Liberal Studies

Course Structure

1. Two core requirements (6-8 credits), which include one course from the list of approved core courses in Humanities, and one course from the list of approved core courses in the Social Sciences, or appropriate alternate courses as advised. These core courses are typically \x93field courses,\x94 or surveys of a broad disciplinary area, designed as introductory courses for graduate students in a variety of disciplines. Full time students must complete the core courses during their first year of study. Part-time students will complete them as advised.
2. Elective courses selected in consultation with the Director or a designated faculty advisor (minimum 18 credits), which may include GLS 697 (Directed Readings, 1-4 credits), and which must include at least 2 courses at the 600 level (6-8 credits). Electives must also include courses in at least two departments.
3. GLS 699 Master\x92s Thesis (4 credits). This independent research project is based on (but not reducible to) the student\x92s course work. This thesis is designed in consultation with a minimum of two full-time faculty supervisors, and must be approved by the program Director
4. Students are not permitted to register for GLS 699 until they have (1) identified a thesis committee of at least two full-time faculty members who agree to serve as first and second readers; and (2) submitted a written thesis prospectus of 8-10 pages, with a supporting bibliography of at least 25 items, that outlines the research project and is formally approved in writing by the thesis committee and the Director of Liberal Studies. It is therefore imperative that students submit the approved prospectus during the semester before they expect to write the thesis, ideally at the time of pre-registration.
5. The final research thesis represents the culmination of the degree. It provides evidence of the student\x92s academic work, and will be used to represent the student for any further doctoral program applications and/or employment following completion of the degree. In planning this thesis, students should begin to formulate a research topic as early as possible in their course of study, and should choose their individual courses accordingly. Students may also find it useful to compile and revise annotated bibliographies as a way to help define their area of study. Other recommendations will be made by the thesis committee as appropriate.