HELP Master of Liberal Studies in Social Science and American Culture (SSAC) Print-Friendly Page Add to Portfolio

The M.L.S. in social science and American culture is interdisciplinary in design. The program stresses individual inquiry and diverse opportunities for educational development.

Objectives
The M.L.S. in social science and American culture, administered by the Department of History and Philosophy, draws upon courses in history and philosophy; art; communication, media and theatre arts; economics; English language and literature; geography and geology; interdisciplinary technology; music and dance; political science; sociology, anthropology and criminology; teacher education; and world languages. This highly flexible program familiarizes students with a wide range of American cultures. It both helps students seeking employment in business, industry, or government and facilitates professional advancement for those already employed. The program also provides preparatory training for those desiring to teach or to pursue doctoral studies.

Admission Requirements
Applicants must:

1. Have completed a bachelor’s degree, but no particular field or major is required;
2. Meet the GPA requirements for admission and for graduation established by the Graduate School; and
3. Have a minimum TOEFL score, if an international student (see Admissions web site at www.emich.edu/admissions for minimum scores).

Advising
New Students should arrange an early conference with the graduate adviser to plan their programs in detail.

Program Requirements
The degree requires 30 hours of courses approved for graduate credit. These may include a maximum of nine hours in approved 400-level undergraduate courses. In addition to 24 hours in the American history and complementary concentrations below, the student will complete one of the following options:

Option I: Three hours of electives in approved courses in departments participating in the program, and a three-hour independent study. A two-hour integrated examination (oral or written) in American culture, administered by a committee of at least two professors from departments involved in the student’s program.

Option II: Three hours of electives in approved courses in departments participating in the program, and a three-credit-hour creative, scholarly or pedagogical special project supervised by a committee of at least two professors from departments involved in the student’s program.

Option III: A thesis for six hours of credit. The thesis must relate to the student’s course work in American culture and demonstrate an integrated knowledge of American life and thought. The thesis committee must consist of at least two professors from departments involved in the student’s program.