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My decision to enroll in the MALS program was prompted by a need for intellectual stimulus and challenge that was lacking in my professional activities. That desire has been fulfilled on levels that I did not anticipate. In addition to the scholarly demands of the liberal arts curriculum, the enthusiasm of my fellow students has been refreshing. My MALS classmates, from a variety of professional backgrounds, bring a unique range of perspectives to each class, often providing a real-world context to classroom discussions. The combination of intellectual curiosity and applied knowledge that inform the MALS program will have an enduring influence in my career and on further academic pursuits. KATRINA GILKEY MALS '05

Master of Arts
in Liberal Studies

Admission for Degree Students

Reed welcomes applications from adults who wish to pursue interdisciplinary graduate work in a program that is both flexible and rigorous. Those applicants are accepted who, in the view of the Committee on Graduate Studies, are most likely to become successful members of and contribute positively to the MALS community. Admission decisions are based on many factors. We recognize that qualities of character—in particular, motivation, intellectual curiosity, and openness to constructive criticism—are important considerations in the selection process, in addition to a demonstrated commitment to academic excellence.

Students may apply to enter in the fall, spring, or summer terms. Initial, provisional admission to the MALS program requires submission of a completed application form, official transcripts of all undergraduate (including evidence of completion of a bachelor’s degree) and post-baccalaureate work, two letters of recommendation, and a $60 non-refundable application fee. Once the application is complete, we also require an interview with the program director and a faculty member of the Committee on Graduate Studies.

All applications must be received and completed by the following deadlines:

• Fall entrance—applications due no later than July 1
• Spring entrance—applications due no later than December 1
• Summer entrance—application due no later than April 1

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year, and applicants are notified of the admission decision accordingly.

MALS students are admitted initially to the program on a provisional basis. Students must apply for formal candidacy after successfully completing two successive or concurrent Reed courses—at least one of which must be at the graduate level. To continue in the program, the candidacy student must submit to the Committee on Graduate Studies within one term of completing the second provisional course a self-evaluation, outline of course progression and completion, and a class paper. The program director will solicit comments from the student’s provisional course instructors, including an assessment of the applicant’s ability to write a final degree paper. If the student’s candidacy is accepted, credit for the provisional courses will be applied to the MALS degree requirements.

After candidacy acceptance, the student should consult with the faculty adviser and program director to plan a program of study consistent with the goals of the program, leading to the completion of all requirements for the MALS degree.

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