Master of Liberal Arts
Take the Next Step
By submitting this form, you agree to receive information about the Tulane School of Professional Advancement’s programs via email, phone and/or text. You may opt out at any time.
Master of Liberal Arts Degree at a Glance
Tulane University's School of Professional Advancement offers an interdisciplinary Master of Liberal Arts (MLA) degree to prepare students for versatile leadership opportunities across industries. The MLA degree program at Tulane, which began in 1983, exposes students to a wide range of reflections on the human experience, over different epochs and from multiple perspectives.
Course offerings include academic disciplines such as history, literature, philosophy, political science, and sociology. The program promotes the development of skills in reading, writing, and oral communication and culminates in a Capstone Project or Portfolio*. The School of Professional Advancement’s MLA program welcomes students of diverse educational backgrounds, and in coordination with the MLA director, Dr. Delila Omerbasic, students will develop a plan of study tailored to their individual interests.
*The Capstone is optional for students who began the MLA prior to Fall 2019.
TRANSFER
Transfer up to nine credits of graduate level courses to your program and earn your degree for less.
FACULTY
Nationally recognized faculty who practice what they teach and help you succeed beyond the classroom.
LOCATION
Flexible online courses that match your schedule. Accelerate your career without putting your life on pause.
BENEFITS
Course credit for experience and 20% tuition discounts available.
ADMISSIONS
Rolling admissions. No test scores. No recommendations. Four start dates. We make the admission process easy.
What You Will Learn While Earning Your Master of Liberal Arts
Earning a master's degree in liberal arts involves developing critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills, along with research methodologies and interdisciplinary approaches. The program fosters historical and cultural awareness, ethical and philosophical reasoning, and social and political understanding, offering insights into cultural diversity, historical contexts, moral principles, and political institutions. Additionally, students gain an appreciation for aesthetics and literature, develop technological and digital literacy, and are prepared for lifelong learning and adaptability, equipping them with versatile skills applicable to various careers and life pursuits.
- Social Science Foundations
- Humanities Foundations
- Quantitative Reasoning
Students are required to complete ten courses. These must include at least two core courses (designated MLAR), while students may be eligible to enroll in other graduate-level liberal arts courses at Tulane. As their tenth course, students will enroll in a Capstone seminar to complete either a Capstone Project or a Capstone Portfolio. MLA students who wish to write a thesis in lieu of the tenth course may petition the Director to do so.
The School of Professional Advancement awards the Master of Liberal Arts degree following the successful completion of ten courses. Students may not apply more than two independent study courses toward graduation requirements for the MLA. Graduate students seeking to enroll in more than 9 credit hours per semester require approval from the Program Director. Students must also apply for a degree at the beginning of the semester in which the student plans to complete all required coursework. Applications for degree conferral are now online and will appear in a student's Gibson account when available.
The MLA Capstone allows students to critically and systematically integrate the knowledge gained in the program. Students will have two options – the Capstone Project and the Capstone Portfolio. Students will work with the MLA Director to determine the best option for their learning goals. Each option will feature a seminar, which will serve as the 10th course in the MLA program. Students wishing to complete a master’s thesis will be exempt from the Capstone requirement.
Expand Your Critical Thinking Skills With A Master of Liberal Arts
Students in the MLA program benefit from Tulane’s long-standing legacy of liberal arts achievement, balanced with flexible course schedules catered to working professionals. No matter your current profession, you can earn a versatile master’s degree focused on developing your critical thinking and communication skills. You’ll gain access to the full spectrum of graduate-level liberal arts courses offered through Tulane University, combined with SoPA’s dedication to professional development. Explore the different courses in our program and get more information about SoPA’s admissions process on our YouTube playlist.
Faculty Who Practice What They Teach
The Liberal Arts & Sciences faculty at SoPA provide students with practical skills relevant to today's modern workforce. Faculty members are practitioners in the fields of humanities, liberal arts, and social sciences and bring diverse personal backgrounds, perspectives, and educational experiences to create a fulfilling and welcoming atmosphere.
SoPA Faculty Feature
"I teach so the students will be better prepared to examine society through critical lenses and ultimately mitigate social inequality through advocacy, practice, or research."
Sukari Ivester
Humanities & Social Sciences
Professor of Practice
Cater Your Degree to Meet Your Professional Goals
With a Master of Liberal Arts degree, students develop a foundation of knowledge applicable to a wide range of professional settings. Depending on your personalized plan of study, you may pursue advanced roles in corporate and office settings or nonprofit organizations, as well as government agencies or educational institutions. Common industries that align well with the MLA program include advertising, human resources, journalism, and post-secondary education.
Graduates may be eligible to fulfill any of the following professional roles:
- Reporter or Broadcast News Analyst
- Social and Community Service Manager
- Economist
- Policy Analyst
- Writer or Editor
- Tournament Director
SoPA Student Spotlight
"SoPA allowed me to pursue my Master's degree in a supportive and flexible environment. I would not be pursuing my Ph.D. today if it were not for SoPA's academic integrity and excellent mentorship in a city that I love."
Charlotte Jones
Tulane SoPA class of 2020
Engaging & Flexible Student Experience, On-Campus & Online
Partnerships that translate into industry certifications, credit for experience, & career advancement opportunities.
Never watch a boring PowerPoint. We’ve developed the most interactive courses around.
Our courses are constantly refreshed and informed by what leaders in humanities and social sciences fields expect from graduates.
Navigate degree requirements and prepare for the workforce with help from our academic advisors and career counselor.
Tuition and Aid
Tulane SoPA is more affordable than traditional private university tuition. With limited fees and a 20% tuition discount (if qualified), cost is on par with many state schools.
All tuition is charged by the credit hour and we have minimal fees. Visit our tuition page to see our current tuition rates and use our net price calculator.
We strive to make higher education affordable by offering 20% discounts, financial aid, and credit for work and life experience. Learn about financial aid, discounts and scholarship opportunities to fund your Master of Liberal Arts degree today.
Admissions
Apply anytime—no test scores or letters of recommendation are required.
Students applying to the MLA program must hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
Applications to the program must include:
- A statement of 250-500 words describing how graduate education at Tulane University would support them to achieve personal and/or professional objectives.
- Official college transcripts from each college attended. Typically, successful applicants will have at least a “B” (3.00) average in all coursework taken.
Applicants may be conditionally admitted to enroll in one course in their first semester and must earn a grade of B or better to gain regular admission.
Completed applications are reviewed by the MLA director and Admissions Committee throughout the year.
Students in good standing may petition to transfer a maximum of nine credit hours (three courses) of graduate coursework from other accredited colleges or universities to the Master of Liberal Arts degree. However, only courses with grades of B or better, completed within five years of enrolling in the MLA program, may be considered for transfer credit.
Admissions Deadlines
Spring Semester
Summer Session I
Summer Session II
Fall Semester
Earn Your Master of Liberal Arts at Tulane SoPA
Interested in putting your skills to work for your future? Start your application today to earn your Master of Liberal Arts from a world-renowned university.
Enter your email to download our Humanities & Social Sciences e-brochure.
By submitting this form, you agree to receive information about the Tulane School of Professional Advancement’s programs via email, phone and/or text. You may opt out at any time.
