Liberal Studies

The Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies at Rice University offers students a unique interdisciplinary education designed to foster broad intellectual development and critical thinking skills. This program provides an flexible academic pathway that allows students to explore a wide range of subjects across the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, promoting a comprehensive understanding of complex issues and encouraging innovative thinking. Students in the Liberal Studies program are empowered to tailor their coursework to their individual interests and career goals, selecting from diverse disciplines such as history, philosophy, literature, political science, sociology, and more, ensuring a well-rounded academic experience. The curriculum emphasizes the development of analytical skills, effective communication, ethical reasoning, and intercultural competence, preparing graduates to excel in a variety of professional fields including public policy, education, business, media, and non-profit sectors. Throughout their studies, students engage in rigorous research projects, critical essays, and collaborative discussions, fostering a vibrant academic community focused on intellectual inquiry and social engagement. The program also encourages experiential learning opportunities, including internships, study abroad programs, and community service initiatives, enabling students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Faculty members dedicated to student success mentor learners closely, guiding them through the interdisciplinary coursework and helping to shape their academic and professional trajectories. Graduates of the Rice University Liberal Studies program emerge as adaptable and thoughtful leaders, equipped with a diverse skill set and a broad knowledge base that prepares them for continuous learning and meaningful contributions to society. With an emphasis on inquiry, diversity of thought, and global perspectives, this program exemplifies Rice University’s commitment to providing an education that is both rigorous and socially relevant.

Students pursuing the MLS degree must complete:

• A minimum of 11 courses (33 credit hours) to satisfy degree requirements.
• A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 in required coursework.

Additionally, MLS students may take only one course in his or her entering session, MLSC 600 Introduction to Graduate Research, Analysis, and Exposition. All courses will require research papers; some may require tests or oral presentations. A thesis is not part of the degree program. The program can be completed in approximately four years if one class is completed every session. Students are allowed to take up to seven years to complete the degree.

CORE REQUIREMENTS
Students must complete a total of 3 courses (9 credit hours) from the fields of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences. One course must be taken from each field. The core courses are designed to acquaint first-year students with contrasting perspectives and methodological approaches that define academic inquiry in the three broad fields. Core courses must be completed before courses that satisfy the electives can be taken. 

Humanities 
Students must complete 1 course (3 credit hours) from the following:

• MLSC 501 The Shaping of Western Thought [ 3 credit hours ]
• MLSC 505 Shakespeare and Film [ 3 credit hours ]
• MLSC 510 Music and Other Arts: Collaboration and Fusion [ 3 credit hours ]
• MLSC 511 An Introduction to Roman Empire: Society and Culture During the Pax Romana [ 3 credit hours ]
• MLSC 512 Contemporary China and the Chinese Diaspora [ 3 credit hours ]
• MLSC 517 Modern Drama on Film and Performance [ 3 credit hours ]
• MLSC 520 Art Music in Western European Culture [ 3 credit hours ]
• MLSC 526 Contemporary Moral Issues [ 3 credit hours ]
• MLSC 527 Contemporary Approaches to the History of Emotions [ 3 credit hours ]
• MLSC 530 17th-18th Centuries Western Philosophy [ 3 credit hours ]
• MLSC 531 African Crisis in Context [ 3 credit hours ]
• MLSC 533 Self-Determination in the Arab World [ 3 credit hours ]
• MLSC 535 Dickens, Oliver Twist, Poverty, and Social Justice [ 3 credit hours ]
• MLSC 536 Traditional Chinese Culture and Its Modern Legacy [ 3 credit hours ]
• MLSC 537 Profiles from the Past: Famous Figures in Western History [ 3 credit hours ]
• MLSC 539 Immigration and the State: Europe and the US in Comparative Perspective [ 3 credit hours ]
• MLSC 541 Human Rights, Gender Equality and Religious Beliefs [ 3 credit hours ]
• MLSC 542 The Epic Journey [ 3 credit hours ]
• MLSC 543 The City in Literature [ 3 credit hours ]
• MLSC 544 Writing Children's Literature [ 3 credit hours ]
• MLSC 545 Window to the Soul: Exploring [ 3 credit hours ]
• MLSC 547 Profiles from the Past II: Famous Figures in Western History [ 3 credit hours ]
• MLSC 548 The History of Philosophy Set in Cultural Context [ 3 credit hours  
• MLSC 549 Comparative Imperial Pleasure Gardens: Power and Landscape [ 3 credit hours ]

