M.S. in Mechanical Engineering
The MSE in Mechanical Engineering at UM-Flint is a comprehensive program focused on dev...
M.A. in Liberal Studies
Flint, Michigan
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.A. in Liberal Studies at the University of Michigan-Flint is a 30-credit hour program designed for maximum flexibility, catering to both full-time and part-time students. It offers both online and on-campus learning options, welcoming individuals from diverse educational backgrounds and accommodating busy schedules. Students typically complete the program within 1.5 to 2 years, though full-time and part-time enrollment options allow for tailored pacing. The program's core focus is on American thought and culture, engaging students in a critical examination of the American experience, including issues related to race, gender, equality, politics, religion, and popular culture. A key aspect is the opportunity for students to undertake individual research and creative projects that reflect their personal passions and interests, culminating in a thesis. The program also offers the possibility to double count courses towards a Graduate Certificate in Business, allowing for the concurrent acquisition of business management skills.
Curriculum: The 30-credit curriculum for the M.A. in Liberal Studies provides a robust core in American history, institutions, and culture, complemented by elective courses drawn from across various disciplines. This interdisciplinary approach allows students to customize their curriculum based on their specific interests within American culture, exploring historical, current, and emerging issues from multiple perspectives. While specific course titles will vary, the curriculum nurtures essential graduate-level skills such as in-depth inquiry, analysis, critical and creative thinking, and confident written and oral communication. The program aims to build a broad, cross-disciplinary education, integrating insights from art, literature, politics, history, sociology, and even business, to provide a holistic understanding of the American experience.
Research Focus: The M.A. in Liberal Studies at the University of Michigan-Flint places a significant emphasis on research, as evidenced by its explicit requirement for students to "complete a thesis based on your area of study and present your thesis to a faculty board and peers." This indicates a strong focus on independent scholarly inquiry. Students are encouraged to undertake individual research and creative projects, allowing them to delve deeply into topics within American culture that align with their personal and professional interests. Faculty members, drawing from diverse disciplines within the humanities and social sciences, guide students through the research process, fostering advanced critical thinking, analytical, and writing skills. This intensive research component provides graduates with expert-level knowledge in their chosen area of investigation, comparable to that gained in many professional degrees.
Industry Engagement: While the M.A. in Liberal Studies is an academic program grounded in the humanities and social sciences, its design incorporates elements of practical application and community engagement. The program states that students are encouraged to engage civically through special projects, research, and service-learning, demonstrating the "transformative power of liberal education in real-life situations and environments." The skills developed—such as critical thinking, research, writing, and communication—are highly valued by employers across a wide array of industries, including non-profit sector work, teaching, research, and community/political organizing and leadership. The option to double count courses towards a Graduate Certificate in Business further enhances its industry relevance by allowing students to hone advanced problem-solving, decision-making, and management skills sought after in professional settings.
Global Perspective: The University of Michigan-Flint's M.A. in Liberal Studies, while focusing specifically on American culture, implicitly incorporates a global perspective by encouraging a critical and multidisciplinary examination of national identity. Understanding the American experience in depth often necessitates comparing it with other cultures and global contexts. While explicit international travel or exchange programs are not central to the program's description, the diverse backgrounds of both faculty and students, characteristic of a university like the University of Michigan, naturally bring varied global viewpoints into classroom discussions. Furthermore, the emphasis on broad intellectual inquiry and critical analysis prepares graduates to understand complex societal issues that often have global dimensions, equipping them for roles that may involve international collaboration or comparative analysis of cultural phenomena.
Location
Flint, Michigan
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 18332
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $55
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 84 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 56 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
The University of Michigan-Flint offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students in achieving their academic goals while easing the financial burden of studying abroad. These scholarships reward academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, making quality education more accessible to students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UM-Flint provides several merit-based scholarships for international students at both undergraduate and graduate levels. These scholarships are typically awarded based on academic performance, standardized test scores, and other achievements. Notable scholarships include the International Student Scholarship, which helps offset tuition costs for high-achieving students.
Graduate Scholarships: Graduate international students may be eligible for scholarships such as the Global Graduate Merit Scholarship, which recognizes outstanding academic credentials and supports research and advanced study.
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Liberal Studies from the University of Michigan-Flint is a unique, interdisciplinary program designed to foster advanced critical thinking, research, and communication skills through a deep exploration of American culture. While some M.A. programs in Liberal Studies elsewhere might be non-thesis, the University of Michigan-Flint's program explicitly states that students are challenged to complete a thesis based on their area of study and present it to a faculty board and peers.
Researcher/Analyst (Non-Profit or Think Tank): Graduates are well-suited for roles that require in-depth research, critical analysis of complex issues, and the ability to synthesize information. They can work for non-profit organizations, advocacy groups, or think tanks focusing on social, cultural, or policy issues related to American society.
Writer/Editor/Content Strategist: The rigorous writing and communication skills developed in the program, particularly through the thesis, prepare graduates for careers in publishing, journalism, technical writing, or content creation. They can work as editors for various publications, develop engaging content for websites, or serve as strategists for diverse organizations.
Community and Political Organizer/Leader: With a deep understanding of American culture, history, and societal issues, graduates can excel in roles that involve community engagement, advocacy, and political organizing. They can work for campaigns, community development initiatives, or serve in local government.
Educator (Postsecondary/Adult Education): The M.A. in Liberal Studies provides a strong academic foundation for teaching at the community college level or in adult education programs. Graduates can also pursue further doctoral studies (Ph.D.) to become university professors, leveraging their specialized research expertise.
Human Resources Specialist/Manager: The program's emphasis on understanding human dynamics, communication, and critical thinking translates well into human resources roles. Graduates can work in talent management, employee relations, organizational development, or training, helping shape workplace culture and policies.
Public Relations Specialist/Manager: With excellent communication and persuasive writing skills, graduates can manage public image, craft compelling narratives, and handle media relations for various organizations, including corporations, non-profits, or government agencies.
Museum/Archivist/Cultural Institutions Professional: For those interested in history and cultural preservation, this degree provides a strong background for working in museums, archives, historical societies, or cultural centers. They can contribute to research, exhibition development, or educational programming.
Policy Analyst: Graduates' ability to critically examine societal issues and conduct thorough research makes them suitable for policy analysis roles. They can work for government agencies, research institutions, or advocacy groups, evaluating existing policies and recommending new ones.
Librarian/Information Scientist: The research and information literacy skills cultivated in a Liberal Studies program are highly valuable in library and information science. Graduates can work in academic, public, or specialized libraries, assisting with research, collection management, and information dissemination.
Grant Writer/Program Coordinator (Non-Profit): The analytical, research, and writing skills, particularly from the thesis process, are directly applicable to grant writing and program development for non-profit organizations. They can secure funding and manage projects that address social or cultural needs.
