Educational Media (Appalachian State)
Geography-land planning (Appalachian State)
Library Science-K-12 (Appalachian State)
Library and Information Studies (UNC Greensboro)
19 Master's degree programs of Western Carolina University
This graduate degree program is an interdisciplinary, part-time course of study for college-educated adults who are interested in broad-based learning at the graduate level. The Master of Liberal Arts degree focuses on the theme “The Human Condition.” The program explores human nature, human values, and the quality of human life. The theme integrates studies ranging from the humanities and the arts to the natural and social sciences. To earn the MLA, students must successfully complete 10 courses (30 credit hours), including a capstone project seminar.
Its diverse scope allows students to choose from a wide range of courses, and the interdisciplinary nature of the program acts to promote a broad, enriched experience in the study of the human condition. This experience extends students’ intellectual resources and ranges, promotes openness to new ideas and tolerance for differences, stimulates students to find connections between their lifelong learning and their personal and professional lives, and encourages a lifelong commitment to learning.
Students should expect to complete the program with a deepened understanding of and appreciation for the importance of integrated learning, critical thinking and the benefits of lifelong learning. In addition to such general accomplishments, the program has articulated a number of more technical outcomes that are expected of successful MLA students.
On completion of the Scholarly Enquiry Course, MLA 670, and Project Seminar Course, MLA 680, our graduates should be able to:
1. Demonstrate advanced learning in research skills and mastery of appropriate research techniques, such as proper use of primary and secondary sources, analysis of arguments and data, judgment of conflicting evidence, etc.
2. Demonstrate both a level of specialist knowledge regarding their topic and the ability to integrate knowledge and materials to produce an interdisciplinary work.
3. Present the results of their scholarship in publishable form or work toward an appropriate public forum for their work.
4. Apply the skills acquired in their project work to other projects.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to research ethics.
Bill Spellman, Director
Master of Liberal Arts Program
UNC Asheville
One University Heights
Asheville, NC 28804-8520
spellman@unca.edu
Jordan Caswell, Office Assistant
jcaswell@unca.edu
828.250.2399