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2024-2025 Graduate Catalog
Liberal Studies, M.A.
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Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS) programs have enjoyed robust progression in the United States over the past three decades. The degree enjoys strong appeal-with professional persons whose undergraduate education was focused in technical areas and who now wish to broaden their knowledge of the liberal arts; with persons who wish to obtain a master’s degree for career advancement but who do not need to pursue a specific professional degree; with individuals who want to enhance their professional credentials by developing a background in a cognate area; with adults who enjoy the discipline and excitement of structured learning; and finally, with elementary and secondary educators who wish to work toward advanced certificates by strengthening their knowledge both in subject matter areas and in areas related to professional education.
The Liberal Studies program at Valparaiso University is designed to enable students to establish a broad understanding of the liberal arts through a core of integrative courses, and also to focus on a particular subject area through a minimum 15-credit concentration.
The core seminars as well as most MALS courses take an interdisciplinary approach. This approach is based on the conviction that most major problems and issues require multiple perspectives for truer understandings to occur. At the same time, the program acknowledges the need for concentrated, focused learning within a particular discipline.
Courses used to complete the concentration are typically drawn from the corresponding department and from approved Liberal Studies (LS) courses. Courses used to complete the Gerontology and the Human Behavior and Society concentrations include Seminars in the Social Sciences (LS 620 ), Liberal Studies topics courses (LS 690 ) and designated offerings in Nursing and social science departments (e.g., Psychology, Sociology, Geography, and Political Science). Students who elect the concentration in Human Behavior and Society are encouraged to explore the range of human behavior and should not expect to take all of their courses in a single discipline.
Each MALS concentration provides the opportunity to take electives, either as part of the concentration or from courses outside the concentration. Electives may be taken from other concentrations or from offerings in Art, Communication, Education, and Theatre. Educators may take all 9 elective credits within the field of education. For those who are interested, the MALS travel/study option may be used as elective credits.
Up to three credits of Liberal Studies LS 685 , LS 690 , LS 692 , LS 693 , and LS 695 may, with approval, be applied to a particular concentration. Students may be eligible for admission to this program as an Early Entry student. See here for more information.
MALS Concentrations
Concentrations include: English, Ethics and Values, Gerontology, History, Human Behavior and Society, Humane Education, Theology, Theology and Ministry, and an Individualized program of study.
Although all MALS programs are comprised of a liberal studies core, an area of concentration, and electives, the specific requirements may vary across programs. Programs having similar distribution requirements are grouped together.
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Concentrations in English, History, Human Behavior and Society, and Theology
Each of these programs requires a total of 36 credits with the following distribution: 15 credits in the core seminars and 15 credits in the concentration. The remaining 6 credits are electives.
Concentration Requirement (15 credits)
For English, History, and Theology concentrations, the 15 credits should be drawn from the respective departments, although substitutions may be made with the approval of the academic advisor and dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. For Human Behavior and Society, courses are typically drawn from Psychology, Sociology, Geography, and approved Liberal Studies (LS) courses-these last courses typically address topics related to broad political, social, and cultural issues.
Core Requirements: 15 Cr.
Nine Credits From The Following Options (Cannot Repeat):
Electives (6 credits)
Three credits of electives are selected from 600-level LS courses, unless otherwise approved by the MALS advisor. The remaining three credits may be selected from any department as long as the student meets the course prerequisites. The study/travel option may also be used as elective credit toward the MALS degree.
Students are encouraged to complete an independent study or research project, or if they qualify, a thesis (see below) to bring their program into a culminating focus. Students who undertake independent studies or choose to complete research projects are responsible for formulating their plans in consultation with their advisor and for finding a supervising faculty member. Students should allow sufficient time to complete their final project and are therefore required to arrange for their final project at least one semester before their final semester. Often students and faculty find it optimal to schedule research projects during the summer session. Such projects, however, are typically begun prior to the academic semester during which they are scheduled, or may extend into the following academic semester.
Concentration in Ethics and Values
Sensitivity to and understanding of ethical issues permeates all levels of study at Valparaiso University. This tradition dates as far back as the 1940s when O.P. Kretzmann, an early leader within the newly-acquired Lutheran University, identified social ethics as a topic worthy of exploration within the University and church circles and subsequently sponsored workshops and seminars on the issue. This early vision established an ongoing tradition of inquiry and discussion of ethics within the University community, a discussion whose relevance and timeliness has only expanded with the increasing pace of technological and social change. The need for greater understanding of ethical dilemmas and challenges, not just among those whose primary concern is moral and ethical behavior (e.g., persons in the ministry) but also among individuals serving within a variety of professional fields (e.g., law, health, business, human services), serves as a core rationale for the concentration.
