1. Why should I apply to the Liberal Studies Program?
2. When can I apply to the program?
3. Must I take the GRE?
4. Can I create my own area of specialization within the Liberal Studies Program?
5. Can students take courses outside the Liberal Studies Program?
6. Where are classes held, and how often do they meet?
7. May students take courses at other universities within the consortial system?
8. How long does it usually take to earn the degree?
9. Will I be writing a Master's thesis?
10. Does the program accept life experience credits?
11. What scholarship help is available?

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1. Why should I apply to the Liberal Studies Program?

Ideally, you should do so for one of three very good reasons: (1) You have an intellectual project you wish to pursue; (2) You are thinking of Ph.D. work but are not sure of the discipline or are not quite ready to begin; (3) You need or want a Master's degreee.

2. When can I apply to the program?

The deadline for admission in the fall term is April 15; the deadline for admission in the spring term is November 15.

3. Must I take the GRE?

Yes.

4. Can I create my own area of specialization within the Liberal Studies Program?

No. Students must choose one of the ten recognized areas and take two courses in that area. You may, if you wish, take other Liberal Studies courses in addition.

5. Can students take courses outside the Liberal Studies Program?

Students must take two courses in a single area of specialization within the program. They are encouraged to take most of the other 21 credits of course work in the various Ph.D. programs.

6. Where are classes held, and how often do they meet?

All classes meet at the Graduate School and University Center, 365 Fifth Avenue, at 34th Street. Most classes meet once a week.

7. May students take courses at other universities within the consortial system?

No. Only doctoral students may do that.

8. How long does it usually take to earn the degree?

If you take two classes per semester, you will complete the 30-credit degree in two and a half years.

9. Will I be writing a Master's thesis?

Yes. The final three credits for the thirty-credit degree are for Thesis Supervision. You should begin thinking about your thesis topic, and choosing a thesis adviser, when you have accumulated about eighteen credits. The adviser should be an instructor who is interested in your project. The required thesis should be seventy-five to one hundred pages long.

10. Does the program accept life experience credits?

No.

 

11. What scholarship help is available?

None. See the Financial Aid Office for information about other forms of financial aid.