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Master of Liberal Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies
Please be advised that applications are no longer being accepted for this degree program.
The Master of Liberal Arts (MLA) degree in Interdisciplinary Studies provides motivated learners an opportunity to synthesize a degree plan from the vast resources available at Boston University’s 16 schools and colleges. There is only one required course: a final project or thesis (MET ML 801). Students work with a faculty advisor to craft a curriculum that addresses the depth and breadth of their objectives.
The program in interdisciplinary studies recognizes that many adult learners have already achieved a significant level of personal and professional development. As such, they may not wish to pursue graduate-level study in a specific major or traditional field of study and may prefer to study issues or themes that cross departmental boundaries. The interdisciplinary studies approach allows students to select and refine this theme, then choose appropriate coursework in conjunction with a faculty member or the program director. The MLA curriculum shaped by the student should have a clearly defined and organic focal point and not be simply a random selection of courses.
Examples of recent MLA in Interdisciplinary Studies degree programs
- Women and Media
- Arts Journalism
- Film Journalism
- Art and Digital Technology
- Cultural Policy
- Biotechnology and Ethics
- Corporations and Ethics
- American Popular Culture
- Computing and Aesthetics
- The Arts and Urban Economic Development
Admission Information
Applicants must have received a bachelor’s degree. Candidates for admission to the degree program are selected on the basis of academic transcripts, academic and personal references, and interviews. A maximum of two graduate courses (8 credits) in the liberal arts may be transferred from accredited institutions for credit toward the MLA degree. A maximum of three courses (12 credits) taken at Metropolitan College prior to acceptance into the degree program may be applied toward the degree. International students are expected to have a score of at least 560 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or the following scores on the TOEFL Internet-Based Test (iBT): Reading: 25; Listening: 21; Speaking: 23; Writing: 22.
Admission is normally granted for September, January, and May for each academic year. The Admissions Committee meets on a continuing basis to review completed applications and renders prompt decisions.
Candidates for admission must include a Statement of Educational Goals and Objectives with their application. This document, typically between one and two pages, should articulate students’ particular interests and educational objectives for their MLA. It need not specify coursework to be taken but should identify the interdisciplinary concentration the student intends to construct. Ideally, the Statement of Educational Goals and Objectives will serve as a kind of architectural sketch upon which the student will construct the degree. Each Statement should reflect an organic educational program that is of intrinsic interest to the student and reflects academic integrity and coherence appropriate to a Boston University graduate degree.
Students may select courses available through either Metropolitan College (MET) or through any of the other schools and colleges within Boston University. Courses offered by other University schools or colleges are subject to the tuition charges of that school or college, and may require the student to obtain the permission of the instructor. Such courses may also be offered during the day only. In general, many of the schools and colleges within Boston University will welcome students who have the appropriate background, prerequisites, skills, and motivation.
Academic Standing
All students in the Interdisciplinary Master of Liberal Arts Degree Program must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.0 to remain in good standing and to graduate. In addition, no grade below B– in any required course can be applied toward the degree. Cumulative grade point averages below 3.0 will result in a student being placed on academic probation.
Degree Requirements
A total of ten courses (40 credits) is required, including MET ML 801 Final Project or Thesis. Of the remaining nine courses, at least five must be from the liberal arts (i.e., humanities, social sciences, or natural sciences) and at least five must be numbered at the 600 level or above. Only four 500-level courses may be applied toward the degree, and no courses below the 500 level will count toward the degree.
MLA Degree Program: Ten Courses
- MET ML 801 Final Project or Thesis
- 500-Level Courses: No more than four
- 600-Level Courses: At least five
View courses and descriptions.