Earn your master degree in Liberal Arts (MA) from Louisiana State University Shreveport, and develop your own direction and interests in this unique interdisciplinary program.
Gain advanced skills in research, critical thinking, creative problem-solving and communication. LSUS’ master’s degree in liberal arts gives you the tools to develop your own direction and interests – education and hands-on training you can apply to careers in teaching, journalism, law, medicine, social work, business, government and industry.
The liberal arts program at LSUS offers a level of individualized attention that sets the graduate experience apart from similar degrees at other universities. Our blended classes are capped at just eight graduate students per class, while our core courses are capped at 30 students. As a result, you’ll have the opportunity to develop a close working relationship with your thesis director over three semesters of individual guidance.
Thesis students regularly engage in fascinating field research, from exploring the impact of music therapy on people with disabilities to designing websites. Whatever your passion, you’ll have the opportunity to develop and pursue your interests – including 15 hours of interdisciplinary electives to prepare for the thesis or thesis-equivalent project on your topic of choice. You’ll also benefit from the unique resources offered by the Noel Collection and the Northwest Louisiana Archives.
Applicants to the MLA program must have earned a GPA of 3.0 or better in the last two years of undergraduate study, and you must schedule an admissions interview with the MLA Director. You'll then need to submit a written Statement of Purpose that outlines your educational goals and the ways in which the MLA program meets those goals. GRE scores are NOT required for admission.
Choose your own path in the liberal arts master’s degree program at LSUS. These are some of the ways we will help you to succeed on your journey.
Hands-on experience
As a liberal arts graduate student, you can take on-campus and off-campus internships in either History or English. We also offer a limited number of graduate assistantships in the areas of teaching, research and service (administration).
Student life
We have a suite in Bronson Hall exclusively for liberal arts students that features a lounge, computer access, study carrels and a kitchen. You can also join the English Club or the History Club (or both). Check out the M.A. in Liberal Arts Facebook page.
Learn from the best
LSUS liberal arts faculty are nationally and internationally recognized in their fields. Dr. Alexander Mikaberidze has authored more than two dozen books on Napoleon, Dr. Bill Pederson is the director of the International Lincoln Center, and Dr. Cheryl White is one of a handful of scholars worldwide who have access to the Vatican’s secret archives.
Financial aid for liberal arts graduate students
More than $12.4 million in scholarship money is awarded to LSUS students each year. Take some time to explore the types of financial aid you could qualify for.
Katie Bickham (M.A. in Liberal Arts, 2010) has won the Ava Leavell-Haymon Award, the Lena-Miles Wever Todd Prize, the Missouri Review Editor’s Prize, the New Millennium Writings Poetry Prize, and the Shreveport Regional Arts Council’s Critical Mass Prize.
Liberal arts students may take an independent study as one of their electives. Independent studies regularly include real-world experiences, hands-on archaeological digs and opportunities to assist faculty in research.
Engage in field work or gain guided experience teaching at the college level. One of our students registered for an independent study in English to gain teaching skills and is now the Dean of Liberal Arts at Bossier Parish Community College.
Recently, one of our graduate assistants helped to develop a database of military and diplomatic events in late eighteenth and early nineteenth century Europe, gathering information to process and catalogue almost one thousand events.
Where can a Master's Degree in Liberal Arts take you?
Graduates of the liberal arts program are prepared to serve as leaders in rapidly changing social, technological and political environments. Potential career options include:
Here are some other LSUS graduate programs you might want to explore.
Starting a successful career is closer than you think. With exceptional academics and generous financial aid, LSUS allows you to get your degree close to home while launching you to new heights.