Overview

The Liberal Studies programme at The City University of New York provides a comprehensive platform for exploring modern society, culture, and thought through an interdisciplinary lens. This Master of Arts degree encourages students to engage with complex global issues using a comparative approach that spans multiple academic fields. By fostering deep intellectual inquiry, the curriculum prepares individuals for both advanced doctoral research and high-level professional roles.

Why Liberal Studies at The City University of New York?

This programme is recognised for its exceptional value and academic rigour. It has been named one of the most affordable options of its kind in the New York Metropolitan area and New York State. The curriculum is specifically designed to accommodate working professionals, with classes typically meeting once a week in the evening. This structure allows students to balance their academic pursuits with full-time employment while benefiting from the diverse perspectives of a global student body. The institution provides a supportive environment for students from various educational backgrounds, including international applicants and adult learners.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 855 per credit
National fee: USD 855 per credit
Local fee: USD 470 per credit

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

Syllabus

The curriculum consists of 30 credits of coursework that emphasise critical reasoning and effective communication. Modules may include:

Modern Society
Culture and Thought
Interdisciplinary Research
Comparative Studies
Analytical Reasoning
Communication Skills

Careers with Liberal Studies

Graduates of this programme often experience significant professional and financial advancement within their current occupations. The versatile skill set developed during the course is highly valued in social services, education, and corporate environments. Many alumni have successfully transitioned into doctoral studies, pursuing PhDs in diverse fields such as geography, anthropology, history, literature, and philosophy. The programme also serves as a vital qualification for teachers in both public and private school systems who wish to deepen their subject knowledge and pedagogical perspective. By mastering complex analysis and cross-disciplinary communication, graduates are well-equipped for leadership roles that require a nuanced understanding of human culture and social dynamics.

Accreditation

The program holds full membership in and is accredited by the Association of Graduate Liberal Studies Programs.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Roots of Modern Society

Modern Culture

Modern Society

Interaction of Western and Non-Western Societies

Ancient Roots of Modern Thought

Thesis Research and Writing Preparation

Seminar: Values and Contemporary Issues

Master's Essay Tutorial

Key information

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-28 00:00:00

Application deadline not specified.
Starting 2027-01-04 00:00:00

Application deadline not specified.
Starting 2027-05-28 00:00:00

Application deadline not specified.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

100

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

Blended

Campus Location

New York City, United States

Disciplines

Liberal Arts View 401 other Masters in Liberal Arts in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

100

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

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

A bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 is required for admission.

Transcripts.

Submit a $75.00 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

25650 USD / full

≈ 25650 USD / full
Out-of-State

25650 USD / full

≈ 25650 USD / full
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

14100 USD / full

≈ 14100 USD / full

Additional Details

Local students: $5,545 / semester

Living costs

New York City

United States

1819 - 3968 USD / month

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

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.

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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

Accreditation

Programme Structure

Key information

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

Additional Details

Living costs

New York City

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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