College of Liberal Studies 

1610 Asp Avenue 
Norman, OK 73072-6405
Phone: (405) 325-1061
Toll free: (800) 522-4389
Internet: http://www.ou.edu/cls


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Administrative Officers 

James P. Pappas, Ph.D., Dean
Trent Gabert, Ph.D., Associate Dean 
Sandra M. Gannon, B.L.S., Assistant to the Associate Dean
Russell Tresner, M.A.S., MLS Program Coordinator 
Frank Rodriquez, M.L.S., BA in Liberal Studies Program Coordinator
Robert J. Dougherty, M.L.S., Coordinator, Departmental Computing Systems
James Morrison, M.L.S., Coordinator, Curriculum Development
Clint Hardesty, B.A., Coordinator, Recruitment
Mary Aldridge, M.P.A., Academic Adviser, Undergraduate Programs
Will Jacobs, M.H.R., Academic Adviser, Undergraduate Programs 

Executive Committee of the College 

A.F. Al-Assaf, M.D., M.P.H., Associate Professor, Health Administration
R.C. Davis-Undiano, Ph.D., Professor, English
Aimee Franklin, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Political Science
Irene Karpiak, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
Michael Mares, Ph.D., Professor/Curator Oklahoma Museum of Natural History
James Martin, Ph.D., Professor, Zarrow Center for Learning Enrichment
David Nagle, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Botany and Microbiology
Anthony Natale, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Social Work
Mitchell Peck, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Sociology
B. Byron Price, Ph.D. Professor, Art
Michael Richman, Ph.D., Professor, Meteorology
Mary Jo Watson, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Art 

Mission of the College 

The mission of the College of Liberal Studies is to provide the highest quality interdisciplinary education to non-traditional students. The College utilizes its setting within a comprehensive research university to enhance students’ skills as lifelong learners, thereby enriching their lives at the personal and professional levels and encouraging them to participate in the work of active citizenship. 

Academic degrees and other programs of the College share the common goal of focusing on the study of issues and the examination of ideas from multiple, interrelated perspectives. 

The two primary academic programs of the College, the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and the Master of Arts degrees, maintain interdisciplinary perspectives and flexible innovative approaches to content and procedures. While developed for nontraditional, adult, part-time students, some seminars, colloquia, and conferences of the College also serve students in conventional academic programs and the general public. 

General Information 

History of the College 

The College of Liberal Studies was founded in 1960 by University of Oklahoma faculty members who perceived the need for degree-granting programs that could accommodate adult learners. With support from the Center for the Study of Liberal Education for Adults and the Carnegie Corporation of New York, the Bachelor of Liberal Studies program was among the first in the United States designed specifically for adult, part-time students. The first BLS students were enrolled in March 1961. In 2006, the name of the degree was changed to Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies (BALS). In 1967, the Master of Liberal Studies (MLS) was authorized. In 2006, the Master of Liberal Studies was changed to Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MA). 

Program revisions and modifications through the years have led to: 

The College of Liberal Studies is recognized nationally and internationally as a leader in adult and continuing, liberal education. 

Faculty and Leadership 

The College of Liberal Studies has no full-time appointed faculty. Instead, faculty from other colleges of the University of Oklahoma are invited to participate in Liberal Studies programs on the basis of their professionalism and commitment to the interdisciplinary, liberal learning goals of the College. Faculty members serve as independent study advisers, as seminar developers and directors, teach weekend courses, direct MA thesis projects, and assist in the development of new curricula and programs for the College. 

Leadership for the College of Liberal Studies is vested in the Dean and an Executive Committee consisting of 13 elected faculty members and two student members. The committee helps the College fulfill its mission by serving in an advisory capacity on matters of program development, operation, and review. 

General University Policies 

Students enrolled in the College of Liberal Studies are subject to the University of Oklahoma’s general policies, scholastic regulations, and standards as outlined in the University’s General Catalog. Since the University’s policies and procedures are often intended for more conventional academic programs, some may require interpretative flexibility in light of the nontraditional nature of the College of Liberal Studies. Questions concerning policies or procedures should be directed to the College office. 

