Description
The Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (36 credits) emphasizes applied interdisciplinary study for participants in civic, social, and professional settings. The program specializes in guiding participants through the grounded investigation of lived experience as a means of enhancing learning, transforming perspectives, and building networks toward the development of beneficent workplaces and civil society.
Participants select or generate a topic for extended study through a tailored Plan of Study. Some topics of study are conducive to individualized Plans while others are supported by prescribed Plans. Plans are developed in consultation with an academic advisor. Plans must be approved by the Program Director and the Dean of Graduate Studies. Plans should identify a distinct title for the topic of study that will serve as the participant’s personalized concentration.
Three theme areas provide examples of concentrations favorable to applied interdisciplinary study. Topics of study should demonstrate significant dissimilarity from the curriculum available in other VTSU degree programs yet may include courses across the graduate catalog.
Interdisciplinary Content Theme Area
Includes courses and applied learning experiences selected to examine a topic in an interdisciplinary content area. Example concentrations include International Studies; Rural Studies; Cultural Studies; Gerontology; Equity and Social Ethics; Applied Humanities.
Integrated Professional Practice Theme Area
Includes courses and applied learning experiences related to one’s professional practice that meld disciplinary and occupational realms through a unifying topic of study. Example concentrations include Advanced Teaching and Learning (for Mathematics, Science, Literacy, Social Studies, Unified Arts, or a similar area of practice); Program Assessment and Evaluation; Technical Communication; Workplace Diversity Studies.
Concentration: Advanced Teaching and Learning of Mathematics
This concentration is offered as a partnership between VTSU and the Vermont Mathematics Initiative (VMI).
Advanced Teaching and Learning of Mathematics includes extensive and applied interdisciplinary study of the pedagogical content knowledge supporting highly proficient mathematics teaching. This concentration provides practical professional learning for pre-kindergarten, elementary, and middle and secondary teachers. Participants are immersed in an applied inquiry-based learning environment with short-term courses, in-service implementation with ongoing mentoring, and a network of professional educators. Participants improve their practice while building their peers’ approach to subject matter instruction and becoming teacher leaders shaping the future of the educational landscape within their schools, districts, and beyond.
For over 26 years VMI has been providing professional development in the teaching and learning of mathematics for practicing PK-12 educators. Through this partnership, participants will benefit from VMI’s experience providing effective professional development and VTSU’s attention to advanced academic study, methods of inquiry, and practitioner scholarship. With the support and advisement from VTSU, participants may complete specific VMI courses. A similar partnership supports a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study program for VMI participants who have previously earned a master’s degree. Both programs are for experienced professional educators.
Courses are available in a variety of formats. Most are in-person at regional sites in a weekend format during the spring and fall and a weeklong format in the summer. Mentoring occurs through school visits and online sessions.
The program can be completed in three years of part-time study across summer, spring, and fall. Participants follow a prescribed Plan of Study developed with their advisor.
Contemporary Issues Theme Area
Includes courses and applied learning experiences addressing current, emergent, and novel topics crossing multiple disciplinary fields. Example concentrations include Alternative, Activist, and DIY Studies; 21st Century Studies; Lived Experience Case Studies; Community Agency.
Additional Information
This is a mixed modality program: Courses will be available in various formats depending on each participant’s Plan of Study. Lyndon is the home campus, though courses may be selected on any campus and online, as available.
Up to 12 credits of degree-approved graduate courses from regionally accredited institutions of higher education may be considered for transfer. Each participant’s academic status remains active for 5 years. Enrollment may be full-time, part-time, or intermittent.
Learning Objectives
Participants in the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies program advance their understanding of significant social, civic, and professional issues through applied interdisciplinary studies toward the design of regenerative resolutions. Each participant’s Plan of Study prepares them to achieve four learning objectives:
1. The study of advanced academic and professional materials toward the development of an interdisciplinary understanding of selected topics and practices.
2. The use of applied inquiry for investigating and analyzing lived experiences in civic, social, and professional settings to generate insights, questions, ideas, and proposals.
3. The implementation of design strategies for shaping future endeavors toward improvement of practice, guiding collective action, and renewal of the common good.
4. The process of perspective transformation in pursuit of continuous growth toward ethical and equitable ends.
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