UNC Asheville’s Master of Liberal Arts and Sciences degree focuses on the theme “The Human Condition.” The program of study 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, allowing students to focus on issues of importance in contemporary culture and to build individualized, interdisciplinary curriculum. Throughout, the MLAS Program fosters critical thinking, creativity and effective communication.
The MLAS Program offers seminars in the following focus areas:
- Environmental and Cultural Sustainability
- Climate Change & Society
- Globalization Past & Present
- Humanities & Creative Writing
- Science & Human Values
Seminar topics change each semester.
Each degree-seeking student is required to complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of MLAS coursework, with at least 24 of those credits taken at UNC Asheville. Students must complete at least one MLAS course per year and maintain regular contact with their assigned faculty advisors in order to remain candidates for the degree. It is expected that a student will need no more than 5 years to complete the MLAS degree. Permission of the Graduate Council is necessary in order to remain a candidate for the degree beyond this time limit.
Required seminars include Seminar on the Human Condition, Seminar on the Human Experience, Seminar on the Individual and Society, Seminar on Science and Human Values.
All students must complete 6 hours of Capstone coursework which may include one of two options as the final requirement for the degree: a) MLAS 681, Capstone Project; or b) a non-credit bearing MLAS Portfolio. Capstone projects may be a traditional research thesis or a creative project. Oral competency will be demonstrated through a formal presentation at the MLAS Program Forum.