Criteria for Admission & Admission Process

Applicants for the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies degree must have a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. We usually require an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 but take into consideration postgraduate experiences and recent accomplishments. THE GRE is not required.

The admissions process is careful and thorough, and requires a personal interview in addition to all written materials. The Graduate Liberal Studies Advisory Committee, whose members are Duke graduate faculty, participates in the interview process and meet to make admission decisions for the fall and spring terms.

Matriculation Options

  • The MALS degree can begin in either the spring or fall term.
  • The degree can be taken on a part- or full-time basis.
    • Part-time study typically consists of one course per term. GLS offers courses three terms per academic year (i.e., fall, spring and summer). The minimum time to degree following the part-time option is ten terms or three years and one term.
    • Full-time study normally consists of two or more courses per term. The minimum time to degree following the full-time option is four terms or one year and one term.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall application deadline: January 30
  • Spring application deadline: October 15

Application Requirements

  • An online application
  • A three- to five-page statement of purpose (double-spaced)
  • A curriculum vitae or résumé
  • Official transcripts for all post-secondary education
  • Two letters of recommendation 
  • A $75 non-refundable application fee
  • The GRE is not required
  • TOEFFL exam for international applicants


N.B. Application materials that are not submitted electronically must be submitted to the Duke Graduate School:

Duke University Graduate School
Office of Admissions
Box 90065
Durham, North Carolina 27708-0065

If using FedEx, UPS, or any courier service that will not deliver to a P.O. Box, send application materials to:

Duke University Graduate School
Office of Admissions
2127 Campus Drive
Durham, North Carolina 27708-0065