Political Science | Master of Liberal Studies (Global Studies)
About the Program
This program explores the complex global issues facing our world in the 21st century. It is built around the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) Global Challenges project, which uses the Center for Strategic and International Studies' Seven Revolutions framework. The course, POLS 805 Global Challenges, was created in collaboration with several scholars from institutions around the USA. The seven areas of future global challenges include: population, resources, technology, information, economies, conflict, and governance. All seven challenges will be introduced in POLS 805 Global Challenges, which is required before taking other courses in the concentration. Additional concentration courses will focus upon more knowledge acquisition in each challenge area.
In addition to becoming a more intelligent and responsible citizen, students with this degree may enter careers in advocacy, law or legal studies, media, non-profit, local/state/national/international government, education, or community programs.
Program Summary
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MLS Core Courses | ||
| IDS 801 | Introduction to Graduate Liberal Studies | 1 |
| IDS 802 | Ways of Knowing in Comparative Perspective | 3 |
| IDS 803 | Origins and Implications of the Knowledge Society | 3 |
| IDS 804 | Information Literacy | 3 |
| Concentration Core (required) | ||
| POLS 805 | Global Challenges 1 | 3 |
| Select five of the following: | 15 | |
| Global Health | ||
| Public Policy, Law, Ethics in Telecommunications | ||
| Global Telecommunications Policy | ||
| Foundations of Information Systems Security | ||
| Organizational Systems, Change, and Leadership | ||
| Policy Analysis | ||
| International Organization in World Politics | ||
| American Foreign Policy | ||
| Problems and Issues in World Politics | ||
| Non Governmental Org: Global Social Innovation | ||
| Culminating Experience | ||
| Select one course from the following: | 3 | |
| Projects in Liberal or Professional Studies | ||
Course approved by MLS Coordinator | ||
| Total Hours | 31 | |
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Students must successfully complete POLS 805 Global Challenges before enrolling in other concentration courses.
Graduate School Graduation Requirements
All Graduate degrees1 require:
- Maintain a C or higher in all coursework.
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. (Refer to program)
- A minimum of 30-75 hours of Graduate course work. (Refer to program)
- Comprehensive Examination or equivalent assessment is required. (Master of Liberal Studies requires a Comprehensive Examination and Concentration Exam)
- Degree completion within 8 years.
- 1
Refer to degree program for any additional requirements.
Note for MLS and MPS degree concentrations:
Master of Liberal Studies (MLS) programs are administratively housed within the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences but are listed in the catalog within the academic unit related to the relevant concentration area for ease in navigation.
Master of Professional Studies (MPS) programs are administratively housed within the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences but are listed in the catalog within the academic unit related to the relevant concentration area for ease in navigation.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| IDS 801 | Introduction to Graduate Liberal Studies | 1 |
| IDS 802 | Ways of Knowing in Comparative Perspective | 3 |
| HHP 610G | Global Health | 3 |
| POLS 805 | Global Challenges | 3 |
| Hours | 10 | |
| Spring | ||
| IDS 803 | Origins and Implications of the Knowledge Society | 3 |
| IDS 804 | Information Literacy | 3 |
| POLS 631G | American Foreign Policy | 3 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| ECON 644G | International Economics | 3 |
| POLS 611G | Policy Analysis | 3 |
| Directed Electives | 3 | |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| SOC 681G | Non Governmental Org: Global Social Innovation | 3 |
| Masters Degree Comprehensive Examination/Assessment | ||
| Masters Degree Comprehensive Examination/Assessment (Concentration) | ||
| Hours | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 31 | |
Academic Degree Maps are term-by-term sample course plans that specify milestones, courses, and special requirements that are necessary for facilitating on-time completion. Degree Maps are examples and are not prescriptive. Individualized choices such as concentration options, transfer credits, optional minors, advisory programs (certificates), etc. can alter the recommended coursework. Course offerings are subject to change. Students should consult with their academic advisors for additional guidance on course planning.
To determine courses to take in the directed choices (often listed as Program Elective Course) and directed elective course blocks see the overview tab for courses. To locate approved courses in General Education areas (Undergraduate Programs) see the general education section of the catalog.
The undergraduate course maps typically advise the most efficient route for students to complete the general education requirements. Courses that are required in the major may be listed as fulfilling relevant general education requirements. This will result in more open elective course hours in some maps than is listed on the degree overview page.
Program Admissions Requirements
This concentration requires a 2.5 GPA on the last 60 undergraduate credit hours. The personal statement (1-2 pages) should be inspired by the following questions:
- What does it mean to engage in graduate study?
- What are three of the most crucial qualities needed to be a graduate student?
- Describe for us something you're especially proud of having achieved in your life.
One of the two required letters of recommendation should be an academic reference.
The program has a rolling admissions process, and will review completed applications as they are submitted.