Division of Continual Learning
MALS Degree FAQ
Q: How long does it take to complete the MALS degree?
A: The MALS degree should be completed five years from the first course taken. This can be accomplished if a student takes one course each fall and spring and one summer course one time. On the average, most students finish the program in three to four years because they take more than one course per semester as they progress or take more than one summer course.
Q: How many courses make up the MALS degree?
A: Eleven graduate courses are necessary to complete the MALS degree. Five of these MUST be in the MALS curriculum; students can take as many additional courses in MALS as they wish or take graduate level courses in other departments.
Q: Do I have to do a thesis?
A: No. The five required MALS courses include a thesis option (3 seminars, 2 thesis). However, students can take two additional courses in the MALS curriculum to complete the course work instead of doing a thesis. Example: Three 610s, one 620 and one 630 OR one 610, three 620s and one 630 OR one 610, one 620, and three 630s. If a student stays in the MALS curriculum for the complete program, this usually falls into place. However, if other graduate courses are included, care should be taken to make sure all the five MALS courses are covered.
Q: Can I take courses outside of the MALS curriculum?
A: Yes. Courses can be taken in any department that has graduate level selections AND the student has any prerequisite the course requires (or has talked with the professor).
Q: When and where are the off site MALS courses taught?
A: Fall and spring courses are usually taught 6:00 p.m. to 8:50 p.m. one night a week. Summer school classes are taught twice a week 5:45 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Occasionally we have courses that are taught more often in shorter time spans, but these are the exception rather than the rule. Most classes are taught at Triad Center, 7900 Triad Center Road, Greensboro (airport area).
Q: May I transfer in courses from other schools?
A: Yes. Eleven hours from any accredited college or university can be transferred. A word of caution: If a student transfers in courses already taken before acceptance into the MALS Program, the five year time line starts with the first course counted.
Q: May I take courses before being accepted into the program?
A: Yes. A prospective student can take up to three courses before applying or being accepted into the program. Caution: The application process should be initiated before the beginning of the third course to allow time for all paperwork to be completed.
Q: Who teaches MALS courses?
A: UNCG Faculty, many with Teaching Excellence Awards.
Q: Do I have to take some sort of entrance exam?
A: No. In lieu of an entrance exam, we request an essay. (See "Admissions and Tuition")
Q: Are there any online courses?
A: Yes. Currently, we offer several online courses per semester. Click here to view some sample online courses. It is recommended that the site be opened in Internet Explorer.
More questions? Contact Julee Johnson: jcjohnso@uncg.edu or 334-4597.
UNCG Division of Continual Learning
1100 W. Market St.
PO Box 26170
Greensboro, NC 27402-6170
(336) 334-5414