Awards and Recognition 

Students and faculty of the College of Liberal Studies participate in recognition and award programs of the University of Oklahoma and the College. The awards are supported through gifts to the University of Oklahoma Foundation. Each fall, a BALS student is recognized as the outstanding senior in the OU Dad’s Association award program. In the spring, an outstanding BALS graduate receives the Jesse E. Burkett Award named for an early College administrator. Likewise, the MA Academic Achievement Award recognizes an outstanding MLS graduate for exemplary achievement. Also in the spring, a BALS students receives the annual George Henderson Leadership Award for displaying outstanding leadership ability in the BALS/Administrative Leadership program. 

Faculty awards include the Kenneth E. Crook Award and the Rufus G. Hall Faculty Achievement Award, both named in honor of faculty founders of the BALS and MA programs. Faculty are selected for their teaching excellence and meritorious service to the College. 

Scholarships 

Alumni contributions to The University of Oklahoma Foundation provide several $200-$500 scholarships each year for BALS and MA students. The awards recognize enrolled students who are making progress and can be applied to any college-related expense. Criteria and procedures related to the scholarship awards will be provided to students by the College office. 

Alumni contributions also make possible the award of small scholarships ($100-$500) for students just starting their studies with the College. For information on these scholarships, contact the recruitment coordinator at the College of Liberal Studies. 

Undergraduate Study 

Degree Offered 

The College of Liberal Studies offers one undergraduate degree, the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies (BALS). Three delivery format options exist for this degree program, offering adult learners maximum opportunity to earn the degree: BALS/Self-Paced Independent Study, BALS/Online, and BALS On-site Administrative Leadership. Students may enter the BALS program with any amount of prior college credit and may enter with either lower- or upper-division standing. Each program option leads to the BALS/Degree Completion Program. 

GOALS OF THE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN LIBERAL STUDIES 

BALS students gain greater self-awareness and a realization of their potential through the BALS curriculum, which is designed to help students achieve: 

1. A greater ability for self-directed learning; 

2. An improved ability in oral and written communication; 

3. Knowledge of one's own and other cultures; 

4. An historical view of human cultural development-social, intellectual, scientific, artistic and philosophical; 

5. Better understanding of the contemporary problems of humanity and of the probable directions and effect of change; 

6. Increased understanding of major literary, scientific, and artistic works; 

7. An ability to read, interpret, and evaluate the works of scholars and to utilize the methods of inquiry within the broad areas of humanities, natural sciences and social sciences; 

8. Understanding of the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences in sufficient depth and breadth to enable one to perceive relationships among these broad areas of knowledge. 

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN LIBERAL STUDIES (BALS) DEGREE COMPLETION PROGRAM 

As a college dedicated to serving the needs of working adults, the BALS offers a “Degree Completion Program,” (DCP) which constitutes the last 42 hours of the BALS degree program. Students eligible for admission to the DCP may be able to complete their BALS degree in as little as 18 months. 

Admission to the Degree Completion Program requires a 2.0 retention grade point average on all previously completed coursework, prior completion of all general education requirements, and at least 84 hours of transfer credit with at least 18 earned hours from four-year institution(s). To earn the BALS degree, students must have at least 126 credit hours. Sixty (60) of those hours must be earned from four-year institution(s). At least 42 of the hours must be upper-division (3000- to 4000-) level courses. 

INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES 

Programs offered by the College of Liberal Studies are built on the concept of interdisciplinary studies, a broad-based approach to academic studies, distinctly different from the narrow “disciplinary” approaches offered in more traditional degree programs. Rather than specializing in one particular discipline, Liberal Studies students acquire broad general knowledge in a variety of disciplines. In the social sciences area of knowledge, for example, students approach study topics from the multiple, yet interrelated, disciplines of anthropology, economics, geography, political science, psychology, and sociology. 

Students are allowed to “concentrate” in one particular area of knowledge, gaining deeper knowledge and academic skills, culminating in a scholarly and focused study-in-depth. 

