FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

An Educational Journey

1. What is the M.A.L.S. degree and for whom is it intended?
It is an interdisciplinary master's degree intended for adult learners who want to explore diverse subjects, seek intellectual growth opportunities, improve critical thinking and study a special interest in depth. It's for those who may have specialized in an area at the undergraduate level and now seek a broader liberal arts education. Typical students may be nurses, doctors, teachers, clergy, CEOs or civil servants, among others.

2. How are classes offered?
Classes are offered in seminar style and in a cohort of students who proceed through the program together as a group, stimulating an enriching exchange of ideas. Every fall, spring and summer, two classes are offered in eight-week sessions. This enables students to finish the program in two years. Classes are held at the Frederick Continuing Studies Center of Mount St. Mary's University.

3. What are the admission requirements?
Students must have completed a bachelor's degree (in any field) from an accredited college or university with a grade point average of 2.5 or higher.

4. What is the tuition?
Tuition is $300 per credit for the 2005-06 academic year.

5. What about financial aid?
If you plan to apply for financial assistance, you should file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid as soon as possible (ideally by March 1 for fall entrance and October 1 for spring entrance). Students receiving VA benefits should contact the registrar and notify the M.A.L.S. program. Admissions decisions are made without any reference to any application for aid.

6. What is the curriculum for the program?
The M.A.L.S. is a 30-credit program. There are four levels of courses.

Level One features two courses that introduce students to the concepts and value of liberal studies. These courses emphasize ethical responsibility in today's world. (6 credits)

Level Two consists of three interdisciplinary courses that focus on intellectual and cultural achievements in Western civilization. These are meant to impart a general understanding of human organization and societal change, and they explore ethical issues from ancient times to today's global community. (9 credits)

Level Three allows for more specialized seminars on various topics and provides students greater independence of inquiry. It invites analysis of issues that affect us in the 21st century. Students select three seminars in this level of the program and work with professors in the arts and sciences. Possible courses include The New Europe; Islam and America : Past, Present and Future; and The Arts as Commodity. (9 credits)

Level Four is the capstone level of the program. Each student researches and writes a master's thesis. In this work, the student is expected to demonstrate powers of interdisciplinary analysis and an awareness of ethical issues central to the thesis topic. The student defends the thesis in a public forum. (6 credits)

7. How do I apply?
You can download an application , or call the Mount at 1-877-982-2329 to obtain an application or set up an appointment to discuss the program.