No. 6 Best National Universities
U.S. News & World Report 2026
Master of Liberal Arts
Editors Choice | OnlineDegree.com
No. 15 World University Rankings
Times Higher Education 2026
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Is an MLA Right for You?
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Application Deadline
September 2, 2026
Courses
9 Interdisciplinary Courses
Concentrations
3 Optional Concentrations
Scholarships
Merit Scholarships Available
Online Master of Liberal Arts
To lead an organization responsibly, innovate new products and services, or make a difference in your community, you need a strong foundation in the principles and practices of reasoned inquiry – hallmarks of a liberal arts education.
The technical skills that you may have learned in a career-aligned undergraduate or graduate program are vital, but to achieve your full potential, you also have to consider how the work you do fits into the bigger picture, a core tenet of both liberal arts and liberal studies approaches.
The University of Chicago’s online Master of Liberal Arts prepares you to contribute to the conversations that influence how organizations and communities address complex issues. By taking multidisciplinary courses taught by UChicago’s globally respected faculty and engaging with diverse perspectives, you’ll become a more well-rounded individual who’s equipped to excel in a constantly evolving professional landscape.
MLA program benefits
Exchange ideas with highly accomplished peers and eminent faculty in a liberal arts program where nearly a third of students work in executive leadership positions.
Build valuable skills in synthetic thinking, critical thinking, communication, problem solving, and adaptability to change.
Pursue a general course of liberal arts study or specialize through a concentration in Ethics and Leadership, Literary Studies, or Tech and Society.
Advance your education and career while working full-time with online class sessions in evenings and on weekends.
Access career support resources and our worldwide network of more than 193,000 alumni.
Concentrations
Each online, synchronous class session takes place in the evening or on the weekend to accommodate the schedules of professionals working full-time.
Many of our students come to the virtual classroom with years or decades of experience in their industries and already hold graduate degrees. They choose to pursue a broad, multidisciplinary education to enrich their skills and become more effective leaders.
Take a general course of study, selecting a variety of electives, or choose from three optional concentrations:
Ethics and Leadership
Take an interdisciplinary look at leaders and leadership strategies, interrogating the ethical implications of our choices and reflecting on your own leadership style, a classic theme within liberal arts and liberal studies traditions.
Literary Studies
Read some of the best writing that humanity has produced as you learn from faculty members who approach literature from a wide range of disciplinary standpoints, as found in rigorous liberal arts curricula.
Tech and Society
Examine the relationship between emerging technologies and society through the lenses of history, anthropology, science, policy, and business. This concentration appeals to students interested in the kinds of interdisciplinary questions often explore in liberal studies programs.
The online Master of Liberal Arts offers a pathway to develop knowledge and skills that will prove invaluable in the dynamic, rapidly evolving future of businesses, government agencies, and nonprofits. We also provide online students resources to grow their networks and activate the next steps in their professional lives, including career advising, writing support, virtual or on-campus events, and our global alumni network.
I pursued a master’s degree in liberal arts because I wanted to satisfy my interest in asking tough questions in a structured and rigorous, yet flexible, learning environment. The program more than met expectations. It taught me to ask better questions, dig deeper for answers, challenged me to consider perspectives outside my expertise, and connected me to a community of talented and curious individuals.
Sarah Hope Marshall
Founder and Principal, Profound Hope Industries
No.
11
U.S. News Best National Universities Rankings 2025
No.
14
World University Rankings Times Higher Education 2025
193 K+
UChicago Alumni Worldwide
101
Nobel laureates are affiliated with UChicago.
About the University of Chicago
For more than 125 years, the University of Chicago has forged its own path. This has led to new schools of thought and a transformative education for students, and laid the groundwork for breakthroughs across the sciences, medicine, economics, law, business, history, culture, the arts, and humanistic inquiry
We shape and define fields UChicago scholars are driven by intellectual debate and a search for new evidence.
We believe freedom of expression is fundamental Free and open discourse is the foundation of a transformative education and world-changing research.
We tackle the world’s most pressing issues Through research, discovery, and community partnerships, UChicago scholars and students are tackling complex problems—from solving crime at scale to combating climate change.
The Graham School is the convener of the Master of Liberal Arts degree.
Graham is one of UChicago’s three original divisions, and its mission is to deliver transformative education by extending the University’s intellectual resources and distinctive scholarly approach.
Interested in learning more about the UChicago Master of Liberal Arts?
Complete the form on this page to download a brochure.