GRADES IN THE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN LIBERAL STUDIES PROGRAM 

All BALS options are letter-graded (A-F). Certain seminars and/or directed independent reading courses, however, may be S/U (satisfactory/unsatisfactory) graded. A grade of “S” signifies that work was at the “C” level or better, and is necessary for receiving credit for a course. 

PLACEMENT OF NEW STUDENTS 

Applicants will enter the BALS program as either upper-or lower-division students,, depending on their past academic achievements: 

Lower Division 

Equivalent to the freshman/sophomore years of traditional programs, the lower-division level is open to students with 0-59 semester hours. Admission to the Lower Division requires a high school diploma or GED, and a 2.5 grade point average on any prior college credit hours. Lower Division students may use previous college credits to achieve advanced placement within the program. Advanced placement does not guarantee completion of general education requirements, and some Lower Division students may need to take courses outside the College to meet general education requirements. 

Students may bring credit into the Lower Division from a variety of learning experiences. Credits earned through previous coursework, nationally standardized examination programs such as CLEP and PEP, and certain non-collegiate courses that have been evaluated for academic credit may be considered in the BALS policy of advanced placement by transfer of credit. 

The Department of Independent Study at the University of Oklahoma administers several nationally standardized tests and offers correspondence courses. Contact the Independent Study office for more information. 

Military training and some non-collegiate courses evaluated by the American Council on Education (ACE) may be considered in the College’s advanced standing policy. A tentative review can be provided prior to the application process. 

A formal review of past academic work and appropriate transfer work will be completed at the time of admission and after all official records have been received. The student will be notified concerning placement in the program prior to enrollment. 

Upper Division 

Equivalent to the junior/senior years of traditional programs, admission to the Upper Division requires an Associate of Arts or Associate of Sciences degree, or 60 semester hours and completion of all applicable general education requirements. Upper Division students must have a 2.0 grade point average to be admitted to the College. 

UNIVERSITY-WIDE GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS 

General education requirements of the University of Oklahoma may be fulfilled by completing designated BALS courses. Prior to entering the BALS/Self-Paced Upper Division, the BALS/Online Upper Division, or the BALS/Administrative Leadership On-Site, students are responsible for completing all general education prerequisites. Transcripts of entering students are assessed to determine applicable general education requirements. Students who have more than 60 hours but who have not completed all general education requirements are still eligible for admission to any BALS upper-division option. Contact the College for more information. 

For students who initially began and completed at least one credit hour prior to September, 1990, the following four general education courses are required for full admission to the Upper Division: English Composition I, English Composition II, American history, and American government. Students who began their college work after September 1990 enter the BALS under new general education guidelines. Refer to the General Education section of the University’s General Catalog for complete information. 

Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies/Self-Paced Independent Study 

The Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies/Self-Paced Independent Study is accomplished by combining self-paced independent study courses with short seminars on campus or online elective courses. Students are guided by faculty mentors through courses that encompass three broad areas of knowledge: humanities, social sciences, natural sciences or administrative leadership. Students also select a “concentration” in one of these areas, completing at least three upper-division courses in their chosen area of knowledge. 

Independent study courses consist of directed independent readings, extensive writing and research assignments, and/or completion of study guide questions. Students move through this option at their own pace, either accelerating or delaying completion of course and degree assignments as their schedules allow. 

Students in this program option may also fulfill some degree and course requirements by attending short-term seminars on campus. Seminar delivery formats vary throughout the year, with seminars offered on weeknights, weekends, or in intensive day-long sessions over a 5-10 day period. 

Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies/Online 

Courses in the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies/Online are offered in eight-week modules. Students in this option may choose to carry two courses the first eight weeks and two courses the second eight weeks of the semester. Doing so allows the student to make full-time progress (12 hours each semester) toward completion of the degree. 

The BALS/Online option is open to Upper and Lower Division students. Students complete significant independent study curricular assignments in an online environment. Students in the BALS/Online option must complete independent study units within the eight-week time frame. 

