Students complete a minimum of thirty graduate credits, beginning with "LIBS 560: Foundations in Liberal Studies," the prerequisite for all LIBS Graduate Seminars. In the Foundations course, students are exposed to various definitions of interdisciplinarity and multi- and interdisciplinary practices. The specific topic is determined by the instructor. Topics have included: Human Rights, Time, and Transatlantic Relations.
Students choose their next 21 credits from a wide variety of LIBS Graduate Seminars. If appropriate, students may select a limited number of graduate courses offered in the College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters. In special cases, students may choose from electives outside the College.
Students may choose a five-course thematic focus (15 credits) in clearly defined areas such as Environmental Studies or Women's and Gender Studies. Students may design their own interdisciplinary thematic focus with the approval of the program's director. A thematic focus, however, is not required for students in the program.
To complete the last six credits of the M.A., students have three options: students may complete a Master’s Thesis or Master’s Project or a two-course sequence (LIBS Graduate Seminar and LIBS 697 the Capstone Course).
All students in the program will consult with the Director regarding course selections to assure that the courses selected each term will be counted toward the 30 hours required for the degree. (Students, may, of course, elect courses outside the required 30 hours, but consultation with the Director is advisable.)
With the approval of the Director, up to six graduate credits completed in residence at another accredited institution other than the University of Michigan may be applied toward the 30-credit minimum degree requirement. Up to one-half the minimum number of graduate credit hours required for the degree may be transferred from another University of Michigan School or College. However, a minimum of 15-credit hours must be completed through graduate courses elected at UM-Dearborn.
All students admitted to the program MUST receive a 'B' or above in LIBS 560 and maintain a MINIMUM of a B average to continue in the program.