The MALS concentration in Ethics and Values is a 36-credit interdisciplinary program. It is designed to increase awareness of and sensitivity to issues of ethics among persons currently working or intending to work in a professional capacity and to provide them with the necessary framework for making informed, values-based decisions in such fields as law, health, business, and human services. Graduates of this program will have an understanding of principles and theories of philosophical and religious ethics. In addition, they will study the application of these principles to a variety of professional situations and culminate their study with a project that integrates their professional interest with ethics and values.
Admission
Applicants are required to meet the standard graduate admission criteria (see here ). Preferred qualifications include an undergraduate grade point average of 3.25 or higher; significant reading background (defined as two or more courses in Philosophy or Theology), or professional interest in the field of ethics; and current or anticipated employment in a professional field. Applicants lacking adequate preparation may be required to enroll in a relevant undergraduate course (e.g., History of Philosophy) prior to or concurrent with enrollment in the program.
Core Requirements: 15 Cr.
Nine Credits From The Following Options (Cannot Repeat):
Three Courses From The Following Options:
Ethical Studies and Applications
One Course From Remaining Foundation Level Courses Or The Following Options:
One Additional Course From The Above Options
Electives (6 credits)
Three credits of electives are selected from 600-level LS courses. The remaining three elective credits may be selected from any department as long as the student meets course prerequisites.
Concentration in Gerontology
As the U.S. and world populations age, there is a need for a larger pool of well-trained gerontologists. Interested students may choose the 36-credit MALS gerontology concentration.
Core Requirements: 15 Cr.
Six Credits From The Following Options (Cannot Repeat):
Gerontology Concentration: 18 Cr.
Graduate Research Methods course from Psychology, Nursing, or Education
One Course From The Following Options:
Three Courses From The Following Options:
Elective: 3 Cr.
Any approved courses from the following programs: Business, Counseling, Liberal Studies, or Nursing
Concentration in Theology and Ministry (Includes Diaconal Track)
The concentration in Theology and Ministry is a special option within the MALS program designed for those seeking to enlarge their theoretical understanding of theology as well as develop skills in ministry. Persons benefiting from this program include professional church workers and lay volunteers. A special track of this program with more specific requirements in theology has been developed for those who wish to become consecrated as deaconesses at the end of their study. Students seeking both the MALS degree and deaconess consecration must be admitted both to the graduate program and to the Deaconess Program (administered by the Lutheran Deaconess Association).
Building on core courses taken with others in the MALS program, the Theology and Ministry concentration requires at least one course in biblical studies, one in the Christian faith and tradition, and several courses in ministry. Electives in theology and in complementary areas permit students to customize their plans of study to meet their individualized interests. At least 20 credits of work must be completed at the 600 level.
Full-time students normally complete this program in two years (four semesters). Certain students may be able to complete the program in less time, particularly through the use of summer courses. Students should consult with their academic or program advisor in planning their programs.
Theology and Ministry: 39 Cr.
Core Requirements: 12 Cr.
Six Credits From The Following Options (Cannot Repeat):
Theology Concentration: 24 Cr.
Bible and Christian History
One Course From The Following Options:
Electives: 3 Cr.
Three credits of electives are selected from 600-level LS seminar courses. The remaining three may be selected from any department as long as the student meets course prerequisites.
Theology and Ministry-Diaconal Track: 40 Cr.
Core Requirements: 12 Cr.
Six Credits From The Following Options (Cannot Repeat)
Theology Concentration: 19 Cr.
Choose One Course From The Following Options:
Theology Electives: 9 Cr.
Courses Such As Those Listed Below May Be Taken As Electives To Meet Program Requirements:
Up To 6 Credits Of Graduate Level Courses, Including Independent Study, May Be Considered In Consultation With The LDA And MALS Advisor.
Individualized Program of Study
Considerable flexibility exists within the MALS program. To enable students to explore their unique interests and educational goals, the opportunity to construct a 36-credit individualized concentration is available.
Students selecting this option are required to formulate a plan of study which focuses on a particular topic, theme, or other special interest that involves several academic disciplines. Examples of such themes include gender issues and multicultural themes. It is expected that students who are pursuing a specific theme will, when enrolled in their various courses, write their paper on a topic related to their individualized concentration. In the individualized study option, students may also use 600-level Liberal Studies courses, including independent study (LS 695 ) or the Liberal Studies Research Project (LS 692 ) (required for those students who choose the individualized concentration) to meet a required minimum of 18 credits earned in courses at the 600-level.
To be approved for an individualized concentration, the student must meet the following requirements:
- Have completed 9 credits of graduate study at Valparaiso University at the level of B (B=3.000) or higher
- Submit a personal statement describing the proposed concentration theme or topic, explaining how it will fulfill a personal or professional interest
- Identify a faculty sponsor who will serve as the student’s academic advisor (the academic advisor will normally, but not necessarily, be the faculty supervisor for the required research project)
- Provide a plan of study to show how the concentration will be completed. The plan must be approved by the student’s academic advisor, the chair of the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies Administrative Committee, and the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences
- Complete a research project or thesis
MALS Thesis Option
The MALS program provides a thesis option for qualifying students, particularly those interested in pursuing doctoral level study. Specifically, students approved for this option must take 3 credits beyond the regular MALS degree (39-43 credits total) and complete an 18-credit concentration, 9 credits of which must be taken at the 600 level or above. Thesis completion requires adherence to the guidelines outlined in the Thesis Manual, available on the Graduate Office academic forms website.