The BALS/Online offers students an opportunity to participate in a new and exciting kind of learning: Internet learning. Curricular material is delivered to BALS/Online students over the Internet. Students complete reading and writing assignments enhanced by research conducted online. Written assignments are submitted and returned via e-mail or an online course management system such as Desire2Learn. 

Although students must complete enrollments within an eight-week time frame, study completed during the course is asynchronous. Students can complete the study assignments at times that are convenient to their work and family schedules. There are no requirements for synchronous online chatroom or online virtual classroom presence. 

The BALS/Online program follows a philosophy of interdisciplinary study. Curriculum within the study units is not delineated along traditional academic disciplines, but rather requires students to take broad ranging approaches from multiple disciplinary perspectives. The goals of the BALS/Online are the same as the goals of the BALS/Self-Paced program. 

Students in the BALS/Online option may choose to attend seminars on campus alongside other CLS students for elective credit. The thematic approaches of these seminars are designed to augment learning conducted in the Internet guided study units. Enrollments and admission criteria for the BALS/Online are the same as for all CLS students. 

Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies/On-Site 

The Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies/On-Site is the classroom alternative program, and offers specific, career-related knowledge along with the broadened perspectives of a liberal arts education. The BALS/On-Site is designed as an 18-month degree completion program. Admission to this option requires a 2.0 retention grade point average on all previously completed coursework, prior completion of all general education requirements, and at least 84 hours of transfer credit with at least 18 earned hours from four-year institution(s). To earn the BALS degree, students must have at least 126 credit hours. Sixty (60) of those hours must be earned from four-year institution(s). At least 42 of their hours must be upper-division (junior-senior) level courses. 

Students with fewer than 84 hours are eligible for admission to the BALS/On-Site, but may take longer than 18 months to complete all degree requirements. 

BALS/On-Site students complete 14 courses (42 credit hours) in an 18-month time frame. In keeping with the nontraditional nature of the College, courses are held on weeknights or weekends and students complete significant independent study tasks as part of an assigned student study team. 

BALS/On-Site course are offered in eight-week modules. A full-time semester load will include two courses the first eight weeks and two courses the second eight weeks of each fall and spring semester, and two courses during the summer session. 

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN LIBERAL STUDIES DEGREE REQUIREMENTS 

General Education Requirements* 

Symbolic and Oral Communication
ENGL 1113
ENGL 1213 or EXPO 1213
MATH 1473 or LSTD 1413, Math for Liberal Studies
Foreign Language 0-10 hours; students who have completed two years of high school foreign language are exempt from the general education foreign language requirement. 

Natural Sciences 
LSTD 2423, Science as a Process, (no laboratory)
One Natural Science course with a laboratory component 

Social Sciences 
P SC 1113 or LSTD 1323, Governing Ourselves
One Social Sciences course 

Humanities 
HIST 1483 or HIST 1493 or LSTD 1223, History of the United States
One Understanding Artistic Forms course**
One Western Civilization and Culture course**
One Non-Western Culture course** 

Senior Capstone Experience 
LSTD 4953, Study in Depth 

*Students who began their higher education studies prior to Fall 1990 need only to complete 12 hours of general education requirements which include: ENGL 1113, ENGL 1213 or EXPO 1213, P SC 1113 and HIST 1483 or HIST 1493. 

**One of these courses must be at the upper-division level. 

Lower-Division Requirements (30 hours) 

LSTD 1003, Introduction to Interdisciplinary Study
LSTD 1213, Creativity in the Arts
LSTD 1313, What in the World are the Social Sciences?
LSTD 1323, Governing Ourselves
LSTD 1423, Introduction to Interdisciplinary Physical Sciences
LSTD 2213, The Humanistic Tradition: Prehistory through Renaissance
LSTD 2223, The Humanistic Tradition: Renaissance to Modern World
LSTD 2313, The Human Experience: The Role of Culture
LSTD 2323, Human Groups and Distribution of Resources
LSTD 2413, Interdisciplinary Life Sciences 

Upper Division Requirements (30 hours) 

