UofM's Doctor of Liberal Studies Will Allow Students to Design Their Own Degree

August 28, 2018 - The University College at the University of Memphis is offering a Doctor of Liberal Studies (DLS) degree for the first time this fall. The UofM becomes only the third school in the nation, along with Georgetown and Southern Methodist University, to offer this terminal degree for students who want to work across disciplines to engage a topic or issue.

A DLS degree allows participants to design their own interdisciplinary doctoral program focused on their areas of interest. Of the total 54 credit hours needed, 33 credits will be obtained from at least two disciplines. Twenty-one credit hours are University College requirements and focus on the foundations of liberal studies and research in interdisciplinary studies.

"We are excited about the potential of this degree for our students," said Dr. Colin Chapell, director of Graduate Studies for the University College. "As employers continue to look for students with the ability to think critically and analyze data in new and unique ways, we believe that the DLS offers an invaluable skill set for those pursuing topics and ideas that cut across traditional boundaries."

Students will also be required to complete an oral comprehensive exam and defend their dissertation/capstone project. The six-credit-hour dissertation/capstone project will take place at the end of their program.

In order to pursue this degree, students must have previously earned a master's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25. For more information on the program, contact the University College at 901.678.2716 or ucgrad@memphis.edu.