MLS NEWS & EVENTS

 

MLS "Ring Cycle"

The MLS program and Professor Jim Kincaid's "Ring Cycle" activities are featured in USC College news.

Older, and Wiser, Students
The MLS program is featured in the New York Times.

Admissions FAQ's

Frequently asked questions about the USC Master of Liberal Studies Program

How quickly could I complete the MLS degree?

The MLS Program is designed for individuals to take one course a semester.  Students may but are not required to take courses in the summer semester.  A student studying fall, spring, and summer semesters may complete the MLS degree in two-and-a-half years.  With program approval, students may take more than one course per semester.

What can I do with an MLS degree?
Unlike traditional academic or professional degree programs, a master of liberal studies degree does not lead to a set career path.  MLS students bring to the program many different careers and backgrounds, ranging from community work to law to computer technology.  They see the degree as a way to “round out” their perspectives and thinking.  Some current MLS students have undertaken the MLS degree as a way to reposition their careers and make themselves more competitive for career advancement and higher salary.   They find that their professional lives are enriched by the intellectual honing they go through in the program, which equips them with the ability to think more critically and express their views more articulately.

When are classes held and how often do they meet?

MLS courses are held on the USC campus on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday evenings.  They typically start at 5:30 or 6:00 p.m. for three hours.  Each course meets once per week, for 15 weeks during the fall and spring semesters. Summer semester term weeks may vary, but can be as long as 12 weeks.

I do not live near USC. Does the MLS Program have an online or distance-learning component?
No. The MLS is intended for students who live or work close enough to commute to the USC campus on a weekly basis.

Is it possible to audit MLS courses prior to being accepted into the program?
No.  USC does not permit auditing and MLS courses are strictly limited to matriculated MLS students.  Prospective applicants are welcome to visit a class; those interested in visiting a class should contact Natalie Kaylor Inouye, the MLS student services advisor to schedule a visit, subject to professor approval.

Who should write my letters of recommendation?
The admissions committee is looking for information about the depth and quality of your academic background, about your intellectual abilities, and about your motivation and capacity to complete rigorous graduate level work.  Your letters should come from those who could best address these qualities about you, and may include professional colleagues, business superiors, or past faculty.  Letters from past faculty are not required, especially for those applicants who have been out of school for some time and are no longer in contact with their faculty.  Letters of recommendation from co-workers, someone you have supervised, or personal and family friends are inappropriate.

How selective is the Master of Liberal Studies Program?
The MLS is a highly selective graduate degree program. The number of applications received and the percentage accepted varies each year. The admissions committee admits every applicant it believes is qualified to embark on graduate-level work in liberal studies.

If I am not accepted, should I re-apply the following year?
The admissions committee admits all applicants it believes are qualified for the program. In most cases, applicants who were not admitted to the program did not demonstrate a strong enough background in the humanities and/or strong enough writing and critical thinking skills to allow the applicant to succeed in a rigorous graduate-level humanities program. Unless the following year’s application shows significant changes, the result will be the same.

I have taken some classes toward a degree that was never completed, and some classes at community college.  Should I include those transcripts in my application?
Yes.  USC admissions requires applicants to submit transcripts from all academic institutions attended. 

Does the program require, or grant, interviews?
While the program does not require, nor grant, interviews, we do hold events and admissions open houses throughout the year, at which prospective applicants may meet the Associate Dean and Director, faculty, staff, and students.   These open houses generally are held in October and March. We encourage all interested to attend these events.

Are international students eligible for visas to study in the MLS Program?
MLS students usually do not take a sufficient number of units to qualify for F-1 visas.  For questions relating to international student or visa issues, please consult the USC International Services Office.

May MLS students take courses in other USC departments?
The electives offered in the MLS Program have been designed to fulfill the program’s objective that students be trained in a multi-disciplinary approach in every course.  Therefore, students should anticipate that their coursework will be MLS electives. 

I am interested in getting a Ph.D. Will the MLS degree help me toward this goal?
The rigor of the MLS Program is very good preparation for the work students will undertake in pursuit of a Ph.D.  However, please remember that the MLS degree could take three or more years to complete; if the student’s ultimate goal is to obtain a Ph.D., it may make more sense to begin pursuing that degree right away rather than pursuing an MLS first. Whether or not MLS coursework may apply toward a Ph.D. degree would be determined by the policies of the institution granting the Ph.D.

 

Apply

Admission to the Master of Liberal Studies program is on a rolling basis. Applications are accepted for fall, spring, and summer semesters.

USC Graduate Admissions offers a web-based application in order to make the application
process as easy and convenient as possible for you. Applications submitted electronically receive the same consideration as applications submitted on paper, and, with timely submission of required supporting documents, will be reviewed more quickly.

Once you create your account, you will receive a PIN and password so that you can return to
work on your application over several sessions. Only after you submit your application will it be available for review by our admissions staff.

Supporting Documents
Please upload the following two items in the "supporting documents" section of the online application:

  • Statement of Purpose for applying to the Master of Liberal Studies program at USC College
  • Sample of writing (such as a brief essay on a topic of current interest, a review of a
    book, or a document you have produced as part of a professional project or
    assignment, etc.)

Recommendations

  • You will need two letters of recommendation. The online application allows you to e-mail your recommenders and request that they send their recommendations through e-mail or mail them as hard copies. If you receive hard copies of your recommendations, you may scan and upload them in your online application in the "Supporting Documents" section or send them to Graduate Admissions to the address below.

    In addition, please submit the following materials to USC Graduate Admissions:
  • Required application fee - waived for staff, faculty and alumni
  • Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
  • Official TOEFL scores (international applicants)
  • Affidavit of Support (international applicants)

Mail these documents to:

University of Southern California

USC Office of Admission

GRADUATE

University Park Campus

Los Angeles, California 90089-0915

Please note that while the GRE is not required, the University requires a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 (on a scale in which A=4.0).  If you have under a 3.0, you will need to submit a GRE score of 1000 or above in order to be considered for admission. 

Download Requirements