The Liberal Studies degree was first offered in the United States in the 1950's to meet a variety of educational needs. The Master of Arts in Liberal Studies was established in 1963 at VU, making it one of the oldest such program in the US and marking the beginning of a commitment to graduate education at the University.

MALS degrees appeal to people with broad interests in the humanities and social sciences. These programs provide an opportunity for advanced study tailored to meet individual interests and needs. They are ideal for those:

•  wanting evidence of advanced study for career preparation but who do not need a specific professional degree.
• wanting to enhance their professional background with formal study in a cognate or related area.
• with technical degrees wishing to expand their knowledge of the liberal arts.
• educators desiring to strengthen their knowledge of a subject area.
• who enjoy the excitement of learning with other scholars.