Degrees & Programs

Admission

To be considered for admission, students must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and should have obtained an undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0.  Students with a GPA slightly below 3.0 may be admitted conditionally on probation as well as those students with a lower GPA who are returning to college after a long absence with a fresh motivation to learn. Students admitted into the MLS program conditionally must earn at least a B- in each of their first two classes in order to continue forward.

Degree Requirements

Courses

The MLS requires the completion of at least 11 courses (minimum of 33 credits). Early in their programs, students take a pro-seminar as to introduce them to graduate liberal studies and interdisciplinary methodology, and at least three additional core seminars; one each in the humanities, the sciences, and the social sciences. These seminars combine detailed study of a particular topic with a broad interdisciplinary examination of ways of understanding. 

The MLS program draws on faculty with diverse expertise to explore topics through a multidisciplinary approach. Students, with the guidance of their faculty advisor, may choose graduate courses and seminars in a variety of disciplines within the College of Arts and Sciences. If the student chooses, the program can culminate with a thesis or alternative project that will grow out of the information and methodologies acquired throughout the course work. The Graduate Faculty of the MLS degree consists of the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, the Director of the MLS program, and other faculty members who have experience teaching MLS students in their qualified courses.

Academic Expectations

An average grade of B (3.0) is required for graduation, and no course with a grade lower than B– (2.7) will count toward the degree. Students are required to retain good academic standing, with a GPA of at least 2.7. Failure to maintain good standing may result in dismissal from the program. Students whose GPA falls below 3.0 are considered to be on probation, and they must earn at least a B- in each of their next two classes with a 3.0 GPA in those two classes in order to continue forward. Other academic regulations and policies are established by the Graduate Liberal Studies Committee of the College of Arts and Sciences. Students should consult the Indiana University Northwest Academic Bulletin (add clickable link) for further information.

If this unique, flexible, and multidisciplinary Master’s degree from Indiana University is of interest to you, we encourage you to apply today. For more information, please visit the Master in Liberal Studies page in the Indiana University Northwest Bulletin. 

Application and Further Information

For questions regarding Admission, please contact the Master of Liberal Studies program director via e-mail: [[mslibstu]] or phone (219) 980-6532.