Program Overview
The Vanderbilt MLAS program is ideal for those who have been out of college for a number of years and are missing a dynamic academic environment, are looking for something besides the usual type of professional development, or are seeking a unique personal challenge. The requirements and curriculum provide flexibility in program design and course selection, while the tuition, scheduling, admission, and registration procedures all acknowledge the unique circumstances of the part-time adult student.
Our Students
Many MLAS students are working professionals who feel a personal need to build upon their previous education. As lifelong learners, they are open to new ideas, share a deep respect for education, and are eager to study with and learn from other curious adults with wide-ranging interests and diverse professional and personal backgrounds. They are physicians, engineers, administrators, homemakers, journalists, musicians, teachers, nurse practitioners, lawyers, businesspeople, and much more.
Together they form an energetic and enthusiastic cohort of students who appreciate being in the classroom again. While they range in age from being just a few years past their college graduation to a few years away from retirement, MLAS students:
- Seek an enriching and challenging academic experience
- Hope to extend their knowledge into unexplored areas
- Want new perspectives and ways of viewing the world
- Possess a love of learning and intellectual curiosity
- Wish to join a part-time program with evening classes
Alumni
MLAS graduates are among the most devoted supporters of Vanderbilt. We encourage MLAS alumni to participate and connect with Vanderbilt and the MLAS program in meaningful ways.
MLAS program alumni are invited to update their information on the Vanderbilt alumni directory, and can learn more about alumni activities and services offered through the Vanderbilt Alumni Association.
Testimonials
“All of the classes were very nontraditional and interesting! My favorite teachers were Professor John Lachs (medical ethics) and Professor Leonard Folgarait (art and politics). I never thought in a million years that I would take an interest in these topics but it now motivates me to look at each subject differently and analyze more. I recommend this program to anyone seeking a not-so-typical master’s degree from one of the best schools in the country.”
-Kiesha L. Bass, circuit court clerk
“After 20-plus years of working in the music industry, I became a professor and entered academia as a practitioner. The Vanderbilt MLAS program gave me the researching and writing skills that I lacked. I utilized Vanderbilt’s Writing Studio to hone my papers and learn how to write abstracts for paper presentations at academic conferences. I took advantage of Vanderbilt’s Center for Teaching, where I received training and earned certifications in “College Teaching” and “Teaching the Humanities," all for free. The classes have been fascinating. Some fit me perfectly. Others didn’t seem like a fit, and I ended up so glad I took them. My professors have been excellent and truly giving. They pushed me to be better and taught me to think critically. I am grateful for this experience and education.”
-Odie Blackmon, Grammy-nominated/hit songwriter, assistant professor in the Department of Recording Industry at Middle Tennessee State University, lecturer in music at Vanderbilt University
“The greatest part of the MLAS program is the interdisciplinary approach to classes. This broadened my outlook on life and helped me to become a better creative! MLAS not only gave me an amazing degree from a world-class university, but it introduced me to some of the greatest people I know!”
-Ali Coffey, program coordinator, Medical Innovation Development Program, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
“Pursuing the MLAS degree at Vanderbilt University is, without a doubt, the BEST decision I’ve ever made for myself. I have built a network of friends and professional connections that are strong, rewarding, and enduring. The joy and growth I’ve experienced personally, professionally, and socially is incalculable. It would be impossible for me to pick a favorite class or professor. For a life-long learner like myself, this has been a truly exceptional experience in every way. I wish it would never end. Truly.”
-Heidi Monique Hart, senior program manager, Ph.D. in Nursing Science at Vanderbilt University
“MLAS provides non-traditional students like me the opportunity to immerse ourselves in a top-quality graduate program one or two courses at a time. It’s Vanderbilt’s best-kept secret, in my opinion. Many of Vanderbilt’s brightest and most accomplished faculty teach in the program, often tailoring coursework to the inquiring minds of those of us who postponed our dreams of a graduate education because of jobs or kids, or who continue to juggle work and family obligations. The curriculum awakens the intellect, challenges static mindsets, and encourages and supports intellectual inquiry. Many of us dread finishing because we will miss the privilege of weekly exploring ideas with our fellow MLAS cohort and professors. The course load is manageable and faculty always accessible. Through MLAS, I’ve delved into topics from imaginative writing to the Vietnam War to Jewish humor, and I can’t wait to see what the next semester brings.”
-Jennifer Johnston, freelance writer and editor
“The MLAS program is opening up new vistas for me that I thought were long closed. Not only are the MLAS courses immensely enjoyable and the professors engaging and approachable, but I'm expanding my knowledge and skills in ways I can apply to both current and future endeavors.”
-Nan Kennedy, program manager, Vanderbilt Institute for Clinical and Translational Research
“Vanderbilt University’s Master of Liberal Arts and Science program has allowed me to engage in interesting courses with world-renowned professors. The diversity of courses offered each semester will be sure to provide everyone with interesting material for study, and it is often hard to choose just one course. I am filled with gratitude each day I walk through this beautiful campus to class.”
-Nima Rakhsha, operations coordinator and assistant to the director, Vanderbilt Recreation and Wellness Center
“It’s been a privilege to be part of the MLAS program. The classes and professors who teach them have exposed me to new ways of thinking about the world around me. They have challenged me to consider new thoughts and ideas and reminded me about the joy of learning.”
-Mike Todd, senior videographer and editor, Office of Strategic Communications at Vanderbilt University