College of Arts and Sciences
Master of Liberal Studies
Master of Liberal Studies
Course Delivery
100% online
Total Credits
30
Approximate Tuition Cost
$16,500
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Graduate in as few as
3 semesters
Program Overview
Liberal studies is the interdisciplinary examination of subjects related to the humanities, arts, and sciences.
The Master of Liberal Studies degree 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's director, students select courses from across disciplines in the university to form their own individualized and integrated program of study.
Kent State University is one of six institutions in Ohio to offer the Master of Liberal Studies (LSM) degree, but 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, AS 61098 Liberal Studies Essay OR AS 60092 Internship. The Kent State master’s degree in Liberal Studies, 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 classroom-style courses, students can select up to 6 hours of internship or practicum and up to 6 hours of research.
This flexible program allows students to form their own individualized and integrated program of study by bringing together the different fields of interest. 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.
Important Dates
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 a topic of the student’s choosing, 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 3 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 | Non-Ohio Residents | ||||
| Per Credit Hour | Per 3-Credit Course | Approximate Tuition Cost | Per Credit Hour | Per 3-Credit Course | Approximate Tuition Cost |
| $549.90 | $1,649.70 |
$16,500 part-time1 $12,100 full-time2 |
$559.90 | $1,679.70 |
$16,800 part-time3 $12,300-$12,400 full-time4 |
1The $549.90 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 $6,036 applies to full-time Ohio resident graduate students taking between 11-18 credit hours per semester.
3The $549.90 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 $6,036 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.