Master of Liberal Arts
- Mission Statement
- Program Objectives
- Program Description
- Degree Requirements
- Admission Requirements
- Hispanic Emphasis
- Request Additional Information
- MLA Website
The Master of Liberal Arts program encourages life-long learning and personal enrichment and strives to educate its students broadly in the traditional curriculum of the liberal arts, while also requiring them to pursue concentrated study in one or more disciplines. While some students may use the MLA program for further professional preparation in their field (for example, through its Hispanic Emphasis component) the Program emphasis is not primarily vocational. The program is primarily designed to put MLA graduates in contact with a broader range of cultural and intellectual life as well as with communities of knowledge, problem-solving & critical thinking skills, and stimulating forums for the discussion about revolutionary ways re-imagining their life and their world.
The Master of Liberal Arts program is designed for post-baccalaureate students who seek an interdisciplinary educational experience that emphasizes historical and cultural breadth rather than specialization. The program establishes an environment which encourages the integration of learning and life experiences and provides college graduates an opportunity to develop further the competencies essential for participation in a world of unprecedented change. The program, which is seminar-based, is open to people holding degrees in all undergraduate majors.
Students may design programs that are non-professional in intent, that lead to doctoral programs in the liberal arts, or that enhance professional opportunities and advancements. For example, it is suitable for certified, practicing teachers who wish to gain depth and breadth of understanding in the liberal disciplines. Students develop the plan of study in consultation with the program advisor.
The Hispanic Studies emphasis offered within the Master of Liberal Arts Program meets a need for graduate study in the region for people who are fluent in the Spanish language and wish to pursue advanced study of Spanish language, literature and culture. See requirements below.
- Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. No specific major is required.
- 2.75 grade point average, or at least 3.25 for the last 30 semester credits of graded course work. Applicants presenting a lower average may be admitted with provisions.
- Completed "Application for Admission to Graduate Study" form.
- Undergraduate and other transcripts sent directly from the institution to the Graduate Studies Office.
- Non-refundable $20.00 fee for first-time applicants to Minnesota State University Moorhead.
- Personal essay (between 250-300 words) describing their academic experiences and why they are interested in pursuing an MLA degree.
*Please note that the Master of Liberal Arts (MLA) program does not accept applications from international students at this time because it is a part-time program. In order to maintain visa status, international students must be full-time students (eight credits).
Degree RequirementsResidence and Transfer of Credit" section for further information. Any courses completed at this or at other institutions more than five years previous to admission will be individually reviewed.
Detailed information on these requirements and department policies and procedures may be obtained from the MLA Graduate Program Coordinator. Further information on degree requirements may be found in "General Degree Requirements".
MLA Thesis
MLA 699 (4 credits) is a written project to be undertaken near the completion of course work in the program. It consists of a research paper or essay for the purpose of exploring ideas or issues congruent with the objectives of the MLA program. The paper shall have an interdisciplinary perspective, incorporating two or more academic disciplines. Students, in some cases, may propose a creative project, which would be accompanied by an explanatory essay discussing the goals, interdisciplinary aspects, and results of the undertaking. The thesis becomes the basis of an oral examination of the student by his/her thesis committee.
Liberal Arts Courses
Liberal Arts courses are intended for persons enrolled in the Master of Liberal Arts program. Others may register with permission of the instructor.
MLA course offerings are flexible and are geared to student and faculty interests, and many offerings are done under MLA 690: Special Topics.
Portfolio Assessment
As part of the MLA program assessment measures, student admitted after June 2004 will be asked to assemble four papers they produced during the course of their program, to be submitted to the MLA Graduate Coordinator at least three weeks prior to graduation. Portfolios are used for program assessment purposes only and will not be used for grading. A detailed description is available from the MLA Graduate Coordinator and on the MLA homepage.
MLA Degree
Requirements (4 Credits)
MLA 699 Thesis (4)
Restricted Electives (12 Credits)
Students must take 12 credits from the MLA curriculum.
Electives (15 Credits)
Students must take 15 credits in electives which may be selected from the MLA curriculum or from other graduate level courses. Any non-MLA courses will need to be chosen in close consultation with the MLA advisor.
MLA Degree with Hispanic Studies Emphasis
Requirements (7 credits)
MLA 630 Masterpieces of Spanish Literature (3)
MLA 699 Thesis (4)
Restricted Electives (12 credits)
Students must take 12 credits from the MLA curriculum.
Electives (12 credits)
Students must take 12 credits in the Hispanic concentration at the 500 or 600 level.
Request Additional Information
Program information: |
Application information: |
| Master of Liberal Arts Program Minnesota State University Moorhead 1104 7th Ave. S. Moorhead, MN 56563 (218) 477-4693 e-mail: mla@mnstate.edu |
Graduate Studies Office Minnesota State University Moorhead 1104 7th Ave. S. Moorhead, MN 56563 (218) 477-2344 e-mail: graduate@mnstate.edu Application for Admission to Graduate Study |