The Masters of Arts program in Liberal Studies is an interdisciplinary program where students have flexibility to design individualized curricula around broad intellectual interests.  Students can take graduate courses in Anthropology, Biology, Communication Studies, Criminal Justice, Education, English, Ethics, Geography, Gerontology, History, Mathematics, Political Science, Psychology, Public Policy, Religious Studies, Sociology, or Spanish.  Students complete a final project to showcase their knowledge. The final project may be a thesis, research practicum, performance or a portfolio.

Students also have an option of pursuing graduate certificates in Cognitive Science, Communication Studies, Emergency Management, Gender Studies, Gerontology, Linguistics, Nonprofit Management, Translation Studies, Professional Writing, and Violin while completing the MA in Liberal Studies.

Interdisciplinary Studies

The courses in the program adhere to the premise that all forms of intellectual inquiry, whether based in literature, science, engineering, or the arts, both influence and are influenced by each other. Recognizing these intersections is, for us, the starting point of intellectual inquiry.

What do we offer?

• Intellectual engagement with outstanding faculty in small classroom settings.
• The chance to engage critical cultural, social, and theoretical issues.
• Improved reading, research and writing skills.
• The opportunity to meet and to engage other interesting, active people.

Is this Degree the right one for you?

The Liberal Studies program is designed for students:

• With established careers longing for intellectual stimulation, or
• Whose careers would benefit from multidisciplinary education

You may want to consider the program if:

• You already have specialized training and now seek a broader education.
• You are eager to pursue intellectual stimulation and enrichment.
• You enjoy learning about as well as investigating and discussing interesting issues with well-informed people.
• You are committed to an understanding of the world that is multi-disciplinary.

What are some of the possible interdisciplinary tracks?

There is not a set course of study.  Students truly tailor the program to fit their academic interests.  To give a better idea of potential courses of study, some students have focused on the following programs:

• Science, Technology, & Culture
  - science policy/environmental studies/history of science
• Old and New Media
  - visual and aural aesthetics/media studies/the history of media
• Language and Comparative Cultures
  - comparative literature, philosophy of language, linguistic
• Constructions of Identity and Society
  - gender studies, ethnography, urban studies, psychology

What's next?

If you have questions of a more specific nature, you may find them answered on our FAQ page Thanks for visiting our site and please write or call if you have any questions.

Dr. Stephanie Moller, Interim Director
Department of Sociology
smoller@uncc.edu
704-687-3237