What do Wake Forest University MALS students say about their experiences in the program?
 Deciding to go through Wake Forest’s Liberal Studies Program is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in terms of my adult education and personal growth.
The program’s structure and flexibility allowed me to concentrate my studies in areas of the most interest to me—writing and religion—while giving me the freedom to explore topics such as Italian opera. I found myself challenged not just by the professors and course content, but by my classmates, whose varied educational backgrounds and experiences added much to discussions.
I was surprised to discover that the most valuable part of the MALS program was the process of writing my thesis. I had an excellent adviser in novelist Julie Edelson, who provided expert guidance and editing. That final project tested me as a thinker and writer, and I am extremely proud of the finished manuscript.
I would recommend the program to anyone looking to expand their minds and stretch themselves.
-Julie P.
MALS Graduate, 2003
"My time in the MALS Program was one of the most enriching and rewarding experiences of my life. The courses I took allowed me to blend a love of literature with a love for travel so that I was able to tailor my graduate work to fit my own unique interests and passions. I did things I never thought I’d do – like hike an ice cave in the Austrian Alps and write a novella set in Venice! I’m a different person because of the MALS Program, and I will carry the wonderful friends and memories I made because of it for the rest of my life."
- Liz S.
MALS Graduate, 2007
"When my children started their college careers I realized an intense personal longing for the intellectual exhilaration they were so obviously experiencing. It had been so long since I had taken the time to explore new areas of interest. It seemed this program was just what I was looking for. The class offerings were amazing and always an eagerly anticipated surprise. The classes took us on a journey of intrigue each and every semester. The professors were leading authorities in their particular subject area, with enthusiasm that was contagious, setting an overall tone for the class which resulted in lively, informative presentations and discussion. Whereas undergraduate programs tend to emphasize a broad range of knowledge, the MALS program encourages a more selective approach, focusing on a deeper understanding of chosen aspects of a subject area. Reading lists were composed of literature, commentary and reflection relevant not only inside but outside of the classroom, and I find myself referring and returning to many of these writings even now that my classes are over. The rewards of life-enhancing enlightenment that only spirituality and a superior education can provide lead me to recommend this program for anyone who delights in not the answers that a good education can provide, but the infinite questioning that it provokes. Really it was only my beginning."
-Stephanie I.
MALS Graduate, 2006
"My MALS experience has been immeasurable because the program exposes students to multiple disciplines. I was able study religion, law, romance languages and culminate my graduate study with a travel course to Ireland. I can truly say I loved every moment."
-Charles M.
MALS Graduate, 2006
"Learning alongside classmates of all ages and stages of life, being challenged by outstanding professors with high expectations, struggling with deadlines and reading assignments, and pushing myself to succeed resulted in an enormously satisfying accomplishment. The travel classes to Vienna and Venice were enriching beyond easy description. Our learning went deeper than the typical tourist exposure, and resulted in a thorough understanding of history and cultures. Writing my thesis was, indeed, a most rigorous finale to the MALS program. However, once completed, it was immensely gratifying. I am so glad that I returned to the classroom for an advanced degree!"
-Lillian S.
MALS Graduate, 2006
"The beauty of the MALS program is that, perhaps more than other graduate degrees, it is learning for the love of learning. No one enters the MALS program with the expectation of a raise or promotion upon graduation; but they all leave better than when they started. I am proud to be a graduate of the Wake Forest MALS program."
-Sarah M.
MALS Graduate, 2005
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