Master of Liberal Arts

The Master of Liberal Arts degree (MLA) is a broadly interdisciplinary, part-time program designed for a wide spectrum of adults. It provides a challenging, structured liberal arts curriculum at the graduate level.

The objectives of the MLA Program are to cultivate appreciation of the dimensions of the human spirit and condition; sensitivity to problems concerning values; ability in critical analysis; appreciation of the interrelationships among disciplines as they relate to our humanity; and greater awareness of the importance of viewing contemporary problems from a variety of perspectives. The program is not specifically intended to train students for a particular vocation, to provide accreditation for a profession or to prepare students for further graduate study.

The Master of Liberal Arts degree is designed around the theme “The Human Condition.” The program explores human nature, human values and the quality of human life. The theme integrates studies ranging from the humanities and the arts to the natural and social sciences. The program offers four areas of study whereby students may focus their scholarly and creative energies. The areas are Humanities and Creative Writing, Globalization Past and Present, Science and Human Values, and Climate Change and Society.

UNC Asheville is a member of the Association of Graduate Liberal Studies Programs. The university welcomes applications for admission into the Master of Liberal Arts Program from all persons interested in a rigorous program of post-baccalaureate education in the liberal arts. The requirements and procedures are explained below. Additional information may be found at http://mla.unca.edu or by contacting the Master of Liberal Arts Program Director, University of North Carolina at Asheville, Asheville, NC 28804-8509; telephone 828/250-2399.

Application Procedures

Admission to the University of North Carolina at Asheville Master of Liberal Arts Program is based upon the applicant’s possession of a baccalaureate degree, or its equivalent, in any field, and demonstrated interest in pursuing advanced study in the liberal arts.

All applicants for admission as Master of Liberal Arts degree candidates must submit to the MLA Program Office:

a completed MLA application form; available at http://mla.unca.edu;
an application fee of $50. This is a non-refundable processing charge and does not apply to any other university fee;
official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work previously undertaken:
three letters of academic recommendation;
an essay of approximately 1000 words that reflects the applicant’s academic background and interests, passion for the liberal arts, how the applicant plans to use the MLA Program to further personal and/or professional aims, and what special abilities, personal qualities, and life experience the applicant brings to the program.

In addition to these requirements, each applicant will also be interviewed on campus by members of the Graduate Council. Candidates for admission may submit their scores from the Graduate Record Examination, or other standardized tests, but that is not required.

All applicants will be informed by the program director of their admission status as soon as possible after all of their credentials have been reviewed. The notice of admission may include mention of any academic condition under which a student is offered admission. Unless otherwise indicated, failure to meet those conditions will result in the student’s dismissal.

Advising and Project Seminar Committee

Each student will consult with the Master of Liberal Arts program director for information and advising before beginning graduate course work. Students are required to meet with a designated advisor at least once a semester to ensure progress through the program. A capstone project is required of each degree candidate. A project seminar committee composed of the student’s project advisor, the instructor of the project seminar (MLA 680), and the MLA director will supervise the capstone project. The project advisor and the instructor of the project seminar must approve the project topic. The student will present and defend the project in the capstone project seminar.

Progress

It is expected that a student will need no more than 5 years to complete the MLA degree. Permission of the Graduate Council is necessary in order to remain a candidate for the degree beyond this time limit. Students must complete at least one MLA course per year and maintain regular contact with their assigned graduate advisor.

Withdrawal

A student may withdraw officially from the program at any time, following consultation with his or her graduate advisor. If a student has not been in attendance for one full calendar year, he or she will be dismissed automatically from the program. Reinstatement requires permission of the Graduate Council.

Graduate Special Students

Persons with a baccalaureate degree who wish to take one or two graduate courses as a non-degree student may be admitted to the university as a Graduate Special student for a single semester and take up to 6 hours for credit. To be admitted in a non-degree status, students should submit the Graduate Special application and the $50 application fee to the MLA Program office. Admission as a Graduate Special student does not constitute regular admission to the MLA Program. Graduate Special students who wish to continue after one semester must apply as a degree-seeking student and be admitted by the Graduate Council. The Graduate Special application is available online at http://mla.unca.edu.

Climate Change and Society Certificate Program

The four-course Climate Change and Society program will train students to be the intermediaries between scientists and government, and business and community organizations. They will gain the knowledge to understand research and the communication skills to translate data for the general public.

The Certificate in Climate Change and Society is awarded to students who successfully complete the following four courses, with an average grade-point-average of 3.0 in the courses:

• CCS 560, Seminar in Climate Change and Society—Fundamentals of Climate Change Science
• CCS 560, Seminar in Climate Change and Society—Tools for Climate Change Information and Decision-Making
• CCS 560, Seminar in Climate Change and Society—Decision Modeling and Statistics
• CCS 560, Seminar in Climate Change and Society—Communicating Science

The completion of the requirements for the certificate will be noted on the student’s academic transcript.

Degree Requirements

Each student seeking a degree will complete 30 semester hours of course work within the Master of Liberal Arts program with a minimum grade-point average of 3.0. At least 24 of these credits must be taken at UNC Asheville. Courses offered through the Asheville Graduate Center may be taken as MLA electives with the prior approval of the Graduate Council.

Master of Liberal Arts

Programs

• Master of Liberal Arts