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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 

  • Language proficiency test scores are required for non-US citizens, with the exception of those who are earning or have earned a degree from institutions in the US or Canada, or whose primary language of instruction at their non-US institution was English.
  • We accept TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo 
  • The ETS code for the Guarini School is 3351

Personal Statements

  • The Guarini School values intellectual curiosity and passion for discovery. Please write a brief essay describing your motivation and preparation for pursuing a graduate degree at Dartmouth, what research interests or advanced topics excite you the most, and how a graduate degree will further your career goals. Be sure to describe any relevant research experience(s) and/or academic preparation that might not be detailed elsewhere in your application. (1000 words max)

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.