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 Politics, Economics, & Law, known for preparing students for today’s world through national and international perspectives on everyday life, 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 broad, global perspective and the experiences of ordinary life as they prepare graduates for careers in law, government, business, social work, education, 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 Politics, Economics & Law 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 PEL 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 a Politics, Economics & Law 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 Politics, Economics & Law major, and will graduate with the B.A. degree when they satisfy its requirements.