Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS)

Application Requirements

All application materials must be submitted directly through the online application system. We do not accept paper application materials. Official transcripts should not be sent to the Guarini School office during the application process.

Application Fee

  • $100

GRE 

  • Not accepted

English Language Proficiency 

Non-U.S. citizens are required to submit language proficiency test scores, unless one of the following applies:

  • They have earned, or are currently earning, an undergraduate (bachelor's degree or equivalent) or higher degree from a U.S. institution.
  • They have earned, or are currently earning, a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) or higher degree from a non-U.S. institution where English was the sole primary language of instruction.

We accept TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo. The ETS code for the Guarini School is 3351.

Personal Statements

The Guarini School values intellectual curiosity and a passion for discovery. In a brief essay (1000 words max), tell us:

  • Your path here. What experiences academic, professional, research, or personal shaped your decision to pursue graduate study? Ground your answer in one or two specific moments or turning points rather than a general summary. For example, a particular project, result, conversation, or setback that changed your thinking. Include any relevant research, work, or academic preparation that isn't already detailed elsewhere in your application. 
  • What excites you intellectually. This might be a research question you want to pursue, a body of knowledge or skill set you want to master, or a professional problem you want to be equipped to solve.  
  • Why the Guarini School, why Dartmouth. What about this program, its faculty, resources, or community makes it the right place for you to pursue your goals?

Recommendation Letters

  • 3 required, up to 4 accepted
  • We require at least one academic letter of recommendation. This would be anyone who has taught you in a classroom setting. For applicants that have been out of school for a long period of time, please contact: mals.admissions@dartmouth.edu for advice on this matter.

Resume/ CV

Transcripts

  • Your most recent unofficial transcripts should be uploaded as part of your application. Official transcripts are not needed during the application process.

Program Supplement 

  • Creative Writing Sample:For applicants who are applying to the Creative Writing concentration, there is an option to upload a creative writing sample. Your document should be no more than five pages, but should showcase your writing for our committee to review. This is an optional "essay" but it is encouraged if you will be joining the Creative Writing concentration. Please reach out with any questions you may have regarding this option. 

Financial Aid

Applying for aid will not affect your admissions process or commit you to anything, but it's important for us to know up-front if you might be interested in financial aid. If you are, be sure to fill out the CSS Profile

To apply for financial assistance (partial tuition scholarship), indicate "yes" on your application, and complete the CSS Profile.

  • For this you will need the Dartmouth Guarini School Code (3357)
  • Select "1st year grad/prof" as your grade year

Please complete and submit your profile at the same time as your application.