Expand your horizons and gain a deeper understanding of the world with the Master of Liberal Studies program. This program combines a world-class Rice education with the flexibility of a degree plan tailored to meet your needs.
About MLS
Since its inception in 2005, the Rice MLS program has attracted a wide spectrum of students. Medical doctors, attorneys, homemakers, recent college graduates, retirees, teachers, a range of business professionals and others have been accepted into the program. Such diversity – in age and profession – adds a level of broad-mindedness not typically found in the traditional classroom.
Flexible Degree Plan: Part-time or full-time study for increased flexibility. Whether you are pursuing a degree to enrich your life or adding skills to your resume, Master of Liberal Studies courses meet once per week and allows up to seven years for completion, letting you take one or two classes per semester.
New in 2020 - Full-time study option is now available. Complete your graduate degree in as little as 4 semesters.
Curated Curriculum: A program tailored to fit your personal and professional goals. After completing three core courses in humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, students can customize the remainder of their degree plan to pursue their areas of interest. Each degree plan culminates in a capstone course that helps students integrate their custom path through research or creative work.
Top Tier Rice Faculty: Rice’s world-class faculty aren’t just the best in their field; they define the field. 97 percent hold a doctorate or terminal degree in their field. Each has access to approximately $125 million in externally funded research expenditures—meaning your Master of Liberal Studies experience will be guided by the best, brightest and most respected experts in your area of study. Browse our outstanding faculty.
Community of Scholars: Expand your network as you broaden your horizons. From physicians and c-suite professionals to recent college graduates and retirees, the Master of Liberal Studies program brings together a diverse group of students with a wide spectrum of experiences. The community you create here will connect you to new perspectives, big ideas, and a better understanding of a world that reaches far beyond the hedges of Rice’s beautiful campus.
The Master of Liberal Studies at Rice University is an investment in the complex, interconnected skills needed to thrive in the modern world. More than just a set of credentials or letters behind your name, the program is a way to sharpen your critical thinking skills, develop in-depth research skills, and engage with a community of diverse yet like-minded peers.
You are a perfect fit for the Master of Liberal Studies program if you are:
- Wanting to broaden your experience in a new field
- Preparing for further graduate study
- Looking to advance in your career
- Seeking new perspectives
- On a quest for knowledge
With Rice's MLS program you will:
- Sharpen your critical thinking and analytical skills
- Learn from world-class Rice University faculty
- Enhance your understanding of interdisciplinary analysis and communication skills
- Develop the research methods needed to foster analytical and strategic mindsets
- Gain the opportunity to attain career advancement or prepare for further graduate study
- Engage with peers who are equally committed and energetic about exploring and learning
- Build your professional and personal network by joining our dedicated Alumni Community
- Add Rice to your resume
In 2015, MLS celebrated a 15-year commitment to lifelong learning and helping students and alumni achieve their goals.
The Master of Liberal Studies program is committed to providing top-quality educational experiences to our K-12 teaching community. For educators interested in expanding their career outcomes, our Dual Credit Teacher Credentialing program offers two paths of study related to dual credit teaching, a program that allows high school students to earn college credit.
- Dual Credit Graduate Certificate
- Master of Liberal Studies with Dual Credit Content Specialization
With dual credit credentials, teachers have the potential to maximize their earning power while providing college access and increasing college affordability for their students. However, as the demand for dual credit classes increases, districts are finding it difficult to find and retain credentialed educators. Help fill that gap, extend your impact and transform your career with the Dual Credit Teacher Credentialing program at Rice.

LOCAL CONNECTIONS
Global Reach

Elite,
Not Elitist

TOP OF THEIR FIELD
Faculty
BEAUTIFUL
Rice Campus

CURATED
Curriculum

DIVERSE IN
Profession & Passion


WORLD RENOWNED
Academics

SMALL
Classes

CLOSE & CONNECTED
Alumni

Shakespeare in Film
Dr. Joseph Campana, Theodore Bale

Human Identity & Origins
Dr. Alma Novotny

Music and Medievalism
Dr. Peter Loewen

Moral Leadership in Economics
James Hackett

Environmental Literature
Dr. Deborah Barrett

Profiles from the Past III: Famous Figures in Western History
Dr. Newell Boyd

The Awakening of Russia
Dr. Newell Boyd
Subscribe to learn more about how you can get involved.
Find out more about our LIBERAL STUDIES PROGRAMSFill out the form and you'll receive additional information about our program. |
Graduate Liberal Studies
Email: mls@rice.edu
Assistant Director
Kim Raptis
713-348-6118
kim.raptis@rice.edu
Director
Rebecca Sharp
713-348-4767
rksharp@rice.edu
PHYSICAL ADDRESS
Graduate Liberal Studies Program
Rice University
Anderson-Clarke Center
Third Floor
Houston, TX 77005
MAILING ADDRESS
Graduate Liberal Studies Program
Rice University
Mail Stop 550
P.O. Box 1892
Houston, TX 77251-1892