Combined Degree Pathways for the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies

Enrollment in a combined program allows highly qualified, current SUNY Empire State College students to work on the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies while completing the bachelor’s degree. Up to 12 credits of designated master’s courses are incorporated into the bachelor’s degree program and will count toward both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Program Requirements

The combined pathway requires 148 total credits of which 36 are master's credits leading to the M.A. in Liberal Studies. Students complete 12 credits of graduate coursework as undergraduate students that count toward both the 124 credits required for the B.A./B.S. degree and the 36 credits required for the M.A. degree.

Students must meet all college, AOS and relevant concentration guidelines. Once the undergraduate degree has been awarded, the student may begin the remaining 24 credits required for the graduate M.A. in Liberal Studies degree. Students must meet master’s expectations for academic progress and grade point average in their master’s level courses to remain in the combined program.

Combined Program Admission

Admission into the combined program is highly selective. Matriculated undergraduate students may apply to the combined program and will complete all of the application requirements for the master’s degree program. The admission application process includes a review of all coursework completed and a minimum recalculated GPA of 3.2 (most recent 60 credits earned), two recommendations (one must be from his/her SUNY Empire State College undergraduate primary mentor), and two application essays. A concurred degree plan is not required to apply for the combined program.

Combined Program Courses

The four graduate courses that will be taken during undergraduate study are:

  • LACS 6005 Seminar in Liberal Studies, 3cr
  • LACS 6010 Perspectives on Interdisciplinary Study, 3cr
  • LACS 6015 Literature Review, 3cr
  • LACS 6020/6025/6027/6030/or 6035, Models of Critical Inquiry, 3cr