Master of Liberal Studies (Literary Arts)

Master's

Hours: 31 On-Campus Online

About

The Master of Liberal Studies (Literary Arts) program at Fort Hays State University is an advanced graduate-level program designed to deepen literary understanding and refine critical writing skills. It is well suited for working professionals and dedicated learners seeking to explore literature more thoroughly while benefiting from a flexible and comprehensive liberal studies core. The curriculum combines 10 hours of interdisciplinary studies (IDS) courses with specialized graduate courses in English, offering a balanced blend of interdisciplinary learning and focused literary scholarship. This structure equips students with advanced research skills and a deep appreciation for literature.

Why pursue a Master of Liberal Studies (Literary Arts) at Fort Hays State University?

Choosing the Master of Liberal Studies (Literary Arts) program means joining a curriculum that emphasizes flexibility and personalized learning paths. This program allows students to explore an emerging discipline without the need to commit to a full graduate degree, enabling them to tailor their studies to specific interests and career goals, whether to update their skills or pursue new areas of inquiry. The faculty, comprised of active scholars who frequently publish and present at regional, national, and international conferences, brings valuable expertise that ensures the program remains dynamic, with current and relevant course content.

Who is this program for?

This program is perfect for those who wish to gain a comprehensive and flexible graduate education. This program is ideal for:

Working professionals seeking to enhance their literary and writing skills
Individuals looking to transition into publishing, communications, or education careers
Lifelong learners passionate about literature and critical analysis
Educators aiming to deepen their understanding of literature
Researchers interested in advanced literary studies

Real-World Applications

The Master of Liberal Studies (Literary Arts) program prepares students for practical applications across diverse professional fields. Its curriculum emphasizes the development of strong writing and communication skills, enabling students to craft compelling narratives and build persuasive arguments—abilities that are highly valued in publishing, education, communications, and related areas. Additionally, the program cultivates advanced research skills, teaching students to critically evaluate and synthesize information from a variety of sources. This expertise is essential for roles requiring in-depth analysis and critical thinking, including research analysts, content developers, and literary consultants.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

The program incorporates the latest advancements and trends in literary studies into its curriculum. Courses are regularly updated to reflect new research and emerging perspectives, ensuring that students remain current with the evolving landscape of literature and critical theory. The program also explores innovative approaches to literary analysis and interpretation, including the impact of digital technologies on the production and consumption of literary texts. This prepares graduates to navigate and contribute effectively to the digital age of literature.

Hands-on Activities

The program provides a range of experiential and applied learning opportunities. Students participate in intensive writing workshops where they receive personalized feedback to develop their unique voice and style. Collaborative projects complement these workshops, fostering peer learning and critical discussion. Additionally, students engage in research projects that involve analyzing literary texts, conducting literature reviews, and presenting their findings. These hands-on experiences strengthen research skills and offer practical training in articulating and defending ideas.

What You’ll Learn:

Advanced literary analysis techniques
Critical writing and argumentation skills
Research methodology in the literature
Digital humanities and literary technologies
Comparative literature studies

How You’ll Learn:

Interactive seminars and discussions
Writing workshops and peer reviews
Research projects and presentations
Digital tools and resources for literary studies
Faculty mentorship and feedback

Courses

The curriculum features foundational IDS courses that provide a multidisciplinary approach to information-seeking, critical thinking, and analytical writing. Students investigate human knowledge across the sciences, arts, and humanities while examining the impact of the information revolution on society. The program also emphasizes developing information literacy skills, enabling students to effectively evaluate and utilize scholarly and technological resources. Sample courses include:

ENG 631: Literature, Sustainability and the Natural World

This course is a study of environmental literature with an emphasis on sustainability, the natural world, and the relationship between human action and environmental consequences.

ENG 632: Early British Novels

This course focuses on understanding both the history and origins of the English novel by careful reading and study of selected novels of the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries by authors such as Samuel Richardson, Henry Fielding, Walter Scott, and Jane Austen.

