The Liberal Studies Option though broadly interdisciplinary, focuses on a concept, movement, or idea; The Humanities Option requires a concentration in the Department of Humanities and American Studies; The Social and Political Thought Option is administered through the Center for Social and Political Thought; and The Africana Studies Option is administered through Africana Studies.

Liberal Studies option: Total Required Hours in this program is 33 hours. Courses: 30 hours in courses approved by the Graduate Director. At least 9 but no more than 12 hours must be taken in a single department. At least 20 hours must be at the 6000 level; 4 hours may be at the 4000 level. Satisfactory completion of a written comprehensive examination. Thesis (3 hours); including defense of thesis.

Humanities option:

Total Required Hours in this program is 33 hours. Courses: 30 hours in courses approved by the Graduate Director. 21 hours must be in Humanities courses, including HUM6112, and 9 in approved outside electives. At least 15 hours must be at the 6000 level; 4 hours may be at the 4000 level. Satisfactory completion of a written comprehensive examination. Thesis (3 hours); including defense of thesis.

Social and Political Thought option: A new concentration under the MLA, the Social and Political Thought Concentration, offered through the Center for Social and Political Thought, has recently been created. Total Required Hours in this program is 33 hours. Courses: 30 hours in courses approved by a committee selected by the student from program faculty. Eight hours may be at the 4000 level. Satisfactory completion of a written comprehensive examination. Thesis (3 hours); including defense of thesis.

Africana Studies option: Total Required Hours in this pr