Simon Fraser University - Graduate Studies

Liberal Studies (MA)

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Program Information

School:Simon Fraser University - Graduate Studies
Faculty:Arts and Social Sciences
Degree:Master
Field of Study:Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
Description:The Graduate Liberal Studies Program offered by SFU is an interdisciplinary program leading to the degree of Master of Arts in Liberal Studies. This is a part-time program, designed for working or otherwise busy adults, with classes offered during evening and weekend hours at SFU's downtown campus.



The objective of Graduate of Liberal Studies program is to apply insight gained from many of the traditional Arts, Science, and Social Science disciplines to foster progressive discourse and innovative thought while creating a community of engaged citizens. We encourage our students to enrich their daily lives by critically exploring, refining, and challenging their core value systems. This in turn gives them the confidence and ability to participate, contribute, and effect positive change in the greater community.

URL:Liberal Studies (MA) at Simon Fraser University - Graduate Studies
Length:2 Year(s)
Careers:University Professors and Lecturers

Admission Requirements

Prerequisites:*These courses are intended as guidelines. Speak to your guidance counsellor to see what courses are offered at your school.
    lThe minimum University requirements for admission to a master’s program are as follows.


    a) a bachelor's degree from Simon Fraser University or its equivalent from a recognized institution;

    b) a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0/4.33 (B), or a grade point average of at least 3.33/4.33 (B+) based on the last 60 credits of undergraduate courses. All graduate work is also considered. Individual graduate programs may set a higher admission grade point average;


    c) submitted evidence, usually references from qualified referees, of the student’s ability to undertake advanced work in the area of interest. In addition, some programs also require completion of entrance examinations such as the GMAT and GRE, and/or the submission of other material.


    In exceptional circumstances, a student may be admitted with lower formal qualifications than in (a) or (b) when there is significant professional experience relevant to the proposed area of scholarship.

    Test Scores:
    • International English Language Testing System (academic or immigration) [min. 7] or Test of English as a Foreign Language (Internet Based) [min. 93] or Test of English as a Foreign Language (Paper Based) [min. 580]
    Application Notes : English is the language of instruction and communication at the University. Accordingly, an applicant whose primary language is not English must demonstrate command of English sufficient to pursue graduate studies in the chosen field. Applicants normally will be required to achieve a minimum score of 7.0 on the International English LanguageTest System (IELTS - the academic NOT the general test) with a minimum of 6.5 in each section. The Test of English as a Foreign Language(TOEFL) may be used as an equivalent test provided a score of 93 or better is achieved with a minimum of 20 in each section (TOEFL-internet based exam), or TOEFL 580 and the Test of Written English(TWE) 5.0 (paper-based). All test scores are valid for a period of two years from the date of the test. Some graduate programs have higher English Language Proficiency requirements as described elsewhere in this Calendar.

    International applicants whose primary language is not English will not be required to complete an English-language test if they have completed a degree at an institution where the language of instruction and examination was in English in a country where English is the primary language.

    An applicant requesting a waiver of the English language proficiency test should do so in writing and submit it with their application. The dean of graduate studies, in consultation with the department, will make determinations in these cases. It should be noted that in order to maintain a high academic standard, very few waivers are granted. Therefore, it is recommended that those applicants whose primary language is not English submit an English language proficiency test with their application.
    Additional Admission Requirements:
    • Letter(s) of Reference
    • Statement of Research Interests
    Interview required

    * We make every attempt to provide accurate information on prerequisites, programs, and tuition. However, this information is subject to change without notice and we highly recommend that you contact the school to confirm important information before applying.

    Modified on October 05, 2022