Admissions Procedures

The university welcomes applications for admission into the Master of Liberal Arts Program from all persons interested in a rigorous program of post-baccalaureate education in the liberal arts.

Admission to the UNC Asheville Master of Liberal Arts Program is based upon (1) the applicant's possession of a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent in any field and (2) demonstrated interest in pursuing advanced study in the liberal arts.

Admissions Procedures for MLA Degree-Seeking or CCS Certificate-Seeking Applicants

For priority consideration for Fall admission, all materials must be received in the MLA office by April 1. For priority consideration for Spring admission, all materials must be received in the MLA Office by November 1.

All applicants for admission as MLA degree-seeking candidates or CCS Certificate-seeking candidates must submit:

• a completed MLA application form;
• an application fee of $50;
• official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work previously undertaken (even if a degree was not awarded);
• three letters of recommendation with signed Letter of Recommendation forms;
• a 500-700 word essay on one of the topics provided on page five of the application form;
• and a 500-700 word Personal Statement.

All materials should be sent to the MLA Program Office, UNC Asheville, CPO 2140, One University Heights, Asheville, NC 28804.

In addition to these requirements, each applicant will also be interviewed by two members of the Graduate Council. The Graduate Council reviews completed applications at monthly meetings during the Fall and Spring semesters. Incomplete files will be held over until the following semester.

Candidates for admission may submit their scores from the Graduate Record Examination or other standardized tests, but that is not required.

Graduate Special/Non-degree/Visiting Students Admission

Persons with a baccalaureate degree who wish to take graduate courses without formally being admitted as a degree-seeking MLA student may be admitted to the University as a visiting Graduate Special (non-degree-seeking) student in the Master of Liberal Arts Program for one semester. Graduate special students who wish to continue after one semester must apply as a degree-seeking student and be admitted by the Graduate Council. If you have questions, please contact the MLA Program Office at (828) 250-2399.

Application Requirements for Non-degree Students

In order to be considered for admission as a Graduate Special in the MLA program, all applicants must submit:

• Completed and signed MLA Application Form. Decisions will not be made on incomplete applications. Your failure to provide complete, accurate and truthful information on this application will be grounds to deny or withdraw your admission, or dismiss you after enrollment;
• $50 application fee (check or money order) payable to UNC Asheville. This is a non-refundable processing charge and does not apply to any other university fee;
• a 500-700 word essay responding to one of the prompts given at the end of this application;
• official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work previously undertaken. Individuals must have a bachelor’s degree to be granted admission to the MLA program as a Graduate Special.

All materials should be sent to the MLA Program Office, UNC Asheville, CPO 2140, One University Heights, Asheville, NC 28804.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, as course space allows, until the first day of classes each semester.

Please note that  financial aid is not available to Graduate Special (non-degree seeking) students in the Master of Liberal Arts Program at UNC Asheville. Please contact the Office of Financial Aid with questions, or for information on setting up a tuition payment plan: 828-251-6535.

Notification

All applicants will be informed by mail from the Program Director of their admission status as soon as possible after all of their credentials have been reviewed by the Graduate Council. The notice of admission may include mention of any academic condition under which a student is offered admission. Unless otherwise indicated, failure to meet those conditions will result in the student's dismissal.