Mission and Student Learning Outcomes

The goal of the Master of Liberal Arts Program is to complement the UNC Asheville’s liberal arts mission while exploring human nature, human values and the quality of human life. The broad-based theme integrates studies ranging from the humanities and the arts to the natural and social sciences. Its diverse scope allows students to choose from a wide range of courses, and the interdisciplinary nature of the program acts to promote a broad, enriched experience in the study of the human condition. The MLA Program allows graduate students to develop their intellectual passion within a community of thoughtful peers and under the direction of faculty members who champion of the value of liberal learning.

Linkage to UNC Asheville Mission

The MLA Program extends the interdisciplinary focus of UNC Asheville’s undergraduate curriculum. As UNC Asheville’s only graduate program, the MLA builds on the public liberal arts culture of the campus community. Like the undergraduate mission, MLA extends students' intellectual resources, promotes openness to new ideas and tolerance for differences, stimulates students to find connections between their lifelong learning and their personal and professional lives and encourages a lifelong commitment to learning.

Student Learning Outcomes

The following Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) have been adopted by the MLA Program at UNC Asheville:

1. Students should gain a broad overview of the intellectual connections among the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities;
2. Students should master the skills of interdisciplinary research, analysis and writing; and
3. Students should learn the benefits of developing and executing their ideas when these processes are assisted by input from and review by their peers.

Please address any questions to Dr. Gerard Voos, Associate Director of the MLA Program, 216 Lipinsky Hall, 828.232.5040 or gvoos@unca.edu.

• University Mission Statement
• University Student Learning Outcomes