University of Pennsylvania

Overview

The Master of Liberal Arts (MLA) at the University of Pennsylvania offers a unique opportunity to create a personalized graduate curriculum across various liberal arts disciplines. This program is delivered on-campus and emphasizes a seminar-style learning environment, fostering deep discussions and close faculty interactions.

What you'll study

Programme Structure

• Individualized curriculum: Students design their own plan of study with support from faculty, selecting graduate-level courses that span multiple liberal arts fields.

• Seminar learning: Courses are typically conducted in small seminar groups that prioritize engagement, writing, and critical analysis of readings.

• Course selection: Students have the flexibility to choose courses from various departments, aligning their studies with their interests and academic goals.

Example course topics (illustrative)

• Philosophy East and West: Indian and Chinese Philosophy

• How a Story Works: The Art of Fiction

• Fashioning Gender

• Poetry

Capstone / final requirement:

• Students must complete a culminating academic project as outlined by the MLA program, tailored to their individualized plan of study.

Entry requirements

Career prospects

Graduates of the Master of Liberal Arts program at the University of Pennsylvania are well-equipped for a variety of career paths. The interdisciplinary nature of the curriculum fosters critical thinking, effective communication, and analytical skills, making alumni competitive in fields such as education, public policy, media, and the arts. The knowledge and skills gained through this program can also serve as a strong foundation for further academic pursuits or specialized professional training.