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Q. What are the application procedures and deadlines?
A. This is a program for mature students whose lively minds have
continued to grow since they left college. Because it is this openness
to ideas rather than mastery of specific concepts that is essential for
success in the program, we do not require applicants to take the Graduate
Record Examination (GRE), although you must have a bachelor's degree with
at least a B average in your undergraduate major.
To apply to the MALS program, you should send to the Office of Graduate
Studies:
- an official transcript of your previous undergraduate and graduate
studies
- three supporting letters from individuals who can talk about your
strengths and your capabilities
- a short essay (of about three pages) describing your intellectual
interests and how you feel these can be developed in the MALS program.
All applicants will have a personal interview with the program director
and members of the advisory committee. In the case of a generally qualified
applicant whose credentials are weak in one area, the director may recommend
provisional admission, with a review after one semester.
You can apply April 1 for admission the following September or by
November 1 for admission the following February.
Generally, however, the earlier you submit your application, the better,
because this is a selective program with a limited enrollment. (Note:
only students already admitted are eligible to take MALS courses).
Q. How long does it take to complete an MALS degree?
A. The program is designed to be flexible in order to accommodate
the differing work schedules and capacities of its students. Assuming,
however, that a student takes two courses during each major semester and
one during the summer, it is possible to finish in two years. (Note: the
University maximum for completing a degree is, normally, five years).
Q. What if my schedule prevents me from taking courses
in a given semester?
A. This is a self-paced program. Most students will take only one
course per semester; others will work at a faster pace. If you will not
be registering for a major semester, consult with your academic adviser,
as you will be required to register for a Leave of Absence. Students should
be aware that courses offered in one semester may not be repeated until
a year or two later.
Q. Can I transfer graduate credit earned in other
programs?
A. Subject to the agreement of the MALS Advisory Committee, a student
may transfer up to nine credits. However, the credits transferred must
fit into the framework of the student's MALS program objective.
Q. How will I shape my MALS program?
A. The program director acts as your temporary adviser until you
can be matched with the faculty member(s) best able to help you get the
most out of the program. It is with your faculty adviser(s) that you develop
your plan of study and your thesis topic or special project.
Q. What is the difference between a thesis and a
project?
A. The thesis or project is the capstone of your MALS
program. A traditional master's thesis is a 50-80 page research paper,
focused on a single discipline. A project is a 50-80 page research
paper in which you blend information from several different disciplines.
Your faculty adviser will help you decide which option is best for you.
Complete procedures can be found online or by contacting the MALS
office..
Q. Where and when will MALS courses be offered?
A. Courses will meet on the Newark campus and may, depending on
demand, be scheduled at other locations in the state. All courses will
meet in the late afternoon or evening. Ample parking in secure, lighted
University lots will be available. MALS core courses will be offered in
a regular sequence in Southern Delaware. The range of choice in electives
offered, however, will be narrower in Southern Delaware. Students in either
location are encouraged to register for any MALS course, regardless of
their geographic point of entry into the program.
Q. How much do MALS courses cost?
A. The normal University rates for graduate students apply to MALS
courses.
Q. Is financial aid available?
A. There are no fellowships or assistantships, but the
tuition-free program for Delawareans over sixty does apply to the
MALS program.
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