduate academic field are considered. Applicants should have an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or better. No GRE scores are required.
Applicants must fill out the online application form. In completing the form, applicants must provide at least two references, write two essays, and provide official undergraduate transcripts. All applicants have an in person interview with members of the Faculty Advisory Committee.
In addition, international applicants must submit one of the following:
- TOEFL score of 100 or higher (minimum speaking score of 18)
- IELTS score of 7.5 or higher
- Proof of having earned a degree in either the United States or a country where the primary language is English
Applications are reviewed by the MALS director and an admissions committee drawn from the members of the Faculty Advisory Committee.
Starting the Application
The graduate admissions form and accompanying information is hosted by UD's Grad College. You will submit all supporting documents through this form. Once you create an account you can access your application at any time.
Note: After you click the final “submit” button on your application, you will be able to upload additional information, but you will not be able to make changes to your application. Please email gradadmissions@udel.edu with any changes to be made to your application, including updated recommender information.
If you have questions about the admissions process, you’re welcome to call the MALS office at 302-831-4130.
Submitting Recommendations
As a MALS applicant you are asked to secure two letters of recommendation from people who are familiar with those aspects of your life that bear upon your suitability for graduate study. Such letters typically come from people you have worked with in your profession or in volunteer activities, as well as from present or former supervisors or professors. Letters from close personal friends are discouraged; letters from family members are not accepted.
Among the pertinent topics are your intellectual interests, motivation for graduate study, time management skills, enjoyment of intense small-group discussions, and degree of comfort with significant amounts of reading and writing.
Because UD requires the completion of a specific grid of questions by a recommender, we also cannot accept any third-party recommendation service or any individual letters already in the applicant’s possession.
Your application status page shows if your recommenders have been notified, started, or completed the recommendation on your behalf.
Tips to successfully receive your recommendations:
- Be sure you have spoken with your recommender first to see what their preferred e-mail address is for use in completing graduate recommendations.
- Double check the e-mail address you entered for spelling errors.
- Please note that notification emails will come from gradadmissions@udel.edu. If your recommenders use a spam-blocking tool, please ask them to add this email address to their list of known/safe addresses.
- If you need to send a reminder notification to a recommender, please send an email to gradadmissions@udel.edu.
Essay/Personal Statement
As part of the application, you must submit two essays:
1. Submit a three to five page essay (double-spaced) about your intellectual interests and life experiences and how you think these can be developed in the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies program. Please discuss your personal or professional objectives and why you believe this degree is appropriate to help you reach them.
2. Write a short essay (no more than three pages, double-spaced) about a book, essay, story or article that has been important to you (fiction or nonfiction). Discuss the author’s primary theme or argument and how it is developed. Describe how the work has influenced you.
Reviewers will be evaluating your writing ability as well as your fit for the program.
In-Person Interview
The last phase of the MALS application is an in person interview with several members of the Faculty Advisory Committee. You will have the opportunity to tell the committee about your personal intellectual interests and why you are interested in MALS as well as ask any questions you may have.
- A total of 30 credits are required to earn the MALS degree.
- All MALS students must take Introduction to Graduate Liberal Studies (MALS601). This three-credit seminar provides a review of graduate-level academic writing and research and the nature of interdisciplinary study.
- Students also choose two MALS core courses.
- The other five courses may be selected from anything MALS offers, including core courses and electives. Students can choose from other graduate courses at UD (permission for up to six credits outside the program is automatic; additional courses outside the program need approval from Faculty Advisory Committee).
- At the end of the program, students complete either a traditional master’s thesis or a more creative, alternative project. Six credits of MALS 869 (thesis) or MALS 879 (project) are required.
- Most MALS students take one or two classes a semester. The degree is designed to be completed on a part-time basis. Students can take a leave of absence if needed by contacting the director.
Explore our graduate programs
The University of Delaware holistically supports its graduate students, beginning with their health and wellbeing. Benefits include a subsidized health plan and physical and behavioral health services. UD fosters a culture of academic excellence, with committed faculty and staff and access to state-of-the-art research facilities and technology. UD prioritizes professional development with job training, internships and industry partnerships. Graduates further enhance their professional growth and visibility with opportunities to work on interdisciplinary research teams, present their work at conferences and publish in academic journals. Visit the links below to learn how UD is supporting society’s future leaders, scholars, and innovators.
