FAQs

APPLYING TO THE PROGRAM
Why should I apply to the Liberal Studies Program?
Students apply to the program for a variety of reasons: (1) They have an intellectual project they wish to pursue; (2) They need or want a Master’s Degree; (3) They are interested in a particular field offered in one of the nineteen MALS tracks; (4) They are attracted to the options for interdisciplinary study offered by the MALS program; (5) They are thinking of Ph.D. work but are unsure of the particular course of study they wish to pursue; (6) They are interested in studying with the distinguished faculty of the CUNY Graduate Center.

When can I apply to the program?
Please see the GC’s Application Deadlines page for current deadlines.

Must I take the GRE? What is the Average or Minimum Score?
Yes, the GRE is required. There is no minimum score necessary to gain acceptance to MALS. Although the tests are a requirement, each application is reviewed as a whole with all elements of the application package carefully considered. The committee pays attention to the student’s record of academic achievement as reflected in the transcripts, the student’s potential for graduate work as demonstrated by recommendations, the GRE scores, and the student’s background and reasons for pursuing an M.A. at The Graduate Center, as expressed in the personal statement.

If I enter with some completed graduate work, will those credits transfer?
The Liberal Studies Program will accept toward the 30 credits for the M.A. a maximum of 12 credits earned in another graduate program. The following restrictions apply to these transfer credits:

PROGRAM STRUCTURE AND REQUIREMENTS
Can I create my own area of specialization within the Liberal Studies Program?
Students can choose one of the nineteen recognized tracks and take two required core courses in that area. For greater latitude in choosing electives, students can consider specializing in one of the broader tracks such as Western Intellectual Traditions, American Studies, Digital Humanities, or Approaches to Modernity. Students may also take other Liberal Studies courses if desired. in addition. We do not currently offer a degree made up entirely of elective courses.

Where are classes held, and how often do they meet?
All classes meet at the Graduate School and University Center, 365 Fifth Avenue, at 34th Street. Most classes meet once a week.

Can I take courses outside the Liberal Studies Program?
Yes, the program is designed so that students can choose courses from the various doctoral program offerings, depending on their chosen track as well as their specific interests. Students must take two courses in a single track within the program (6 credits) along with the Introduction to Graduate Liberal Studies (3 credits). They are encouraged to take most of the other 18 credits of course work in the various Ph.D. programs.

Can I take courses at other CUNY schools for credit?
MALS students can take up to two graduate courses at other CUNY schools, provided they are relevant to their track and are approved in advance by the Executive Officer. Matriculated students registering for courses that are offered at another CUNY college, but do not appear on the Graduate Center Announcement of Courses, must complete the Request for Permit Out Form, which is available from the Assistant Program Officer of MALS and in the Registrar’s Office. Once the form is completed and approved by the academic program, the student should submit the form to the Registrar’s Office in room 7201 for processing. Every attempt will be made to make arrangements with local registrars for the registration for courses offered at the campuses that are relevant and necessary for the pursuit of a Graduate Center degree.

May I take courses at other universities within the consortial system?
The doctoral consortial arrangement is open only to students enrolled in a doctoral (not master’s) program.

What financial aid is available?
Federal work-study awards are available to qualified applicants. Please see the Financial Aid Office’s website for more information.

Can I enroll as a part-time student? What counts as part-time?
Yes, students can enroll for one or more courses per semester. Please visit the Tuition and Fees for current information.

Can I start in the Spring semester?
Yes. Please see the GC’s Application Deadlines page for current deadlines.

Will I be writing a Master’s thesis?
Yes. The final three credits for the thirty-credit degree are for MALS 79000, Thesis Research. Students should begin thinking about a thesis topic, and choosing a thesis adviser, when they have accumulated about eighteen credits. The adviser should be an instructor who is interested in the proposed thesis project. The required thesis should be fifty to sixty pages long.

GENERAL QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Can you describe the profile of your typical student?
Our student population is diverse and resists easy caricature. Some of our students are recent college graduates who have decided to pursue graduate study; some are librarians seeking a second Master’s degree; some are retired professionals taking courses for personal edification; others are seeking a career change. We welcome inquiries from prospective students and regularly set up pre-application informational interviews.

How long does it usually take to earn the degree?
Students who take two classes per semester can expect to complete the 30-credit degree in two and a half years.

How large are the classes?
The typical class size is about 10-12 students.

What kind of jobs do graduates find after completing the degree?
Some people stay in the jobs they have; some will be qualified for advancement because of this additional degree; some apply for doctoral study; others find that this new degree will equip them to find a variety of new positions in business, media, education, and social programs.

Does the program offer classes at night or on weekends?
A number of courses are offered on weeknights from 6:30-8:30 pm. There are no weekend classes.

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Have questions that aren’t answered here? Please send them to us at liberalstudies@gc.cuny.edu.