ENG 653: Studies in American Literary Genres

In this course, students will study American Literary Genres.

Discover the full Master of Liberal Arts (Literary Arts) course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the Master of Liberal Studies (Literary Arts) program are well-prepared for diverse and rewarding careers. Alumni have successfully moved into roles that demand strong analytical, writing, and research skills, including publishing, communications, education, and more.

With its focus on critical thinking and advanced literary studies, the program equips students to thrive in various professional environments, opening doors to a broad range of career opportunities. Graduates pursue careers such as:

Publishing Editor

Publishing editors oversee the development and production of books and other publications, ensuring the quality and coherence of content. Critical writing skills will guide authors through the editing process.

Communications Specialist

Communication specialists craft compelling narratives for organizations, managing their internal and external communications. Their ability to create engaging content and communicate effectively will be crucial for maintaining a positive public image.

Research Analyst

Research analysts conduct in-depth studies on literary and cultural topics, synthesizing information from various sources to produce comprehensive reports. Their advanced research skills will be vital in providing valuable insights.

Literary Consultant

Literary consultants advise writers, publishers, and organizations on literary projects, offering expertise on content development, market trends, and audience engagement. A deep understanding of literature will guide successful literary endeavors.

Academic Instructor

Teaching at the post-secondary level, academic instructors design and deliver literature courses, fostering students' critical thinking and analytical skills. Their advanced knowledge and passion for literature will inspire the next generation of scholars.

The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere

Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $2,559.42* (on-campus) or $3,139.02* (online) per semester.

*Estimated cost based on 9 credit hours at the Graduate resident/regional tuition rate ($284.38/credit hour) for on-campus courses, or the FHSU Online Graduate tuition rate (348.78/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.

Ready for the next step?

Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.

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Related Programs

Fort Hays State University offers a range of related programs that complement the Master of Liberal Studies (Literary Arts). These options provide students with opportunities to expand their academic horizons and customize their education to align with their interests and career goals. Explore our interdisciplinary and specialized programs to further develop your literary and critical skills.

FAQ

What is the difference between a Master of Liberal Studies (Literary Arts) and an M.A. in English?

The Master of Liberal Studies (Literary Arts) combines a broad interdisciplinary approach with specialized courses in literature, offering students the flexibility to explore diverse interests. The M.A. in English focuses more on in-depth literary studies and critical theory.

How can the Master of Liberal Studies (Literary Arts) program help in career advancement?

While the Master of Liberal Studies (Literary Arts) does not certify you for a specific profession, many graduates use it as a stepping stone for advancement within their organizations or transition into new careers, thanks to their strong writing, research, and critical analysis skills.

Is the program available online?

Yes, the Master of Liberal Studies (Literary Arts) is available online, which offers flexibility for working professionals and those with other commitments.

What are the critical skills developed in this program?

The program emphasizes critical writing, literary analysis, research methodologies, and the ability to synthesize information from diverse sources.

How does the faculty support student learning?

Our faculty members are active scholars who provide mentorship, personalized feedback, and current course content based on the latest research in the field.

Information about the Department of English and Modern Languages

The Department of English and Modern Languages at FHSU provides students with a comprehensive education that integrates critical thinking, effective writing, and foreign language proficiency. Offering degrees in both English and Modern Languages, students can choose to specialize in concentrations such as teaching, writing, literature, or foreign languages. These programs are designed to cultivate adaptability, creativity, and leadership skills essential for success across a wide range of career paths.

Whether pursuing a future in education, business, or international relations, students benefit from the combined strengths of literary analysis and language fluency, enhancing their competitiveness in an increasingly globalized job market.

Students also have access to a variety of unique extracurricular opportunities, including service-learning projects, involvement with award-winning publications, and participation in cultural and language events. Dual-degree options, such as Nursing/Spanish and Business/Spanish, offer added flexibility and open doors to broader career possibilities.

With a dedicated faculty and a supportive academic environment, students gain the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their professions and make meaningful contributions to their communities and beyond.

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