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Incoming students: click here for information about acquiring a student ID number, IDcard, parking permit, access to library services, computer username and password, etc.

How do I register for courses?

UD students register for courses online through the University of Delaware Student Information System (UDSIS). Among other things, UDSIS is used to register, to drop or add courses, and to view your unofficial transcript and other UD information.  The Registrar’s office has created a tutorial for students in the use of UDSIS. If you experience problems with registration, please call the office at 831-6075 for help.

How do I register for thesis/project credits?

Students register for thesis (MALS869) or project (MALS879) credits in the same way you would for a course.  Before registering, it is essential to identify an advisor and to determine how many thesis credits you wish to take each semester.

How do I identify an academic advisor?

Until you are ready to start your thesis or project, the MALS director will act as academic advisor for course selection, requests for waivers, etc.  Additional information about the role of thesis/project advisors is available here.

How do I keep track of my academic progress?

You can keep track of your progress by utilizing the unofficial transcript on UDSIS or by using the MALS course checklist.

What are the course requirements?

All MALS students must take an introductory experience made up of three one-credit courses taken back-to-back in the same semester:  MALS601, 602 , and 603.  Students also choose two MALS core courses.  The other five courses may be selected from anything MALS offers, including core courses, electives (non-core courses with permanent numbers) and experimental courses (courses with the number 667 that may or may not be offered in subsequent semesters).  At the end of the program, students take six credits of MALS869 (thesis) or MALS879 (project).

What are the core courses?

MALS600  Nature and Human Nature (3 credits). Addresses the development, status, and understanding of humanity within a larger context; e.g., how writers in various disciplines have defined humanity, nature, and the relationship between the two; or the interaction between humans.

MALS610  Force, Conflict and Change (3 credits). From antiquity to the present, the use of force and the resolution of conflict have been among humanity's enduring preoccupations. Examines ideas about these issus, and associated questions such as the meaning of "heroism" and "just war."

MALS619  The Scientist in Society (3 credits). Scientific research is directly influenced by the society in which it is conducted. In addition to financial limitations, constraints are imposed by societal norms of what are acceptable topics and procedures for research. Focus on the philosophical basis of science as well as consequences to society of the scientific revolution.

MALS622  Interpreting the Past (3 credits). Applies a variety of interdisciplinary perspectives, e.g., archaeology, anthropology, history, literature, philosophy, and religion to explain how and what we learn about the past.

MALS624  Writing in Liberal Studies (3 credits). Provides instruction and practice in the various kinds of writing students may wish to do in the course of the MALS program and beyond. Focuses on one or more specific genres, such as the writing of poetry, fiction, memoirs, or research papers.

MALS625  Film and Society (3 credits). Explores the ways in which films produced within one or more cultures or time periods both reflect and help to shape their social and historical backgrounds. May include the making of films that include this social/historical perspective.

MALS626 Studies in Contemporary Culture (3 credits). Addresses contemporary problems and movements from a multidisciplinary perspective. Examples include artistic, literary, or sociological movements; religious or ethical questons; and political or global issues. .

MALS660 On Becoming Human (3 credits). Examines the biological and cultural evolution of humans, focusing on similarities and differences between humans and our closest primate relatives..

Is it possible to take more than the required number of core courses?

Yes, students may take as many core courses as you wish.

Is it possible to transfer in graduate credit earned before enrolling in MALS?

MALS students may transfer in up to nine credits of appropriate graduate coursework taken before enrolling in the program either at UD or elsewhere.  Decisions about which specific courses do or do not apply to the degree are made by the MALS admissions committee.  Ordinarily, courses taken more than seven years before applying for MALS are not transferred in, and courses taken as an auditor cannot be transferred in.  No more than six credits of coursework taken outside of MALS counts toward the degree unless the MALS Advisory Committee approves an exception. Exceptions are automatically approved for incoming students who wish to transfer in nine credits taken before enrolling in MALS.

Where and when are MALS courses typically offered?

The university’s three campuses host MALS courses.  In the regular semesters (fall and spring), MALS typically offers two courses in Wilmington, two courses in Newark, and one course in Georgetown.  Most courses are offered one night a week from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., but MALS is experimenting with a few daytime courses.  In summer, MALS usually offers two to three courses, depending upon student demand.

Is it possible to take courses in other UD programs or in other institutions and count them toward the MALS degree?

Students enrolled in the MALS program may take graduate courses in other UD departments or at other institutions with the approval of the MALS director and the instructor of the course.  Students who wish to count more than six credits taken outside the program toward the MALS degree must seek approval from the MALS Advisory Committee.

How much do MALS courses cost?

Current UD graduate tuition rates may be found at http://www.udel.edu/bill_coll/fees.html   Tuition is waived for Delaware residents over the age of 60 who are matriculated in a degree program. Details may be found at http://www.pcs.udel.edu/credit/over60.html.  Participants in the UD Academy of Lifelong Learning are welcome in MALS courses; information about taking regular UD courses is available at http://www.pcs.udel.edu/credit/courses.html

How do I pay for my courses?

      • Students who do not qualify for any of the exemptions listed below must pay the full tuition rate. Tuition may be paid in installments over the course of the semester as outlined on the university's billing and collection website http://www.udel.edu/bill_coll/
      • The Over 60 Tuition Program is offered by the Professional and Continuing Studies Office.  In order to qualify, you must be a Delaware resident, and you must be matriculated as a degree candidate. Details may be found at  http://www.pcs.udel.edu/credit/over60.html  Once you have been approved for the Over 60 Tuition Program, you should register for courses in the usual way. When you receive your bill, you should write “Over 60 Tuition Program” on it and return it to the Cashier’s office.
      • University employees and their immediate family members are entitled to a course waiver.  Details may be found at http://www.udel.edu/Benefits/menu/, together with a course fee waiver form that must be submitted to the Cashier’s Office.
      • Delaware public school teachers may take courses at no cost during the summer sessions.  Some school districts also provide partial or full reimbursement for credits taken at other times; please see your district policy.  Out-of-state and private school teachers should consult your districts or schools about their reimbursement policies.

Is financial aid available?

MALS students are encouraged to explore generally available funding options for UD graduate students. For more information, click here and then scroll down to "Tuition and Finances" at the bottom of the left column.

How do I seek exemptions, waivers, leaves of absence, or changes in proposed graduation date?

Requests should be referred to the MALS director, preferably by email.

Are there opportunities for study abroad?

MALS does not currently run its own semesters abroad, although it plans to do so in the future.  Click here for information about study abroad programs in other departments that MALS students might want to join.

What do I need to know about theses and projects?

Detailed information about theses and projects can be found here.

How do I initiate the process to graduate in a particular semester?

As you approach the semester in which you plan to graduate, you should consult the Graduate Office's "Step by Step Guide to Graduation" at http://www.udel.edu/gradoffice/polproc/index.html Among other things, this website includes a link to the Application to Graduate Form http://www.udel.edu/gradoffice/polproc/index.html that you are required to submit. The deadlines for submitting the Application to Graduate Form are September 15 for December degree conferral, December 15 for Winter degree conferral, February 15 for May degree conferral, and May 15 for August degree conferral.

How do I find out about lectures, social activities, athletic events, and other opportunities?

Information regarding lectures, social activities, and other opportunities may be found on the calendar link on the MALS homepage.  You may also want to go to www.udel.edu and look at the events listed in the right-hand column. For information about athletic events, click here.

Does MALS offer any certificate programs?

Click here for information on a Museum Studies Certificate available to current students, as well as an Advanced Certificate intended for holders of MALS or other graduate degrees.