LSTD 3233, Humanities of the Ancient World    
LSTD 3243, Humanities of the Modern World     
LSTD 3333, Human Arrangements    
LSTD 3343, Challenges in a Changing World   
LSTD 3433, The Dynamic Universe   
LSTD 3443, Ecology and Evolution    
LSTD 3503, Interdisciplinary Inquiry   
LSTD 3953, Study in Depth Prospectus    
LSTD 4700, Advanced Topics in Liberal Studies    
LSTD 4800, Investigative Studies in Liberal Studies   
Upper-division Concentration (nine hours) 

Students must also complete a minimum of nine hours in one of the following areas: Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Administrative Leadership. Courses may be chosen from lists available from the Liberal Studies undergraduate coordinator. 

TOTAL CREDIT HOURS REQUIRED -    126 

Complete course descriptions may be found at the following site: http://catalog.ou.edu/courses/courses.htm. 

Graduate Study After Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies Degree 

The BALS satisfies the baccalaureate degree requirement for admission to the Graduate College of the University of Oklahoma and other graduate institutions. Some graduate programs may require the completion of specific courses for full graduate standing in the major and/or minor fields of study. It is important to inquire and learn of specific requirements before making application to a graduate program. 

Graduate Study 

Degree Offered 

Like all graduate programs at the University, the Master of Arts is a program administered by the University of Oklahoma Graduate College. To be eligible for admission to the graduate program, students must have an earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning and must meet other admission requirements as mandated by the graduate program. 

GOALS OF THE MASTER OF ARTS 

The program is designed to help a student gain: 

1. Greater openness to new ideas and possibilities. 

2. Enhanced skill to pursue major problems or themes through the interrelationships that connect disciplines to each other. 

3. A higher level of competence in the evaluation of information, ideas, opinions, and value systems. 

4. Increased effectiveness in applying theoretical knowledge and understanding to professional situations. 

5. An enhanced capacity for creative thinking. 

6. Greater effectiveness in self-directed study. 

7. Improved ability in oral and written communications. 

8. The ability to function and thrive in a rapidly changing society. 

There are several program options in the 33-credit hour Master of Arts degree, all of which share core interdisciplinary courses and have the same program completion requirements. All MA program options emphasize interdisciplinary liberal learning that develops analytical and critical skills as well as communication skills. 

All MA options emphasize interdisciplinary, liberal learning and are designed for students who want graduate-level study that allows them to bring together their practical experience and formal learning. This degree is ideally suited for the person who has reached a certain level of achievement, community responsibility, or professional standing but who wants additional education to enhance analytical thinking, critical judgment, and informed decision making. 

MA/Integrated Studies 

In this degree program, students develop an individualized, interdisciplinary course of study with faculty mentors. MA students integrate topics of study from the humanities, social sciences, or natural sciences. For advisement about study options, call the College of Liberal Studies. 

The success of MA students has shown that virtually any topic can be channeled through the interdisciplinary approach of the program. MA students have studied such diverse topics as the role of television in political campaigns, the status of women in antiquity, management and business theories in transition, ethno-history of American Indians, developments in American literature and culture, international politics, changes in the technology of weather prediction, 18th-century English landscape art, and the human genome project. 

Students in the MA/Integrated Studies program progress at a self-determined pace. Independent study enrollments are for one year with extensions possible. Students have up to five years to complete the degree program. All courses other than required core interdisciplinary courses are “Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory” graded. 

PROGRESS THROUGH THE MA/Integrated Studies 

Students earn the MA/Integrated Studies degree option by completing several independent directed reading enrollments and by completing a thesis or non-thesis option at the end of the program. MA/Integrated Studies students complete the following courses: 

Core Courses (nine hours) 
LSTD 5003, Introduction to Graduate Interdisciplinary Study     
LSTD 5013, Interdisciplinary Foundations    
LSTD 5903, Research Methods    

Concentration Courses (nine hours) from the following: 
LSTD 5213 (Humanities)   
LSTD 5313 (Social Sciences)    
LSTD 5413 (Natural Sciences)    

