Liberal Studies
Program Overview
The Master of Liberal Studies program provides students with a unique opportunity to study at the graduate level in fields that are of interest and use to them. Under the guidance of the program coordinator, students select courses from across disciplines in the university to form their own individualized and integrated program of study.
Of the institutions in Ohio to offer the Master of Liberal Studies (MLS) degree, Kent State University is the only one that allows you to take courses from any college or school in the university. It also has the fewest required courses: only ONE required course, LSTU 61098 Liberal Studies Essay OR LSTU 60092 Internship. Kent State University’s Master of Liberal Studies program, therefore, provides you with a unique opportunity to study at the graduate level in fields that are of interest and use to you. In addition to standard courses, students can select up to 6 hours of internship or practicum and up to 3 hours of research.
Learn more at our Design Your Degree Program page.
Program Structure
- 30 minimum credit hours
- Students may start the program in the fall, spring, or summer
- Workshop credits may not be used to fulfill credit hour requirements for the Master of Liberal Studies
Admissions Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
- Official transcript(s)
- Goal statement
- Three letters of recommendation
- English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning one of the following:
- Minimum 610 TOEFL PBT score (paper-based version)
- Minimum 102 TOEFL IBT score (Internet-based version)
- Minimum 86 MELAB score
- Minimum 7.5 IELTS score
- Minimum 73 PTE score
- Minimum 130 Duolingo English Test score
For more information about graduate admissions, please visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admission, visit the international admission website.
Courses
The online Master of Liberal Studies is comprised of one core course totaling 3 credit hours and a further 27 credit hours of electives. The core course includes either a culminating liberal studies essay on an interdisciplinary topic related to the student’s program of study or an internship experience under the direction of a faculty member. Of the 27 credit hours of electives, students must select 12 to 15 credit hours of courses from a single department/school or program and 12-15 credit hours of courses from at least one other department/school or program. In addition to standard classroom courses, a maximum 6 credit hours of internship/practicum and 3 credit hours of research may be selected. Courses may be taken in any college in the university.
Tuition and Fees
Ohio Residents
| Per Credit Hour | Per 3-Credit Course | Approximate Tuition Cost |
| $571.90 | $1,715.70 | $17,200 part-time1 $12,500 full-time2 |
Non-Ohio Residents
| Per Credit Hour | Per 3-Credit Course | Approximate Tuition Cost |
| $581.90 | $1,745.70 | $17,500 part-time3 $12,600-$12,700 full-time4 |
1The $571.90 per-credit-hour tuition rate applies to part-time Ohio resident graduate students taking fewer than 11 credit hours per semester.
2The flat-rate semester fee of $6,277.40 applies to full-time Ohio resident graduate students taking between 11-18 credit hours per semester.
3The $581.90 per-credit-hour tuition rate applies to part-time non-Ohio resident graduate students enrolled in a fully online degree program and taking fewer than 11 credit hours per semester, PLUS a surcharge of $10 per credit hour.
4The flat-rate semester fee of $6,277.40 applies to full-time non-Ohio resident graduate students enrolled in a fully online degree program and taking between 11-18 credit hours, PLUS a surcharge of $10 per credit hour of actual credits taken each semester (between 11-18 semester credits or $110-$180).
An additional Distance Learning fee for all students enrolled in a distance learning course is $15 per credit hour. Program tuition and costs are estimated and subject to change.
Actual tuition costs may vary based on a student’s chosen academic plan. For a complete listing of tuition rates for approved online programs please contact the One Stop for Student Services at 330-672-6000, or via our website Contact Us link.
The total program costs are estimates and are not final or binding. Program costs are based on standard fees, but fees may vary based on the actual classes taken. Kent State University disclaims any liability arising from the use of or reliance upon these program cost estimates by any person. Program costs are subject to change without notice.
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