MA Classical Liberal Education and Leadership


This master's degree program provides a unique continuing education and professional development opportunity for educators, school leaders and others interested in studying classic texts from a broad range of disciplines through the Socratic discussion method.


Program Description

Degree Awarded: MA Classical Liberal Education and Leadership

The MA program in classical liberal education and leadership, offered by the School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership, immerses students in timeless conversations about the big questions of human life.

All classes are taught through the Socratic discussion method, and students are provided with regular opportunities to hone their pedagogical leadership skills by leading select course meetings and receiving feedback on their progress as Socratic discussants. As in most graduate programs in the humanities and social sciences, students are evaluated primarily through written assignments that evidence careful thought and reflection, argumentation and textual analysis. Courses are offered across a wide range of subject areas including literature, politics, philosophy, mathematics and science, and leadership.



At a Glance: program details





Degree Requirements

Required Core (15 credit hours)
CEL 501 Literary Leaders (3)
CEL 503 Classic Texts in Political Philosophy and Justice (3)
CEL 510 Classic Texts in Natural Science and Philosophy (3)
CEL 513 Classic Texts in Leadership and Statesmanship (3)
CEL 520 Classic Texts in the Foundations of Logic (3)

Restricted Elective (3 credit hours)

Open Electives or Research (12 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (6 credit hours)
CEL 599 Thesis (6)

Additional Curriculum Information
For the restricted elective, students select one course from an approved list. Students should see the School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership for the most current list. Other courses may be substituted with approval of the academic unit.

Open electives and research are selected in consultation with the academic advisor.

View the handbook




Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in liberal arts, political science, history, philosophy, theology, the natural sciences or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

Applicants are required to submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. written statement
  4. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of current residency.



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Flexible Degree Options

Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:


Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.



Global Opportunities

Global Experience

With over 250 programs in more than 65 countries (ranging from one week to one year), study abroad is possible for all ASU students wishing to gain global skills and knowledge in preparation for a 21st-century career. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses, while staying on track for graduation, and may apply financial aid and scholarships toward program costs. https://mystudyabroad.asu.edu





Program Contact Information

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