Social Sciences
Students must complete 1 course (3 credit hours) from the following:

• MLSC 503 Violence and Human Nature [ 3 credit hours ]
• MLSC 504 Islam: State and Society [ 3 credit hours ]
• MLSC 507 Introduction to Social Systems: The Whole Is Greater Than the Sum of its Parts [ 3 credit hours ]
• MLSC 509 Stereotypes, Prejudice and Discrimination [ 3 credit hours ]
• MLSC 514 South by Southeast Asia: Crucible of Diversity in Religion and Politics [ 3 credit hours ]
• MLSC 516 Pictures and Words: A View of Muslim Politics Through the Arts [ 3 credit hours ] 
• MLSC 519 Psychology of Beliefs [ 3 credit hours ]
• MLSC 523 Theory and Practice of Punishment [ 3 credit hours ]
• MLSC 524 Evolutionary Psychology [ 3 credit hours ]
• MLSC 527 Comparative Approaches to the History of Emotions [ 3 credit hours ]
• MLSC 529 Gender Equity [ 3 credit hours ]
• MLSC 531 African Crisis in Context [ 3 credit hours ]
• MLSC 533 Self-Determination in Arab World [ 3 credit hours ]
• MLSC 534 Human Rights in World Affairs [ 3 credit hours ]     
• MLSC 535 Dickens, Oliver Twist, Poverty, and Social Justice [ 3 credit hours ]
• MLSC 536 Traditional Chinese Culture [ 3 credit hours ]
• MLSC 539 Immigration and the State: Europe and the US in Comparative Perspective [ 3 credit hours ]
• MLSC 541 Human Rights, Gender Equality, and Religious Beliefs [ 3 credit hours ]
• MLSC 549 Comparative Imperial Pleasure Gardens: Power and Landscape [ 3 credit hours ]

Natural Science
Students must complete 1 course (3 credit hours) from the following:

• MLSC 502 Our Environment: Science and Culture [ 3 credit hours ]
• MLSC 506 The Solar System, The Sun, and the Mind of Man [ 3 credit hours ]
• MLSC 508 Earth Systems Dynamics [ 3 credit hours ]
• MLSC 513 DNA: Human Identity and Origins [ 3 credit hours ]
• MLSC 515 Science in the First Person [ 3 credit hours ]
• MLSC 518 Judging Science [ 3 credit hours ]
• MLSC 522 Evolution in Science and Society [ 3 credit hours ]
• MLSC 525 Plagues and Populations [ 3 credit hours ]
• MLSC 528 Physics for Society [ 3 credit hours ]
• MLSC 532 The Grand Design [ 3 credit hours ]
• MLSC 538 Our Changing Planet [ 3 credit hours ]
• MSLC 540 Is Anybody Out There: The Search for Life Beyond Earth [ 3 credit hours ]
• MLSC 546 Role of Chemistry in History [ 3 credit hours ]
• MLSC 550 Modern Astronomy and Our Place in the Universe [ 3 credit hours ]
• MLSC 604 Exploration and Discovery in Antarctica [ 3 credit hours ]  

ELECTIVES
Students must complete an additional 7 courses (21 credit hours) from MLSC course offerings at the 600-level to fulfill the Electives requirement. All new students must take MLSC 600 Introduction to Graduate Research, Analysis, and Exposition in their first term. The course counts toward the electives requirements. Electives may focus on just one “track” (natural sciences, social sciences, or humanities) or may be chosen more broadly.