Electives (nine hours), chosen from the following or other courses as approved:   
LSTD 5790, Advanced Topics 
LSTD 5890, Investigative Interdisciplinary Studies 
LSTD 5960, Directed Readings 
LSTD 5943, Advanced Seminar 

Completion (six hours) from one of the following: 
LSTD 5940, Research Project 
LSTD 5950, Internship 
LSTD 5980, Master’s Thesis

Advanced Coursework 

TOTAL CREDIT HOURS REQUIRED —    33 

MA/Administrative Leadership (electronic delivery) Option 

The MA/Administrative Leadership is an online program which students complete through Internet courses that combine traditional readings with web-based readings. The program focuses on the practices and knowledge bases needed to be a successful administrator in today's workplace. Students explore both the theoretical aspects of leadership and applied practices. Combining the knowledge of specific, work-related principles with the mind-set of a liberal education allows students to approach new ideas, projects, and challenges by drawing upon multiple perspectives. 

PROGRESS THROUGH THE MA/Administrative Leadership 

The online MA/AL is a program allowing students to determine the study time which best fits their schedule. All assignments are sent via email and any group activities are conducted through the Internet. The MA/AL online courses are semester-based enrollments and students receive letter grades. MA/Administrative Leadership students complete the following courses: 

Core Courses (nine hours) 
LSTD 5003, Introduction to Graduate Interdisciplinary Study    
LSTD 5013, Interdisciplinary Foundations   
LSTD 5903, Research in Interdisciplinary Studies    

Concentration Courses (nine hours)    
LSTD 5623, Theories of Management & Leadership
LSTD 5633, Organizational Cultures 
LSTD 5643, Individual and Leadership 

Electives (nine hours) chosen from the following or other courses as approved    
LSTD 5654, Ethics and Leadership 
LSTD 5663, Perspectives on Leadership 
LSTD 5673, Special Problems in Leadership 
LSTD 5790, Advanced Topics 
LSTD 5890, Investigative Interdisciplinary Studies 
LSTD 5960, Directed Readings 

Completion (six hours) from one of the following:    
LSTD 5940, Research Project 
LSTD 5950, Internship 
LSTD 5980, Master’s Thesis 

Advanced Coursework 

TOTAL CREDIT HOURS REQUIRED —    33 

MA/Museum Studies Option (electronic delivery) 

The MA/Museum Studies is an online program although there are several opportunities for students to study on the OU campus for brief periods if they choose. The option serves the career-development needs of individuals who work in museums and related institutions. Those initially trained in museum work and those coming into the profession from other disciplines get a focused, integrated approach to museum studies with practical application for the various dimensions of museum work. Interaction with other museum professionals and faculty members affords perspectives from various institutional settings, adding to the knowledge base of each student. 

PROGRESS THROUGH THE MA/Museum Studies 

The MA/Museum Studies is an online program that students complete through Internet courses which combine traditional readings and research with web-based materials. All assignments are sent via email and any group activities are conducted on the Internet. The MA/MS option courses are semester enrollments and letter-graded. MA/Museum Studies students complete the following courses: 

Core Courses (nine hours) 
LSTD 5003, Introduction to Graduate Interdisciplinary Study  
LSTD 5013, Interdisciplinary Foundations  
LSTD 5903, Research in Interdisciplinary Studies  

Concentration Courses (nine hours):  
LSTD 5523, The World of a Museum
LSTD 5560, Museum Project 

One course from the following list:
LSTD 5553, History and Architecture of Museums 
LSTD 5563, Museum Management and Leadership 
LSTD 5573, Museums, Cultures, and Communities 
LSTD 5583, Collections Management 

Electives (nine hours) chosen from the following course or other courses as approved:   
LSTD 5553, History and Architecture of Museums 
LSTD 5563, Museum Management and Leadership 
LSTD 5573, Museums, Cultures, and Communities 
LSTD 5583, Collections Management 
LSTD 5570, Special Problems in Museology 
LSTD 5590, Special Problems 
LSTD 5790, Advanced Topics
LSTD 5890, Investigative Interdisciplinary Studies 
LSTD 5960, Directed Readings 

Completion (six hours) from one of the following: 
LSTD 5940, Research Project 
LSTD 5950, Internship 
LSTD 5980, Master’s Thesis 

Advanced Coursework 

TOTAL CREDIT HOURS REQUIRED —    33 

Students and graduates of the MA Museum Studies program work in art galleries, natural history museums, historical museums and societies, military museums, zoos, park and recreation facilities, and private collections. They have various responsibilities such as curatorship, exhibit management, fund raising, administration, education, conservation, and public relations. 

