LiberalArtsEDU.org has recently named the College of Staten Island to its list of the 40+ Most Affordable Master’s in Liberal Studies (MALS) Programs offered at Public Universities, 2022. Among those 40 Most Affordable, it was, along with Queens College, the most affordable in all of NYS and the NY Metropolitan area.

The organization cited the affordable, estimated total cost of a CSI MALS degree ($13,860/Cost per credit: $462 [in-state], $855 [out-of-state]) and described the College of Staten Island’s MA in Liberal Studies as “an interdisciplinary course of study that’s focused on Western society and culture. The origins, the evolution, and the impact of technological advancements – they’re all part of this exciting program… It’s also an excellent choice for public school and college teachers focused on advancing their education in the areas of philosophy, world culture, literature, or social studies.”

One former student of the CSI MALS program wrote the Director: “…there is clearly an atmosphere that you created in the classes that made them so cozy and comfortable that everyone participated in the conversations and shared their thoughts/ideas. So just wanted to tell you that your MALS classes are really unique in that sense!”

CSI’s MALS program focuses on contemporary society and culture; how they have evolved and continue to evolve. It is currently housed in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. Among the skills this MA provides are:    

Critical thinking and problem-solving – Learn how to think more broadly and how to analyze new information, ideas, and perspectives. 

Written and verbal communication skills – Gain experience and skills in communicating, both in speaking and in writing.

In-depth subject-matter knowledge – Enjoy two years of reading, discussing, and researching, concluding with a master’s thesis or capstone project in an area of one’s own choosing. This thesis can be cited on résumés and included in the College’s Library.   

Interdisciplinary and comparative research – Gain knowledge and intellectual breadth from the arts, including literature and films, history, philosophy, and the social sciences.

By Terry Mares and Roslyn Bologh