CAPSTONE 
Students must complete 1-2 courses (3-6 credit hours) from the following. The capstone courses are designed to help students integrate their knowledge through writing an extended paper or completing a project to be presented to MLS faculty and students. Students may take one or two semesters to complete the capstone project as listed below.

• MLSC 700 Capstone I [ 1 semester, 3 credit hours ]
      or MLSC 700 Capstone I and MLSC 701 Capstone II [ 2 semesters, 3 credit hours, total of 6 credit hours ]

• Completed Application for Admission
• Application fee ($85 nonrefundable check made payable to Rice University)
• Current resume
• Personal statement
• Writing samples
• Official transcripts from all previous colleges or universities attended mailed directly to Glasscock School of Continuing Studies.
• Two letters of recommendation, each accompanied by a completed Letter of Recommendation form. Must be mailed directly from the recommenders to the Rice University address provided on the form.

The Liberal Studies program at Rice University offers a comprehensive financial structure designed to support undergraduate students throughout their academic journey. Rice University is renowned for its commitment to providing substantial financial aid packages, ensuring that students from diverse economic backgrounds can access quality education. The primary form of financial assistance available includes need-based grants and scholarships, which do not require repayment and are awarded based on the student's demonstrated financial need as determined by the university’s need analysis process. Additionally, the university provides merit-based scholarships for outstanding academic performance, leadership qualities, and unique talents, further reducing the financial burden on eligible students.

Students enrolled in the Liberal Studies program can also benefit from federal and state financial aid programs, including Pell Grants and state-sponsored scholarships, which supplement institutional aid and expand funding opportunities. Furthermore, Rice University participates in federal student loan programs, offering low-interest loans that students can use to cover additional educational expenses not met by grants or scholarships. These loans are subject to standard repayment plans, and students are encouraged to borrow responsibly.

The university also offers work-study programs, allowing students to gain practical work experience while earning funds to support their education. These work opportunities are typically on-campus positions, providing flexible hours that accommodate academic schedules. For students requiring additional financial assistance, Rice University’s Office of Financial Aid provides personalized counseling to help navigate the array of available options and develop an appropriate financial plan.

Tuition payment plans are available to distribute the cost of education over manageable installments, reducing financial pressure at the outset of each semester. The university’s commitment to affordability is further demonstrated by its transparency regarding costs and financial aid policies, as well as dedicated staff assisting students in optimizing their financial resources. Overall, Rice University’s financing studies aim to make the Liberal Studies program accessible and affordable, fostering an environment where students can focus on their academic and personal growth without undue financial stress.

Liberal Studies at Rice University offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary program designed to foster broad intellectual development and critical thinking skills. The program is structured to allow students the flexibility to explore a wide range of disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, fostering a well-rounded education. The curriculum emphasizes the development of analytical skills, effective communication, and ethical reasoning, preparing students for diverse career paths and graduate studies. Participants engage in seminar-style courses, research projects, and writing-intensive coursework that promote active learning and intellectual curiosity. The program encourages students to think critically about complex societal issues, develop a global perspective, and articulate their ideas clearly. Faculty members are distinguished scholars committed to small-class instruction, ensuring personalized mentorship and active engagement with students. In addition to rigorous academic coursework, students have opportunities to participate in internships, study abroad programs, and research initiatives that enhance practical experience and cultural awareness. The Liberal Studies program at Rice aims to cultivate adaptable, innovative thinkers capable of addressing contemporary challenges with insight and integrity. It prepares graduates for careers in education, public service, business, and other sectors that value interdisciplinary knowledge and critical reasoning. The program also emphasizes leadership development, ethical considerations, and lifelong learning, aligning with Rice University’s mission to produce well-educated individuals who contribute meaningfully to society.