THESIS AND NON-THESIS OPTIONS 

Students in the MA options may elect to complete either a thesis or a non-thesis option at the end of their program of study. In the thesis option, students carry out research, write a thesis which they defend before a committee of three faculty members. In the non-thesis option, students select a research project or an internship to complete the program, and take a comprehensive examination over their course of study. A third non-thesis option requires a student to take six hours of advanced coursework related to his/her topic of study. There is a written comprehensive examination in this option. 

ADMISSION 

Admission to the MA program requires that students apply for and be admitted to the Graduate College of the University of Oklahoma and the College of Liberal Studies. 

Regular admission to the Graduate College requires a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with an undergraduate grade-point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on the last 60 hours of undergraduate work. All prior graduate-level work will be considered. The grade point average on graduate work must be 3.00 or above. 

“Conditional” admission may be considered if the grade point average is below but close to 3.0. The College reviews the total CLS application package, including applicant essay, to determine admissibility to the program with a low grade point average. 

The College of Liberal Studies must receive all application materials and official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended before the admission procedure can begin. All these materials should be submitted directly to the College of Liberal Studies. The admissions process begins after the OU and supplemental MA applications, transcripts, application essay, résumé, and application fee payment are on file in the College. Admitted applicants will receive notification of admission and registration information concerning the next scheduled enrollment period. Upon admission to the College, applicants have up to one year to enroll. Applicants should complete the admission process at least six weeks prior to the anticipated first enrollment. 

The College reserves the right to cancel any course two weeks prior to the starting date if there is not sufficient enrollment. 

GRADES IN THE MASTER OF ARTS 

Students in the MA options will receive letter grades for some enrollments, and S/U grades for others. Grades are “S,” for Satisfactory, and “U,” for Unsatisfactory. For graduate students an S grade is given for work at the level of B or better. For more information, contact the College. 

General Information About the College Of Liberal Studies 

ADMISSION TO THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA 

College of Liberal Studies students must be admitted to the University of Oklahoma. Admission to the College does not imply that an applicant is admissible to other academic divisions of the University. Master of Arts students must also be admitted to the Graduate College. Information and questions concerning admission should be directed to: 

The University of Oklahoma
College of Liberal Studies
1610 Asp Avenue
Norman, OK 73072-6405 

Phone: 405-325-1061; Toll-free: 800-522-4389; Fax: 405-325-7132 

e-mail: cls@ou.edu. 

Applications and official transcripts should be mailed directly to Continuing Education Admission and Records (CEAR) 1700 Asp Avenue, Suite 220, Norman, OK 73072. The official application includes instructions for supplemental written statements that will be included in the application folder. If necessary for admission review, the admission committee may request additional information. 

Specific criteria required for admission review are as follows: 

1. The admission process will begin after a complete application folder has been assembled at the College. 

2. A complete application folder includes the OU application and CLS supplemental application forms, the appropriate application fee, official transcripts from each institution attended, a current resume and a statement of purpose. 

3. All application materials will be considered in the admission process. 

4. Registration information will be sent to admitted applicants along with notification of admission. 

APPLICATION DEADLINES 

The College follows application deadlines as printed on the OU/CLS application. Application for admission to the College of Liberal Studies can be made at any time of year, and students are encouraged to apply as early as possible to complete the admission process well in advance of anticipated attendance. The application is accompanied by supplemental materials described on the application form and in the section above. Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions must be provided to complete the application folder. 

