The Master of Liberal Arts and Science (M.L.A.S.) degree program offers part-time, adult students the opportunity to earn an interdisciplinary, nontraditional graduate degree. In discussion with other adult students under the leadership of distinguished faculty members, they are encouraged to look beyond disciplinary boundaries and explore connections that more specialized undergraduate degrees and focused career responsibilities may not have permitted. Students often discover important professional and career benefits as well as personal development in earning a M.L.A.S. degree. The requirements and curriculum provide flexibility in program design and course selection, and the tuition, scheduling, admission, and registration procedures acknowledge the special circumstances of the part-time adult student.
Courses are taught by distinguished Vanderbilt faculty members (and, occasionally, distinguished emeritus faculty) carefully selected for their recognized abilities as teachers and their special interest in the M.L.A.S. program. Classes are limited in size to encourage optimal student-student and student-faculty interaction.
Each course generally meets one night per week, and students usually select one course per semester. While the program is designed primarily for personal enrichment, students often discover important professional career benefits as well. The requirements and curriculum provide flexibility in program design and course selection, and the tuition, scheduling, admission, and registration procedures acknowledge the special circumstances of the part-time adult student. Although M.L.A.S. students take classes part time, in exceptional circumstances and with written approval from the program director, students may be enrolled full time. International students wishing to attend the M.L.A.S. program on certain visas will be required to enroll full time to maintain their visa status.