Accelerate your studies by beginning a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies degree during your final year as an undergraduate student
The program combines the B.A. in History, known for developing an embracing perspective from which to study human lives and affairs, with the M.A. in Liberal Studies, where you tailor your graduate study to meet your own areas of need and interest.
Both programs emphasize a Humanistic approach to knowledge and the experiences of ordinary life as they prepare graduates for careers in education, media, law, government, social work and more.
Highly qualified candidates will complete the program in five years by accelerating undergraduate coursework, and moving on to graduate study in their fourth year.
Admission Requirements
Candidates must apply for the program by the end of their Junior year.
- 12 credits of residency at SUNY Old Westbury
- Grade point average of 3.25 overall and 3.25 in courses required for the History B.A. degree
- Transfer students’ GPA must meet Old Westbury’s GPA requirements and transfer courses must be calculated along with Old Westbury grades for admission to this program.
- A completed admissions application that includes:
- An essay
- Two letters of reference from faculty
- All college transcripts
Once admitted to the program, candidates must maintain a GPA of 3.25 (overall, in the HP major; and 3.0 once they enter the MALS program) in each semester of study.
During the undergraduate portion of the degree, candidates must meet the requirements of an History major. Those whose GPA falls below 3.25 will be placed on probation and will have one semester to bring up their grades.
Candidates who fail to complete the five-year program will be administratively transferred into the History major, and will graduate with the B.A. degree when they satisfy its requirements.