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1. What exactly is a “MLA” degree?
The Master of Liberal Arts (MLA) is a 36-semester hour curriculum at Converse which emphasizes advanced study in a variety of liberal arts subject areas. Students take a “concentration” in one of the following disciplines: English, history, or political science. In addition to the 18-27 semester hours of coursework in the concentration area, students elect 6-15 hours of appropriate graduate-level coursework from other liberal arts disciplines. There is a three-semester hour capstone project which links the concentration area to other liberal arts courses in the program.
2. Why would I be interested in the MLA program?
Many individuals want to strengthen their academic background in one or more areas of the liberal arts, or they may have a particular interest (such as a love of history, curiosity about the world of politics, a passion for literature) which the MLA can provide. While this degree program is not specifically designed as a “professional” credential, the academic emphasis in the MLA may appeal to such professional as teachers (particularly in secondary schools), librarians, and those employed in government service or industry. While not designed to prepare people to teach in higher education, the program can provide an additional credential for liberal arts-oriented faculty members who want to teach in a two-year college.
3. What is the story on transfer courses?
If you have had previous graduate courses (up to nine semester hours) within five years of beginning your MLA degree, and the adviser determines that these are appropriate courses for your particular curriculum, such courses may be transferred into your Converse MLA degree program. The courses must be from an accredited institution with grades of “A” or “B” and cannot be part of another advanced degree.
4. Is there a set sequence for the curriculum?
Not really. Some graduate level courses may have a prerequisite as noted in the Graduate Catalog, but in most cases students will have great flexibility in the sequencing of their curriculum. The capstone course should be the final course in the curriculum.
5. What exactly is the capstone course?
This culminating experience in the MLA program is a writing project. Each student will develop a thematic, integrated, conceptual paper across several disciplines represented within the particular student’s total graduate program. The student chooses a topic in his/her area of concentration and connects it to other disciplines. There are two types of papers to choose from. The first is a bibliographic essay of approximately 25-30 pages that evaluates how reading 15-20 books in their entirety contributes to the topic in question. The second is an interdisciplinary research format paper of approximately 30-40 pages for an appropriate topic crossing several disciplines. This second option requires the student to evaluate and interpret information uncovered in the research. With approval, students may subsitute other courses for the capstone.
6. What are the admissions requirements for the MLA?
You must have a degree from a recognized college, a transcript indicating a likelihood for success in graduate studies, and for full admission an overall cumulative 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale in the undergraduate degree program of studies. We also require a personal statement of approximately 250-300 words describing either an experience that prompted you to seek entrance into the degree program or your reason for wanting to enter the degree program.
7. What are the graduation requirements for the MLA degree?
You must complete an approved 36-hour program within a five-year period from the first Converse graduate course in the MLA, maintain an overall “B” average in both the liberal arts concentration and the electives, and successfully complete the capstone project. Upon the completion of your program, you will request and complete a degree application form and complete a graduate questionnaire, which gives you an opportunity to assess your educational experience at Converse.
8. Are course schedules and registration procedures available on line?
Yes. Visit the online Registrar at http://www.converse.edu/Academics/Registrar/registrarOffice.html
for a listing of courses. Students may register by mail by sending in a registration form available from the Graduate Studies Office. Call 864-596-9220 or e-mail
jill.feist@Converse.edu for a registration form.
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