The Stanford Master's in Liberal Arts (MLA) program is a unique and interdisciplinary graduate degree that offers students the opportunity to explore a wide range of subjects, from the humanities and social sciences to the natural sciences and engineering. By providing a broad-based education that emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and communication, the Stanford MLA program unlocks career opportunities for its graduates in a variety of fields. In this article, we will explore the Stanford MLA program, its curriculum, and the career opportunities that it provides for its graduates.
Program Overview
The Stanford MLA program is a two-year degree that allows students to pursue an individualized course of study that reflects their interests and career goals. The program is designed for working professionals, and classes are typically held in the evenings and on weekends. This flexible schedule allows students to continue working while they pursue their degree, which can be beneficial for those who need to maintain their careers while also advancing their education. The program is also highly interdisciplinary, with courses and faculty from a wide range of departments across the university, including the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering.
Curriculum
The Stanford MLA curriculum is highly flexible and allows students to create an individualized course of study that reflects their interests and career goals. The program requires 45 units of coursework, which can be completed in two years. Students can choose from a wide range of courses, including those in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering. Some examples of courses that are available to MLA students include philosophy of science, history of art, literary theory, economics of innovation, and environmental policy. Students can also pursue a concentration in a specific area, such as creative writing, digital humanities, or science and technology studies.
| Course Category | Example Courses |
|---|---|
| Humanities | Philosophy of Science, History of Art, Literary Theory |
| Social Sciences | Economics of Innovation, Environmental Policy, Sociology of Technology |
| Natural Sciences | Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
| Engineering | Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering |
Career Opportunities
The Stanford MLA program provides its graduates with a wide range of career opportunities in fields such as business, non-profit management, government, education, and the arts. The program’s emphasis on critical thinking, creativity, and communication provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a rapidly changing and increasingly complex world. Some examples of career paths that are available to MLA graduates include:
- Management consultant
- Non-profit professional
- Government administrator
- Teacher or professor
- Writer or artist
Alumni Profiles
Stanford MLA alumni have gone on to pursue a wide range of careers and have achieved great success in their fields. Some examples of alumni profiles include:
Amy Chen, MLA '15, is a management consultant at McKinsey & Company, where she works with clients in the healthcare and technology industries. Chen credits the Stanford MLA program with providing her with the skills and knowledge she needed to succeed in her career, including the ability to think critically and communicate effectively.
David Lee, MLA '12, is a non-profit professional who works as a program director at the Silicon Valley Community Foundation. Lee says that the Stanford MLA program helped him to develop a deeper understanding of the social and cultural context of his work, and to think creatively about how to address complex social problems.
What are the admission requirements for the Stanford MLA program?
+The admission requirements for the Stanford MLA program include a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, a minimum GPA of 3.0, and strong letters of recommendation. Applicants must also submit a personal statement and a writing sample.
How long does it take to complete the Stanford MLA program?
+The Stanford MLA program is a two-year degree that requires 45 units of coursework. Students can complete the program in two years, although some may choose to take longer to finish their degree.
What kind of career support does the Stanford MLA program provide?
+The Stanford MLA program provides a range of career support services, including career counseling, resume review, and job search assistance. The program also has a strong network of alumni who are available to provide guidance and support to current students and recent graduates.
In conclusion, the Stanford MLA program provides students with a unique and interdisciplinary education that unlocks career opportunities in a wide range of fields. With its flexible and individualized approach to learning, the program allows students to pursue their passions and interests while also developing the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their careers. Whether you are interested in business, non-profit management, government, education, or the arts, the Stanford MLA program can provide you with the education and career support you need to achieve your goals.