Thesis work comprises up to 6 credits. Three credits of coursework, applied toward either concentration or elective categories, are first completed as LS 692 Research Project in Liberal Studies or LS 695 Independent Study and are intended for the development of a thesis proposal. With satisfactory completion of LS 692 or LS 695 and approval of thesis candidacy, the student may enroll in LS 795 Master’s Thesis in the following semester. LS 795 credits are applied to the 18-credit concentration.
Admission to Thesis Candidacy
Students meeting the following criteria may be accepted as candidates for the MALS thesis option. Prospects must demonstrate that they have met the qualifications for thesis work through an application for Thesis Candidacy. This form requires the signatures of two or more Valparaiso University faculty (one from the student’s area of concentration) who have agreed to serve on the thesis committee. In addition, the prospect must provide evidence of having completed the prerequisite coursework, submit GRE scores of 1100 or above (quantitative plus verbal), have achieved a grade point average of 3.70 or higher in all graduate coursework at Valparaiso University, and have successfully completed LS 692 or LS 695 with a grade of A or A-.
Thesis prospects must have completed 9 credits of LS seminar coursework and 12 credits in their concentration before enrolling in LS 795 . Since enrollment in LS 692 or LS 695 is currently permitted after 12 credits are completed, the thesis proposal work may be included in the 21 credits of prerequisite coursework.
Thesis Implementation
A thesis may involve academic or applied research, or creative work. Research projects may be primarily analytical, critical, and synthetic in nature, or they may be primarily empirical (data based). To ensure an appropriate methodology, students carrying out a research project, particularly one that is empirical, may be advised to complete a course on research methodology in an appropriate discipline prior to undertaking thesis work.
An important step in the thesis process is selection of the thesis committee. Prospects should not assume that any or all faculty can or will agree to serve on a thesis committee. Rather, through the quality of their graduate coursework as well as the alignment of their topic with faculty interest and expertise, they will need to demonstrate that faculty mentoring is both deserving and possible.
Thesis work is generally carried out in two phases. LS 692 or LS 695 are intended for the development of the thesis proposal and should result in a preliminary review of the field and a detailed proposal of study or of the project (e.g., 30-40 pages plus an appropriate list of references or citations). This course work should be carried out under the supervision of at least one of the faculty who will serve on the thesis committee. If the proposal is approved by the thesis committee, the student may enroll in LS 795 Master’s Thesis . The thesis itself should represent a significant contribution to the field and be of publishable or exhibition/exposition quality. Upon completion, the thesis is reviewed by the faculty of the thesis committee and defended by the student at a public forum announced by email one week in advance to the students and faculty of the program. The approved thesis should be deposited to ValpoScholar in accordance with Thesis Manual guidelines.
Thesis work is encouraged during summer sessions when both faculty and students typically have more time available for more intense intellectual interaction.
Admission Requirements
- Undergraduate degree from an accredited university
- Undergraduate grade point average of 3.000 or higher
- TOEFL of 550 or 80 iBT, or IELTS 6.0 for international students
- Two letters of reference
- Essay indicating reason for qualifying for admission to the program
- For the Ethics and Values and Theology concentrations, at least 6 credits in Theology or Philosophy
Curriculum
Most MALS degrees offered at Valparaiso University require four core seminars (12 credits), five courses in a field of concentration (15 credits), and three elective courses (9 credits).
Concentration (15 credits)
Students concentrate their studies in any one of the following areas: English, Ethics and Values, Gerontology (18 credits), History, Human Behavior and Society, or Theology. Up to three credits in the concentration may be completed through an independent study project which bridges the MALS concentration. A student may construct an individualized major by choosing a theme and taking coursework related to that theme (e.g., Gender Issues; Sports; Criminal Behavior; Religion and Government, etc.).
MALS Core Requirements: 15 Cr.
Nine Credits From The Following Options (Cannot Repeat):
Post-MALS Certificates
Students who have earned a MALS or comparable Master of Arts degree may add a second concentration by earning additional credits as specified below. Half the credits must be taken at the 600 level. The additional credits will be transcripted as a post-master’s certificate on the student’s record.
- English Credits: 15
- Ethics and Values Credits: 15
- Gerontology Credits: 18
- History Credits: 15
- Human Behavior and Society Credits: 15
- Theology Credits: 15
- Theology and Ministry Credits: 24
For the Theology and Ministry, Gerontology, and Ethics and Values certificates, the credits must be distributed as in the MALS concentration for that area.
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