M.Ed. in Special Education
Mississippi College, located in Clinton, Mississippi, offers a comprehensive Master of ...
Masters of Liberal Studies
Clinton, Mississippi
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.L.S. at Mississippi College is structured as a non-thesis program, meaning it does not require an extensive research thesis or an education certificate. This makes it suitable for individuals who are not necessarily planning to pursue a Ph.D. immediately but are interested in a deeper dive into diverse academic areas. The program emphasizes a broad scope, allowing students to take courses across various humanities and social science departments. There are typically two track options available, offering flexibility in how students distribute their coursework across disciplines.
Curriculum: The 36-credit-hour curriculum for the M.L.S. is intentionally interdisciplinary. One common track requires 15 hours from Humanities and Fine Arts departments (such as Art, English, Music, Bible and Philosophy) and 15 hours from Social Science and Communication departments (such as Communication, History, and Political Science). The remaining 6 hours can be taken as electives from any of these areas. Another track might require 18 hours each from two selected departments, such as Communication, English, or History. All candidates must pass an oral comprehensive examination in their final semester, based on the coursework completed, ensuring a synthesized understanding of their studies.
Research Focus: The M.L.S. at Mississippi College is not a research-intensive degree in the traditional sense, as it explicitly states that no thesis is required. The program's focus is on broad, diversified learning across humanities and social sciences rather than specialized, original research. However, graduate-level coursework in these disciplines inherently involves critical analysis, scholarly reading, and often includes research papers or projects within individual courses. Students are expected to engage with existing scholarship and demonstrate sophisticated understanding through written work and the comprehensive oral examination. The emphasis is on intellectual inquiry and synthesis of knowledge from various fields.
Industry Engagement: The M.L.S. program is not directly aligned with a specific "industry" in the way a business or medical science degree might be. Instead, its "industry engagement" is broader, preparing graduates for roles that value critical thinking, strong communication, interdisciplinary understanding, and analytical skills. These are highly transferable skills applicable across numerous sectors, including education (e.g., adult education, training, K-12 enrichment without specific licensure), non-profit management, government, cultural institutions (museums, archives), writing and editing, communications, and even certain business roles that require a strong humanities background for leadership and strategic thinking. The program implicitly engages with these sectors by providing a versatile skill set.
Global Perspective: The M.L.S. program, by its very nature of encompassing humanities and social sciences, inherently fosters a global perspective. Courses in history, literature, communication, and political science often explore diverse cultures, historical events, philosophical traditions, and global challenges. This exposure broadens students' understanding of various worldviews and interconnected societies. Mississippi College, as an institution, also hosts a diverse student body, including international students, which further enriches classroom discussions with varied cultural contexts and global insights, preparing graduates to navigate and appreciate an increasingly globalized world.
Location
Clinton, Mississippi
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 13856
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $40
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 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 52 or higher.
Mississippi College is making quality education affordable for students from around the world. To support this goal, the college offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically for international students, helping to reduce the overall cost of tuition and living expenses.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students with strong academic records are eligible for merit-based scholarships. These awards are determined by evaluating high school GPA (or equivalent), standardized test scores (such as SAT or ACT), and other academic achievements. The scholarship amount varies, with awards ranging from partial to significant tuition discounts, which are renewable based on academic performance.
Presidential and Dean’s Scholarships: Highly qualified international students may receive Presidential or Dean’s Scholarships, two of the most prestigious awards offered by Mississippi College. These scholarships are based on exceptional academic credentials and leadership potential and can cover a substantial portion of tuition costs.
A Master of Liberal Studies (M.L.S.) from Mississippi College is a versatile graduate degree designed for individuals who seek intellectual enrichment, personal growth, and enhanced critical thinking and communication skills without the narrow specialization of a traditional master's or the research intensity of a Ph.D.
Non-Profit Program Manager/Coordinator: With a strong understanding of societal values, human behavior, and communication, M.L.S. graduates can excel in designing, implementing, and managing programs for non-profit organizations, focusing on community development, social services, or cultural initiatives.
Communications and Marketing Director: The emphasis on strong writing, critical thinking, and understanding humanistic perspectives makes graduates well-suited for leadership roles in communications, public relations, and marketing, where they can craft compelling narratives and engage diverse audiences.
Human Resources Specialist/Manager: An M.L.S. provides a solid foundation in understanding human behavior, ethics, and organizational dynamics, which are crucial for roles in human resources, including recruitment, training, employee relations, and organizational development.
Academic Advisor/Counselor (Higher Education): Graduates can work in universities or colleges, guiding students in their academic and career paths, leveraging their broad knowledge across disciplines to offer comprehensive advice and support.
Freelance Writer/Editor: The rigorous coursework in writing, analysis, and research prepares graduates for careers as freelance writers, editors, copywriters, or content creators across various industries, including publishing, marketing, and corporate communications.
Journalist: With honed research, critical thinking, and storytelling skills, M.L.S. graduates can pursue careers in journalism, reporting on complex issues, conducting interviews, and crafting informative narratives for print, digital, or broadcast media.
Government Affairs Policy Advocate/Analyst: The interdisciplinary nature of the M.L.S., especially with concentrations in history or political science, can prepare graduates for roles in government relations, lobbying, or policy analysis, where they research, evaluate, and advocate for public policies.
Training and Development Specialist: In corporate or organizational settings, M.L.S. graduates can design and deliver training programs, leveraging their communication and pedagogical skills to enhance employee knowledge, soft skills, and professional development.
Librarian/Archivist (Non-traditional roles): While specialized library science degrees exist, an M.L.S. can open doors to roles in libraries, museums, or archives that emphasize research, content management, educational programming, or community engagement, especially if coursework focused on history, literature, or information organization.
Community Development Coordinator: With a concentration in Community Development, graduates can work with local governments, non-profits, or grassroots organizations to strengthen communities by planning and implementing initiatives focused on social, economic, and cultural growth.
