Criteria for Admission
We are seeking committed individuals with broad intellectual interests who possess the capacity and energy for learning, writing, and discussing ideas. Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. We usually require an undergraduate GPA of 3.0, but take into consideration postgraduate experiences and recent accomplishments. The GRE is not required.

The admissions process is careful and thorough, and requires a personal interview in addition to all written materials. A committee of MALS faculty meets twice per year to make admissions decisions for entrance in the fall and spring semesters.

To Apply, You Must Submit the Following:

• An application for admission.
  
• A three- to five-page essay (double-spaced) in which you describe: 1) how the MALS program can meet your intellectual and/or educational goals, and 2) experiences and abilities that you can bring to the program. We use this essay to assess your writing ability and education objectives, and to determine whether your objectives can be achieved through the MALS program.
  
• A curriculum vitae including academic background, professional and volunteer activity, and relevant experience.
  
• Official transcripts for all post-secondary education.
  
• Two letters of recommendation that describe your academic ability and motivation. Ideally, your references can speak knowledgeably about your academic skills and promise as a graduate student.
  
• A $75 non-refundable application fee.

Application Deadlines
MALS accepts applications for the fall and spring semesters.

• Fall application deadline: May 15
• Spring application deadline: October 15

Applying to MALS
Application instructions and forms

Duke University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, handicap, sexual orientation or preference, gender, or age in the administration of educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid, employment, or any other university program or activity. It admits qualified students to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students.

MALS students bring their life experiences into the seminars, where students and faculty discuss an interdisciplinary range of issues with enthusiasm and across differences.  The MALS seminars demonstrate the heart of the MALS program:  intellectual curiosity, critical engagement and the joy of learning.

Donna Zapf, Ph.D.
Director of the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies Program