The Master of Arts in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Gender & Diversity Studies is a 34-credit hour graduate program that enables the interdisciplinary exploration of current and historical issues, trends, and theoretical paradigms related to gender, cultural and ethnic diversity, and social justice. Students acquire the knowledge to act more effectively within academic, professional, and personal situations to achieve a more just, equitable, and diverse society. Additionally, the degree develops insight into the economic, sociocultural, and philosophical factors influencing the lives of all individuals, particularly those often marginalized in terms of gender, race, age, ethnicity, physical or mental ability, or geographic region.
Why Choose the MALS Gender and Diversity Studies Concentration?
- The interdisciplinary curriculum allows students to pursue coursework across the spectrum of disciplines represented in liberal, gender, and diversity studies, providing the flexibility to build a program of study that suits specific scholarly interests while remaining focused within a structured, integrative program.
- The MALS program is designed specifically with working students in mind. Core courses are held once a week in the evenings, and many elective courses are taught either in the evening or online.
- Pursuing a concentration in Gender and Diversity Studies at the master's level aids those students who wish to pursue further graduate and professional study in women's and gender studies or diversity studies in meeting admission requirements for Ph.D. or professional programs.
Who would Benefit from a MALS Degree with a Concentration in Gender & Diversity Studies?
- Anyone interested in gender, diversity, and social justice who wishes to continue education at the graduate level, especially those with undergraduate degrees in, for example, women's and gender studies, sociology, anthropology, literature, history, or cultural studies.
- Professionals in the social-service and non-profit sectors who wish more fully to understand the diverse populations they serve and to address their clients' needs more equitably and effectively.
- Students with a desire to develop the intellectual tools to assist their efforts to create a more just, tolerant, and equitable society.
- Students seeking a competitive edge for employment in areas that require proficiency in gender and diversity issues, such as
- human rights work
- politics
- social and policy planning
- teaching and education
- counseling
- media and communications
- public relations
- community development
- human resource management
Program of Study
The program of study consists of MALS core courses in interdisciplinary theory and practice and research as listed below:
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MALS CORE |
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COURSE |
CREDITS |
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MALS 5000 |
Foundations in Liberal Studies |
1 |
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MALS 5100 |
Introduction to Interdisciplinary Study |
3 |
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MALS 5200 |
Seminar in Liberal Studies |
3 |
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MALS 5400 |
Seminar in Interdisciplinary Research |
3 |
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MALS 5950 OR MALS 5960 |
Project Research OR Thesis Research |
3 |
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Total MALS Core Credits |
13 |
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CONCENTRATION CORE |
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MALS 5300 |
Gender, Diversity and Social Justice |
3 |
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And one course from each of the following categories: |
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Women's and Gender Issues |
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Example |
FCNU 5507 |
Social Concerns and Women's Health |
3 |
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Diversity and Ethnicity |
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Example |
CUAI 5199 |
Teaching in a Diverse Society |
3 |
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Philosophy, Ethics, and Social Justice |
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Example |
MCOM 5030 |
Media and the First Amendment |
3 |
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Total Concentration Credits |
12 |
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NOTE: With the exception of MALS 5300, which is a required concentration core course, the courses listed above are just examples. The MALS Director maintains a list of approved courses from which students may choose. |
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ELECTIVES |
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Students will complete three courses (9 credits) from one of the following three categories: Women's and Gender Issues, Diversity and Ethnicity, or Philosophy, Ethics, and Social Justice. The MALS Director maintains a list of approved courses from which students can choose. |
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Women’s and Gender Issues |
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Examples |
HIST 5837 |
History of Women Since 1945 |
3 |
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ENGL 5957 |
Gender and Language |
3 |
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HDAL 5440 |
Trauma and Abuse in the Family |
3 |
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Diversity and Ethnicity |
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Examples |
MCOM 5020 |
Media and Cultural Diversities |
3 |
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HIST 5010 |
Issues in African American History |
3 |
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SOWK 5101 |
Multicultural Practice |
3 |
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Philosophy, Ethics, and Social Justice |
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Examples |
HDAL 5430 |
Legal and Ethical Issues in Counseling |
3 |
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CJCR 5005 |
Ethics and Social Justice |
3 |
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PSYC 5100 |
Legal and Ethical Issues in Psychology |
3 |
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NOTE: Courses listed above in each category are just examples. Students may select other approved disciplinary department courses that are suitable. The MALS Director maintains a list of approved courses from which students can choose |
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Total Elective Credits |
9 |
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Total Credits for Concentration in Gender and Diversity |
34 |
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For additional information contact the MALS Program Director, Dr. Marie Tedesco, at tedescom@etsu.edu or Dr. Jill LeRoy-Frazier, coordinator of the Concentration in Gender and Diversity Studies, at leroyfra@etsu.edu. They can also be contacted at (423) 439-4223.