Master of Liberal Studies (MLS) Degree

Program Learning Outcomes for the MLS Degree 

Upon completing the MLS degree, students will be able to:

1. Appreciate major perspectives and methods of the liberal arts by demonstrating a broadened understanding of some basic concepts in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences.
2. Appreciate the connection of the liberal arts to their lives and the larger world.
3. Demonstrate a capacity for analytical thinking.
4. Demonstrate good writing skills.
5. Practice critical listening and good discussion and oral communication skills.
6. Demonstrate academic research methods.

Requirements for the MLS Degree

The MLS degree is a non-thesis master's degree. For general university requirements, see Non-Thesis Master's Degrees. For additional requirements, regulations, and procedures for all graduate programs, please see All Graduate Students. Students pursuing the MLS degree must complete:

• A minimum of 11-12 courses (33-36 credit hours) to satisfy degree requirements.
• A minimum of 30 credit hours of graduate-level study (coursework at the 500-level or above).
• A minimum of 24 credit hours must be taken at Rice University.
• A minimum residency enrollment of one fall or spring semester of part-time graduate study at Rice University.
• A minimum overall GPA of 2.67 or higher in all Rice coursework.
• A minimum GPA of 3.00 or higher in all Rice coursework that satisfies requirements for the non-thesis master’s degree.

The courses listed below satisfy the requirements for this degree program. In certain instances, courses not on this official list may be substituted upon approval of the program's academic advisor, or where applicable, the department or program's Director of Graduate Studies. Course substitutions must be formally applied and entered into Degree Works by the department or program's Official Certifier. Additionally, these must be approved by the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. Students and their academic advisors should identify and clearly document the courses to be taken.

Summary

Degree Requirements

Footnotes and Additional Information

Course Lists to Satisfy Requirements

Core Requirements

Policies for the MLS Degree

Department of Liberal Studies Graduate Handbook

The General Announcements (GA) is the official Rice curriculum. As an additional resource for students, Liberal Studies publishes a graduate program handbook, which can be found here: https://gradhandbooks.rice.edu/2019_20/Liberal_Studies_Graduate_Handbook.pdf

Admission

Admission to graduate study is open to qualified students holding a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from an accredited university or college. A minimum GPA of 3.00 from the applicant’s undergraduate work is expected. Additionally, a statement of purpose, resume, writing samples, letters of recommendation, and work experience will be evaluated as part of the admissions decision. 

Transfer Credit 

For Rice University’s policy regarding transfer credit, see Transfer Credit. Some departments and programs have additional restrictions on transfer credit. Students are encouraged to meet with their academic program’s advisor when considering transfer credit possibilities.

Additional Information 

For additional information, please see the Liberal Studies website: https://glasscock.rice.edu/departments/graduate-liberal-studies/

Opportunities for the MLS Degree

Association of Graduate Liberal Studies National Honor Society 

MLS graduates who earn a 3.75 GPA or higher and have demonstrated leadership in the classroom and in the greater community are eligible for nomination to the Association of Graduate Liberal Studies National Honor Society. 

Additional Information 

For additional information, please see the Liberal Studies website: https://glasscock.rice.edu/departments/graduate-liberal-studies/