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Liberal Studies - L.S.M.

Liberal Studies - L.S.M.

The Master of Liberal Studies degree provides students with a unique opportunity to study at the graduate level in fields that are of interest and use to them. Under the guidance of the program's director, students select courses from across disciplines in the university to form their own individualized and integrated program of study.

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Master's Degree in Liberal Studies

5X社区's Master of Liberal Studies (L.S.M.) degree offers students a unique and flexible interdisciplinary graduate program that allows them to design a curriculum tailored to their personal interests and professional goals. This program encourages intellectual exploration across various fields, including the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and arts, fostering a broad understanding of complex societal issues. Students are empowered to develop critical thinking, analytical, and research skills while engaging deeply with diverse academic perspectives. The L.S.M. prepares graduates for a wide range of careers, from education and public service to business and nonprofit leadership, equipping them to adapt and thrive in an ever-evolving world.

Program Information for Liberal Studies - L.S.M.

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Bring together the different fields in which they have been working.
  2. See the advantages of doing so.
  3. Continue to pursue the knowledge they entered the program to acquire.
Admissions for Liberal Studies - L.S.M.

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Goal statement
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:1
    • Minimum 102 TOEFL iBT score
    • Minimum 7.5 IELTS score
    • Minimum 73 PTE score
    • Minimum 130 DET score
1

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Rolling admissions
  • Spring Semester
    • Rolling admissions
  • Summer Term
    • Rolling admissions
Coursework

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements
LSTU 60092INTERNSHIP 3
or LSTU 61098 LIBERAL STUDIES ESSAY
Electives 127
Minimum Total Credit Hours:30
1

Of the 27 credit hours of electives, students must select 12-15 credit hours of courses from a single department/school or program and 12-15 credit hours of courses from at least one other departments/schools or program. In addition to standard classroom courses, a maximum 3 credit hours of internship or practicum and 3 credit hours of research may be selected. Courses may be taken in any college in the university.

Graduation Requirements

Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
- 3.000
  • Some graduate courses may require prerequisites.
  • Students will complete a program of study document in which they develop a theme (title) and choose coursework in the major and minor areas. In developing a program of study, students must adhere to several fundamental principles that the program of study must (1) emphasize interdisciplinary perspectives to learning and (2) be integrated.
  • No more than one-half of a graduate student’s coursework may be taken in 50000-level courses.
  • Grades below C are not counted toward completion of requirements for the degree.
Program Delivery
  • Delivery:
    • Fully online
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus

Additional Information For Applicants

Goal Statement Guidance

Begin by writing your Goal Statement, which should include the requisite List of Courses, following the directions provided on the Designing Your Degree Program page. If you would like to discuss your Goal Statement or need advice on your List of Courses, please contact the program coordinator.  It is advisable to have the program coordinator check your List of Courses prior to submission.

Recommendation Letter Tips

Ask three former professors or instructors who can describe your qualities as a student and the likelihood of your succeeding in graduate study to submit letters of recommendation. You may provide these individuals with your Goal Statement, so that they can speak to your specific proposed individualized program of study. If you have been out of college for some time and are no longer in contact with your college professors, you can consider asking  your employers or others who can speak to your work ethic.

In all cases, it is very important that these letters come from individuals who can provide objective evaluations of your qualities. They should therefore not come from personal friends, family members, your employees, or anyone else who might be less than objective.

Also, make sure to pick individuals who will write you substantive letters. Letters from individuals who write only a few sentences or who do not know you or your work well will not help your application.

Make sure the individuals whom you ask for these recommendations indicate in their letters that you are applying to the Masters of Liberal Studies program.

Essay Examples

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Liberal Studies - L.S.M.

Graduates of Kent State鈥檚 L.S.M. Degree in Liberal Studies are well-prepared for diverse careers in fields such as education, public service, business, and the arts. The program鈥檚 interdisciplinary curriculum allows students to tailor their studies to their individual interests, fostering critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. Graduates often pursue roles as educators, policy analysts, business managers, and nonprofit leaders, contributing to fields that value broad, adaptable knowledge and interdisciplinary approaches.

Examples of Possible Careers
  • Interdisciplinary careers in social studies, humanities, sciences, arts, health, education, business, technology, etc.聽