Liberal Studies Program Curriculum

This degree program consists of 11 three-credit courses, distributed among the three areas listed below. All degree requirements must be completed within five (5) years from the semester date of admission as a matriculated student. 

Liberal Studies Core - 15 credits*

LSF 501 Effective Professional Communication 
LSF 502 Effective Professional Thinking 
LSF 503 Effective Professional Global and Cultural Awareness 
LSF 504 Effective Professional Action and Leadership 
STEAM Elective  – Choose from any existing course with NSLS designator 

*There are no transfer credits permitted for the Liberal Studies Core curriculum. Substitutions may be permitted with the approval of the graduate program director.

Thematically-Related Concentration - 15 credits

A concentration is a group of courses that represents a focused area of interest. Students are allowed considerable freedom and flexibility in designing their concentrations, and may choose from most of the courses offered through SPD. Teachers who are pursuing this degree for certification must read the Teacher Certification page prior to developing their concentrations. (View all SPD Course Listings>)

In addition, students may choose courses from one of Stony Brook's Advanced Graduate Certificate (AGC) programs to fulfill concentration requirements. A separate application is required; restrictions may apply. See a list of SPD's AGC programs on our Graduate Admissions page.

Capstone Seminar (CED 595) - 3 credits

The goal of the Capstone Seminar is for students to conduct and present graduate-level research. Students will be guided in selecting a topic for their research paper. Methodology and resources will be reviewed as the student’s work is developed.

Prerequisites: Matriculation in the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies degree program; completion of 24 graduate credits within the program.

Note: There are no transfer credits or substitutions permitted for CED 595 Project Seminar. Students must earn a minimum of a "B" grade in this course to fulfill the degree requirement.