Master of Liberal Arts

The Master of Liberal Arts program at the University of Richmond is a cross-disciplinary program designed for students who wish to work toward a master's degree without limiting their study to a single discipline. Offering a rich and varied educational experience, the program invites the student to design his or her own course of study. In consultation with the program coordinator, the student selects courses from the humanities and social sciences which support a theme, topic, or focus chosen by the student and approved by the coordinator. Students may enter the program from academic and career backgrounds as diverse as business and art. Most MLA students attend part-time, but some full-time study is an option.

Areas of Instruction

Courses may be chosen from those offered for graduate credit in the School of Arts and Sciences. These include courses in such disciplines as art, classical studies, education, English, history, modern literatures and cultures, political science, religion, sociology and anthropology.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelors degree or its equivalent in any field
• Transcripts of previous college work
• Three letters of recommendation
• Completed application form

Degree Requirements

• Two required courses: (1) an entry course which introduces students to graduate level study and to the methodologies of selected liberal arts disciplines; (2) a closing seminar in which students complete and share projects which have grown out of the topics, themes, or focuses of their courses of study
• Eight additional courses chosen in consultation with the program coordinator

Special Features of the Program

• GRE scores not required for admission
• No thesis
• Opportunity to design course of study
• Small classes and close interaction between students and faculty
• Evening and late-afternoon classes designed to accommodate the part-time student
• Low part-time and summer tuition rates