FEE STRUCTURE AND PAYMENT 

The application fee should accompany the application for admission and should be sent directly to Continuing Education Registration and Records. In both the Bachelor and Master of Liberal Studies programs, course fees and tuition are paid through the University of Oklahoma Office of the Bursar. Payment options are available and will be described on the bill students receive from the Bursar. For other information, contact the Bursar at (405) 325-3121. 

RESIDENT/NONRESIDENT STATUS 

Fees are based upon a student’s status as a resident or nonresident of the State of Oklahoma. Students are usually considered residents if they meet the following general criteria: a) they have lived in Oklahoma for a period of 12 months and have not been attending school; b) they have recently married an Oklahoma resident; or c) they have recently moved into Oklahoma to work full-time. 

Students stationed in Oklahoma during full-time military service will not be considered Oklahoma residents. They are, however, entitled to a non-resident tuition waiver, providing a statement of military status in Oklahoma is provided to the College of Liberal Studies each semester before or at the time of fee payment. Documentation of military status in Oklahoma can be obtained from the base education office. This also applies to spouses and children of those stationed in full-time military services in Oklahoma. The final determination for resident status is made by the University’s Admissions and Records office. 

ENROLLMENT AND STATUS 

Admission status is effective for one year. If an admitted applicant does not enroll within one year, an application for readmission must be filed. 

REFUND POLICY 

A student withdrawing completely from a College of Liberal Studies program may be entitled to a refund. Contact the College for the refund policy of each program option. 

TUITION ASSISTANCE 

University scholarships are generally not available to Liberal Studies students, although some loan programs are accessible to qualified individuals. It takes a minimum of four months to process financial aid materials, therefore, the process to apply for financial aid should begin approximately six months prior to the desired entrance date. For information concerning any financial aid matter, contact Financial Aid Services, (405) 325-2929 or lsaid@ou.edu. 

Several federal, state, and local government agencies provide tuition assistance and other support for selected personnel. Likewise, many business and industrial corporations have educational assistance programs available for their employees. Prospective Liberal Studies students are urged to explore these types of assistance. Those who receive financial support must see that necessary authorization is forwarded to the College of Liberal Studies. Students are responsible for knowing and meeting any criteria in respect to their enrollment status and their financial support. 

OTHER EXPENSES 

In addition to program fees and tuition, students will be responsible for obtaining their books and study materials. Students will also assume responsibility for travel and living expenses associated with attending seminars as well as any material or field trip fees. 

VETERAN’S BENEFITS 

Veterans and their dependents eligible for education assistance in the College of Liberal Studies can receive reimbursement for tuition and fees. The students make payments to the University Bursar’s Office at the appropriate times, and the Veterans’ Administration payments are sent directly to the student. The veteran should contact a local VA office to obtain the appropriate form, either 22-1995 or 22-1990, which should be forwarded with the application materials. The Office of Admissions and Records will certify eligibility and enrollment to the VA office. 

UNIVERSITY HOUSING AND FOOD SERVICE 

Students attending seminars who require housing may stay in facilities available at the Oklahoma Center for Continuing Education (OCCE). The range of housing accommodations varies from conventional hotel services to private or shared facilities. Food and other services are available in the campus vicinity. Residence at the University is not required but is encouraged in order to facilitate association with other students and closeness to the Bizzell Memorial Library and other facilities and services. 

For more information concerning housing facilities and to make housing reservations, contact: OCCE Housing, 1700 Asp, Norman, OK 73037-6400, or telephone (405) 325-1011. 

UNIVERSITY SERVICES AND OPPORTUNITIES 

College of Liberal Studies students have the same rights and responsibilities as other University students with respect to participation in most University programs and services such as the Scholar-Leadership Enrichment Program, athletic events, museums, cultural and other activities. Some services for which conventional students pay an activity fee, such as the Goddard Health Center and the Huston Huffman Center, will be available to Liberal Studies students for a use or service charge. 

GRADUATION 

Students will become a candidate for the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies degree or Master of Arts degree upon completion of all requirements. Degrees are conferred at University graduation dates in August, December, and May. Commencement ceremonies are held in May. 

September 2006