Overview

The Liberal Studies M.Sc. at Villanova University offers a multidisciplinary framework for students to pursue an integrated course of study tailored to their unique intellectual interests. This advanced programme encourages a broad exposure to various academic fields, ensuring graduates develop a comprehensive understanding of the humanities and social sciences through a rigorous and personalised curriculum.

Students benefit from a flexible academic structure that includes proseminars, elective courses, and a significant capstone project. The programme is specifically designed to accommodate working professionals, with the majority of graduate seminars scheduled in the late afternoon and evening. This approach fosters a diverse learning environment where students can engage with complex global issues from multiple perspectives.

Why Liberal Studies at Villanova University?

The programme is distinguished by its interdisciplinary breadth, offering access to nearly 200 graduate courses across the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Students work closely with academic advisors to select modules that form a cohesive and meaningful educational path. The university provides a supportive environment for research, including dedicated proseminars that refine graduate-level writing and analytical skills. Furthermore, the inclusion of a Qualifying Portfolio allows students to showcase their best academic work and track their intellectual trajectory throughout their studies.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 955 per credit
National fee: USD 955 per credit
Local fee: USD 955 per credit

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum requires the completion of 30 credits, including core proseminars and a final capstone. To ensure interdisciplinary variety, students typically take no more than three courses within a single graduate department. Modules may include:

Directed Reading
Greek Archaeology
Health Informatics & E-Health Systems
Environmental Policy and Management
Public Administration Theory
Organizational Behavior
Global Christianities
Children's Literature & Literacy

The final semester features a Directed Readings course, where students produce a significant work of research, such as a 30-page thesis or an equivalent professional project, under the guidance of a faculty advisor.

Careers with Liberal Studies

Graduates of this programme are prepared for a wide range of professional paths due to their enhanced critical thinking and communication skills. The curriculum supports careers in social justice, advocacy, and peacemaking, as well as roles in journalism, teaching, and activism. Alumni have successfully transitioned into positions within national non-profit organisations, focusing on areas such as mental health advocacy, equity, and justice. The programme also serves as a robust foundation for those intending to pursue further doctoral-level graduate study.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Memoir Writing
American Women and Medicine
Spiritual Autobiography
Cultural Uses of Horror
Religion and American Culture
God and Philosophy: The Guide of the Perplexed (Maimonides)
Society and Self in an Age of Technology
Humanity, Nature, and Justice

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-08-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-01-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-06-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-05-01 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Philadelphia, United States

Disciplines

Art History Liberal Arts Literature View 401 other Masters in Liberal Arts in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Online application form
Transcripts
2 recommendation letters
Statement of goals/interests in liberal studies
$50 non-refundable application fee

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

28650 USD / year

≈ 28650 USD / year
Out-of-State

28650 USD / year

≈ 28650 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

28650 USD / year

≈ 28650 USD / year

Living costs

Philadelphia

United States

800 - 1300 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

Interested in financing your studies? Find a student loan that works for you.

MPOWER Financing No cosigner. No collateral. No hidden fees.

Check your Eligibility

Get the funding you need to study in the U.S. or Canada - with a process that's fast, simple, and built for international students.

Flexible loans from US$2,001 to US$100,000
Fixed interest rates -- no inflation surprises
No upfront fees or prepayment penalties
Accepted at 500+ universities across the U.S. & Canada
100% online application -- instant conditional offer
Free visa & career support through our Path2Success program

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Liberal Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Philadelphia

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners