newyorker99

I'm applying for the "Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies" specialization within the MALS Program/Liberal Studies Program at the CUNY Graduate Center. I may want to pursue a PHD at some point in the future but for right now I just want to be academically engaged again since I've been out of school for awhile. I think that a MALS program may be just right for me and I've read other postings about the benefits of a MALS type interdisciplinary program that would be scholarly and flexible at the same time. Would be interested in anyone's thoughts on all this or if anyone has gone through a Women's Studies subprogram within a Liberal Studies degree program. I've explored other programs in the NY area and the CUNY one is affordable and the classes would all be within the various Grad Center doctoral programs so that makes it even more attractive if I really do decide to continue on for a doctorate in English or maybe even Sociology (with Gender Studies as a specialization). Any thoughts would be appreciated and good luck to all.

Hello, I started a posting a few weeks ago and I asked for some feedback about liberal studies programs in general and the one at the CUNY Graduate Center specifically. I received a couple of replies and one particularly detailed and positive one (you may want to look at that reply under the posting for The Graduate Center Liberal Studies. After speaking with many people, I have decided to apply there. btw, I live in Manhattan (so this may not be do-able for you) but I wrote to Grad Center's admissions office and ended up being invited in to speak with the assistant director. He was very helpful and he also put me in touch with the head of the liberal stdies program (Prof Daubin) who was also very encouraging. In terms of making your "more marketable as a PhD applicant," Prof. Daubin gave me many examples of MALS students who went on the the doctorate at CUNY and other schools. He was quick to point out that there are "no guarantees" but the fact is that you take courses in the doctoral programs with the doctoral faculty so if you do well, then that makes your doctoral application more impressive b/c you are more of a known quantity. Good Luck.

Thank you for your thoughtful and detailed reply. After giving it much thouhght and after speaking with others and hearing positive expereinces like your ownm, I have decided to apply to the CUNY Graduate Center's MALS program. Thanks again for your insight and feeback.

I'm applying to the CUNY Graduate Center's MA Program in Liberal Studies (MALS) because my interests are interdisciplinary and I'm not quite sure about pursuing my PhD at this point in time. I have explored the Liberal Studies program....I would be taking courses that are all taught by the Grad Center's renowned faculty and would be a stronger candidate for the PhD program in the future; with (hopefully) a stronger likelihood of funding for my doctorate. I would be interested in getting feedback from those who may be thinking about a MALS program in general or in these issues specifically.