MASTER OF LIBERAL ARTS

Graduation Requirements

• Successful completion of an approved 36 credit hour Master of Liberal Arts curriculum
• Completion of all Master of Liberal Arts Core Requirements (21 credit hours)
• Successful preparation, presentation, and defense of the MLA Portfolio
• A 3.0 overall grade point average with no more than one course completed with a “C” grade
• Completion of all course work within 6 years of the date of initial enrollment
• Payment of all tuition and fees
• Approval by the faculty

During the 36 credit hour program, students must complete at least 21 credits in the core areas, as listed below. Beyond the 21 credit hours, students may choose courses in various areas of interest or opt for an area of concentration. Areas of concentration may be taken as shown below.

Beyond the 21 hours, the student may choose courses in various areas of interest or opt for an area of concentration. Areas of concentration may be taken as show below.

Portfolio Program Requirement
The MLA degree-seeking students must submit completed assignments in a portfolio. This portfolio serves as

• Part of each student's self-assessment to help ensure excellence in education with tangible representation of individual achievements.
• A learning resume, documenting each student's personal growth and professional development. Students receive guidance on conceptualization and documentation for inclusion in the portfolio, which is submitted prior to graduation.

Each presentation must contain a thesis statement, whereby the student shows the inter-connections he or she has explored throughout the program.  Students must defend their portfolios prior to graduation. Students should contact the Chair of the Liberal Arts department to obtain more information about the program portfolio.

Independent Study
Qualified degree-seeking students can seek a limited number of independent studies. Students can arrange an independent study project to complete three elective credits in the MLA program. A student must have demonstrated superior achievement (3.5 or better cumulative GPA) and completed 24 credit hours toward the MLA degree. The 3-credit independent study project must be approved by the Director of Student Services, the faculty member, and the Dean of the School of Professional and Graduate Studies, in this sequence, to assure compliance with degree plan, academic credibility, and administrative approval prior to beginning the coursework.

            The topics for independent study are limited.  Generally, no catalog courses may be taken on an independent study basis. A careful statement must be prepared by the student prior to enrollment, providing a title, general outline, purpose, procedure, and bibliography for the study. Students interested in pursuing an independent study should contact the Director of Student Services. If the independent study is approved, registration must be completed with the Academic Records office and tuition paid in advance.

            The independent study requires a major research paper and meetings with the faculty member. The research paper should be no less than 20 pages in length for a three credit hour course, and the format should follow the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. The bound paper must be submitted in its entirety to be maintained by Baker University.

Program Scheduling
           The MLA program offers five enrollment periods and the enrollment schedule notes time, length, and credits of classes. The MLA degree program can be completed within two years.

            Students are limited to a maximum enrollment of 12 credits in the fall and spring semesters (6 credit hours in each term) and 6 credits in each of the two summer terms.  Requests for overloads should be directed to the Director of Student Services.

            The University reserves the right to modify program requirements and content, as well as sequencing of curriculum as necessary.

Course Description
The following course description is a required course for the Master of Liberal Arts program for those students beginning the program after July 1, 2006. Based upon reasonable projections of faculty availability and appropriate curriculum considerations, the following course can change as deemed necessary by Baker University to fulfill its role and mission.

HUM 5500 - Interdisciplinary Essence of Liberal Arts
The Interdisciplinary Essence of Liberal Arts presents a common experience to incoming Master of Liberal Arts students at Baker University. The course provides students with opportunities to share their life experiences and intellectual experiences with fellow students. The course examines the Liberal Arts as acts of critical inquiry. Students become acquainted with classical ideas that lie behind much of the tradition of Western thought as well as some modern approaches. Students review basics of reading, writing, and research and examine their daily world more deeply, in more detail, and in more complex ways. (3 credits)

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