Overview

The Liberal Studies programme at Southern Methodist University provides a transformative educational experience rooted in human-centered, interdisciplinary inquiry. This advanced degree empowers students to curate their own academic journey by exploring complex systemic issues and the diverse facets of the human experience.

This course is specifically designed to accommodate the schedules of working adults and community leaders. By offering classes during evenings and weekends, the university ensures that professionals can pursue their intellectual passions without compromising their career commitments. The curriculum fosters a collaborative environment where students from various backgrounds engage with esteemed faculty members.

Participants in the programme develop essential skills in critical thinking, empathy, and communication.

Why Liberal Studies at Southern Methodist University?

The university provides a unique adventure in intellectual freedom, allowing students to interface with educators from various academic disciplines. The Simmons School of Education and Human Development offers a supportive community where rigorous learning is integrated with hands-on experience. This approach helps students forge their own paths and impact their worlds effectively.

Facilities such as the Annette Caldwell Simmons Hall provide a dedicated space for human-centered interdisciplinary studies. The programme is distinguished by its focus on organizational dynamics and leadership development, making it a worthy investment for those looking to enhance their professional influence. Students benefit from a curriculum that pertains directly to real-life situations and global challenges.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 775 per credit
National fee: USD 775 per credit
Local fee: USD 775 per credit

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Humanities
Organizational Dynamics
Social Justice
Arts
Culture
American History
Human Condition
Communication Skills
Organizational Culture
Systemic Issues
Change Management
Coaching Culture

Careers with Liberal Studies

Graduates of this programme pursue diverse roles across multiple sectors, leveraging their interdisciplinary training to lead and inspire. Many find success in civic leadership, non-profit management, and educational coaching. The skills gained are highly applicable to consultancy and public relations roles where understanding human dynamics is essential.

Common career paths for alumni include becoming community college instructors, university administrators, or development and fundraising professionals. Others transition into roles as healthcare practitioners, social media specialists, or sports coaches. The programme also supports those pursuing creative paths as writers or performers within the arts industry.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Independent Study

The Art Of Public Speaking

Intimate Partnerships, Marriage, And Family

The Transformative Power Of Narratives: What’s The Story?

Living Systems: Understanding Organizational Dynamics

Exploring Human Potential

The Lively Mind: Creative And Critical Thinking

Professional Ethics And Organizational Responsibility

Organizational Leadership

Abnormal Psychology Of Mind, Body, And Health

Psychology: The Discovery Of Self

The Immigrant Experience

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-07-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-01-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-15 00:00:00
Starting 2027-06-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-05-01 00:00:00

More details

If you have missed one of our deadlines but are still interested in applying, call our office at: 214-768-4273 for information about a possible extension.

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

36 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Dallas, United States

Disciplines

Visual Arts Art History Liberal Arts View 438 other Masters in Visual Arts in United States

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Academic requirements

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Online MLS Degree application

Official transcripts from all the colleges and universities you attended.

Two letters of recommendation

A personal interview is required.

Two Essays

A resume is recommended

Application fee

The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is not required, but applicants are welcome to submit their scores if they feel the scores would add to the strength of their application.

English Proficiency Requirements

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

27900 USD / year

≈ 27900 USD / year
Out-of-State

27900 USD / year

≈ 27900 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

27900 USD / year

≈ 27900 USD / year

Living costs

Dallas

United States

1140 - 1925 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

Interested in financing your studies? Find a student loan that works for you.

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Liberal Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Dallas

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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