This program is built for creative thinkers who embrace the interconnectedness of contemporary society. You’ll have opportunities to integrate advanced liberal studies insights into studying human ideas and values. Courses encourage you to think critically about challenges in the human experience through the lenses of politics, religion, social interactions and science.
Through this interdisciplinary approach, you’ll refine skills needed for jobs across industries, including communication, research and an understanding of the changing world. Additional competencies include:
- Analyzing the historical and cultural contexts of forms of expression, documentation and media.
- Applying creative and critical thinking skills to our changing society.
- Building an informed socio-cultural analysis to evaluate contemporary issues.
- Communicating complex ideas through research and creative narrative writing.
Tailor your curriculum to your academic and career goals
As a student, you can explore various interest areas and customize your learning. Whether you focus on literature, film and media, religion or politics, you’ll refine your creative and analytical skills and then learn how to apply them.
With your academic advisor, you’ll design a course plan tailored to you. In your six elective courses, you’ll challenge your perspectives and examine problems through historical, global and cultural contexts. Achieving your personal and professional goals is the foundation of your journey from enrollment to graduation.
Who’s a good candidate for this program?
This program can complement various backgrounds and is ideal for those who want to solve problems through interdisciplinary approaches. With the expertise you’ll gain, you’ll be prepared to adapt to new work landscapes, embrace multiple perspectives and analyze cultural contexts. Employers desire candidates who can exhibit these skills in market research, public relations, policy, journalism, education and many other fields.
This program is also an excellent option if you identify as a lifelong learner, multidisciplinarian or flexible problem solver. Aside from new career opportunities, this program can fulfill your personal goals of earning an advanced degree, exploring topics that differ from your undergraduate degree and more.
Transcend disciplines to solve complex societal problems and improve lives with a Master of Liberal Studies degree online from Arizona State University. While you explore interest areas in the humanities, arts and social sciences, you’ll build transferable critical thinking and communication skills. The cultural contexts and broad perspectives you’ll gain in this degree can accelerate your career across industries.
In this program, you’ll complete three core courses and a two-semester culminating project. Your project can include participating in your community, advocating for social impact, completing a creative or research project and more. You’ll also work closely with your academic advisor to fulfill your remaining credits with electives that support your interests, ambitions and goals.
Faculty in the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts are committed to research and exploration in their fields of work. Many of our faculty and staff are recognized nationally and internationally for their achievements from psychology to writing.
- American Educational Research.
- Association Fellows.
- American Psychological Association Fellows.
- Fulbright scholars.
ASU is a global university recognized for its commitment to innovation, research and high-quality academic programs. Our university is repeatedly awarded peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report and other respected organizations.
in the U.S. for innovation for 11 consecutive years, ahead of Stanford and MIT.
best online bachelor’s programs.
best global universities.
of graduates reported that their experiences at ASU inspired them to explore new career opportunities.
Applicants to the Master of Liberal Studies program must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree, in any field, from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's program. Alternatively, applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- Graduate admission application and application fee.
- Official transcripts.
- Personal statement.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Up-to-date curriculum vitae or resume.
An applicant whose native language is not English (regardless of current residency) must provide proof of English proficiency.
The GRE, GMAT or other test scores are not required for admission.
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”