Frequently Asked Questions

An aerial photo "the greenery" on the University of Miami Coral Gables campus. An aerial photo "the greenery" on the University of Miami Coral Gables campus.
The Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS) program gives both recent graduates and professional the opportunity to pursue a graduate degree on both a full-time and a part-time basis. Students study and interact primarily with senior faculty in the University of Miami's College of Arts and Sciences. Courses are designed for students seeking in-depth study, personal growth and the desire to develop critical thinking.

Frequently Asked Questions

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  • How do I apply?

    Applicants are encouraged to apply online. You may apply online by clicking here.

  • What is the difference between full-time and part-time enrollment?

    Students enrolled in 9 or more credits are considered full-time. The maximum number of credits allowed for full-time study is 12 for each semester.

    Students enrolled in 1-8 credits are considered part-time.

  • Do I need to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)?

    No. You do not have to take the GRE in order to apply to the MALS program.

  • When is the application deadline?

    Application Deadlines
    Intended Starting Semester Deadline
    Summer A February 15
    Summer B February 15
    Fall May 15
    Spring October 15

  • How can I apply for a tuition waiver?

    Once you have submitted your online application, please contact the MALS Admissions Officer regarding the tuition waiver. Students can email the MALS Admissions Officer at malsadmissions@miami.edu.

  • Can I enroll in a course without applying to the program?

    Yes. You have the option of applying as a non-degree seeking student for a maximum of 6 credits.  Upon receiving a grade of B or higher in those courses, you may transfer them into the MALS program. 

    For more information, please contact our recruiter for the MALS program at (305)284-8783 or MALSadmissions@miami.edu. 

  • How often do classes meet?

    Each course meets once a week in the evenings in the Fall and Spring and twice a week during summer sessions.

  • How large are the classes?

    The majority of courses are offered in seminar classrooms and average between 10 to 15 students.

  • Are online courses available?

    The MALS program does not offer any online courses.

  • Can elective courses be taken from other departments?

    Students may enroll in other University of Miami graduate degree courses with the approval of the MALS director. Intersession courses are not allowed in the MALS program.

  • How long will it take to complete the degree?

    The Graduate School requires that all work be completed within 6 years of the time of admission to a graduate program. Most MALS students complete their studies with 2-3 years.

  • Can I transfer credits from another university?

    A maximum of 6 credits of graduate study may be transferred into the MALS program, with approval of the MALS director and the Graduate School. Transferred courses must have a grade of B or higher.

  • What is the process for readmission?

    Students who have not been continuously enrolled for regular sessions must request readmission.

    Contact the Office of Interdisciplinary & Professional Studies at (305)284-8783 in advance of registration to request an Application For Readmission Form. If additional college work has been completed elsewhere since the last enrollment at the University of Miami, an official transcript of this will be required.

  • How do I withdraw from the program?

    Notify the Office of Interdisciplinary and Professional Studies if you plan to withdraw from the program.

  • How will this degree affect my career?

    The earning of a University of Miami Master’s Degree is impressive on any resumé. The program is designed to assist you in developing research and writing skills, widening your problem-solving capabilities, exposing you to an interdisciplinary intellectual experience, and developing the analytical thinking and communication skills that mark a truly educated person.