Every effort is made to develop rosters of electives that resonate with the essential themes of the program and the core courses. It is unusual for graduate programs in Liberal Studies to monitor electives so carefully. The tendency is to offer electives that have a generic connection with Liberal Studies rather than a specific link to programmatic themes and core courses.
The MALS program provides the opportunity to receive a credential of concentration in a focused area of study. If students take at least two elective courses in a field of preference and complete a capstone graduation project in the same field, they earn a credential in addition to their degree. Thus, 40 percent of the graduate program is devoted to the chosen concentration. There are currently ten units in the program (3 Core Courses; 5 Electives; 2 for the Project.)

If, for example, a student wished to pursue a concentration in Genocide Studies or American History or Scientific Literacy, the student would choose two electives and complete a capstone graduation project in the focused area. An independent study with a faculty mentor may be substituted for one elective.

The Director of the graduate program approves the plan and endorses a credential of concentration on completion of the degree requirements.

This option may prove especially useful for professionals or educators to demonstrate that they have both a Master’s degree in Liberal Studies and advanced learning in a concentration or specialty.

Ramapo’s graduate program in Liberal Studies is the only one in the nation to offer this opportunity.

The credential of concentration is given only to the graduates of the program.