Master of Liberal Studies Simmons School of Education and Human Development

Overview

SMU’s Master of Liberal Studies (M.L.S.) program is a human-centered, interdisciplinary degree designed to foster personal growth and leadership among professionals and community leaders. It enables students to pursue lifelong intellectual passions while enhancing their ability to make meaningful contributions to their professions and society.

The M.L.S. curriculum cultivates creative and critical thinking through courses in the humanities, social sciences, behavioral sciences, fine arts, and science and culture. Students explore the human condition, engage with complex global issues, and examine diverse ideas shaping contemporary life. Guided by esteemed faculty and supported by a dynamic learning community, participants develop the insight and adaptability essential for leadership in an ever-changing world.

Offered through the Human-Centered Interdisciplinary Studies Department within the Simmons School of Education and Human Development, the program supports those seeking to expand their perspectives and skills while working full-time or adhering to other life demands with flexible evening and weekend classes.

Specializations

Humanities (HUM)

Humanities courses offer the broadest possible treatments of literature, philosophy, religion and communications.

Organizational dynamics (ORG)

Examines individuals and their behavior in various environmental settings such as family and the workplace.

Self-designed

Students may curate a concentration tailored to their interdisciplinary interests in consultation and approval by the department chair.

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Student success

Our graduates consistently secure positions across industries, including careers in business, education, government, healthcare and the arts – providing leadership and insights to challenging fields.

This program prepares you to excel in the following areas and professions:

Education and academic services
Nonprofit and community leadership
Business and corporate leadership
Government and public service
Human resources and talent development
Arts, culture and humanities organizations
Writing, publishing and editing
Consulting and professional Services

Top 20%

Best National Universities

U.S. News & World Report (2026)

Top 50

Private education graduate schools nationwide

U.S. News & World Report (2025)

Top 1%

SMU ranks No. 34 worldwide for alumni employment

Center for World University Rankings (2025)

Student stories

Former SMU football player Isaac Pearson is a Master of Liberal Studies program graduate.

Isaac Pearson ’25

While a member of the SMU Mustangs football team, Pearson received his M.L.S. with a concentration in Organizational Dynamics. Pearson has been nominated to the Association of Graduate Liberal Studies Programs National Honor Society. “I can never repay the warmth and support I've gotten here. I can’t say enough good things about the faculty and program.”

Philadelphia Eagle and former SMU Mustang Football player Grant Calcaterra after graduating from SMU Simmons.

Grant Calcaterra ’25

Calcaterra is a member of the Philadelphia Eagles 2025 Super Bowl Championship team and a former SMU Mustang. He says earning his master’s degree in graduate liberal studies from SMU was another lifetime achievement. “The GLS program allows students to customize their course plans, which helped tremendously with my work schedule.”

Admissions

Deadlines and details

Key dates and admissions information to help plan your application with confidence.

International students

All the essential admission requirements international students need to know.

Application questions

Find answers to Simmons School of Education and Human Development application questions.

Additional links

Requirements

Application
Application fee
Official transcripts
English language proficiency documentation (if applicable)
An undergraduate grade-point average of 3.0 or higher preferred

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Tuition and financial aid

Tuition and costs

Explore the cost breakdown of tuition for graduate programs.

Financial aid

Find information on scholarships and financial support available at SMU.

Curriculum and learning

Featured courses

HCIS 6341

Cultures of Displacement: The Writing of Race, Migration, and Diaspora

Investigates race and ethnicity within the histories of migrations, diaspora, and globalization, from historical, literary, sociological, and other disciplinary perspectives.

HCIS 6337

Creative Writing for Publication

Explains the process of writing for publications, developing project statements for grant applications, constructing book proposals and more.

HCIS 6353

Understanding Strategy: Government, Business and Social Movements

Explores concepts of military, business and social strategies through the ages.

View course catalog

Outside the classroom

Internships

Get practical experience to develop industry skills and build a professional network.
Programs and centers

Partner with institutions open to collaboration and focused on education and human development.
Clubs and organizations

Explore interests, develop leadership skills, and connect with like-minded peers.
Community engagement

Apply your classroom knowledge to real-world issues while making a positive impact.

Research

Students and faculty in the Master of Liberal Studies program conduct meaningful research and publish academic and creative writing, broadening their understanding of their fields of study.

SMU Simmons professor named Poet Laureate for City of Dallas

Faculty

Kate Montgomery

Department Chair, Clinical Assistant Professor

Ashley Mag Gabbert

Clinical Assistant Professor

Rick Halperin

Professor of Practice,
Human Rights,
SMU Dedman College

Robert Hunt

Professor,
Perkins School of Theology

Bruce Levy

Teaching Professor,
Graduate Instructor Supervisor,
SMU Dedman College

Herve Tchumkam

Professor, World Languages,
SMU Dedman College

Michael Lindsey

Visiting Lecturer,
Psychology,
SMU Dedman College

Jennifer Parvin

Adjunct Instructor

John Potter

Clinical Professor

Brad Klein

Adjunct GLS Instructor,
SMU Dedman College,
Human Rights Program

John Vernon

Co-Adjunct SMU Law School

Facilities

SMU Simmons students have access to state-of-the-art facilities where they can meet with industry experts, gain skills and collaborate with leaders on campus.

Annette Caldwell Simmons Hall

Home to the Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Annette Caldwell Simmons Hall has classrooms, study spaces, and research labs including the Integrative Physiology Laboratory.

Harold Clark Simmons Hall

The three levels of Harold Clark Simmons Hall hold a teaching design lab, a student assessment lab, classrooms, the Department of Teaching and Learning, and the Budd Center for the Involvement of Communities in Education.

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Frequently asked questions

A Master of Liberal Studies is an interdisciplinary, human-centered graduate degree that incorporates the humanities, social justice, arts, culture and organizational dynamics. SMU’s M.L.S. program helps students develop creative and critical thinking to better understand the human condition and address complex 21st-century challenges in their professions and communities.

SMU’s Master of Liberal Studies program was designed for working professionals with demanding schedules. Classes are scheduled on evenings and weekends, and the completion window allows up to six years, with the average completion within two to three years.

The interdisciplinary nature of a Master in Liberal Studies gives graduates transferable skills that serve them across many industries.

Yes, an MLS degree is respected by employers. According to a recent survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) asking employers what they look for on student resumes, problem solving, written communication skills and analytical/quantitative skills topped the list. These skills are strengthened within a liberal arts education, and employers know that those with graduate degrees are prepared to apply these critical thinking and communication skills to leadership tracks.

Students in the SMU Master of Liberal Studies program can specialize in humanities, organizational dynamics, human rights and social justice, and arts and cultural traditions.

The program has courses in psychology, sociology, organizational behavior and anthropology, arts, creative writing, literature, philosophy, religion, communications, health, environment, history, human rights, economics and political science.

Yes, the MLS program at SMU offers evening classes and part-time enrollment options, providing flexibility for students.

Graduates with a Master of Liberal Studies from SMU can pursue careers in a number of industries including in business, education, government, healthcare and the arts. An MLS degree can prepare you for roles such as professor, development and fundraising professional, civic leader, healthcare practitioner, consultant, public relations professional, social media specialist, sports coach, university administrator, writer and media professional.

Yes, you can apply for the Master of Liberal Studies program if you have an undergraduate degree without a liberal arts focus. Admission considers students with a variety of academic backgrounds.

Master of Liberal Studies

Program format

Commitment

Duration