MA in Liberal Studies in Chicago United States | DePaul University

The Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS) program offers an interdisciplinary graduate education focused on broad learning and sharpening intellectual abilities applicable across diverse professions. Tailored for dedicated scholars—whether recent graduates or lifelong learners at any stage—the program centers on collaboratively developed core classes. These foundational courses outline the program's objectives, introduce multidisciplinary academic methods, and cultivate advanced scholarly capabilities, promoting intellectual depth, exploration, and cultural awareness. When core courses are unavailable, advisors may approve suitable alternatives. The curriculum also includes elective courses and multiple options for a final project. Electives typically consist of graduate-level or advanced undergraduate classes from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, selected with advisor guidance to create personalized academic pathways. MALS-specific special topics courses, designed with program participants in mind, also count toward elective requirements.