This program is an intellectual experience of a lifetime. Learn from the greatest works in the humanities and the natural, social, and biological sciences in courses taught by world-renowned professors. It's downtown, part-time, full-time, and with weeknight and Saturday classes.You can earn a University of Chicago degree in as little as a year. Academic support is available to help you succeed, and financial assistance may be available to qualifying students. We welcome international candidates. Learn from University of Chicago faculty who will answer your questions, ask a few of their own, and take you places you have never imagined. Read how people in the program describe how they have benefitted:
Differentiate yourself with a University of Chicago approach
“While I wasn’t looking for experiences or skills that would be applied directly in my work life, the MLA program turned out to be an even deeper, and richer, benefit. The ability to draw from a wider range of possibilities when looking for relationships (to understand and address) today’s complex business situations has become an absolute necessity. The MLA program really fosters that kind of effectiveness—and in so doing provides invaluable tools for life.”
Terry Mad l, MLA ‘96, Writer
Challenge yourself; surprise yourself; See the world in new ways
“I felt that there was more to life than the care and feeding of a nuclear reactor. My education and career has been very left-brained. (In the MLA program) I feel like I have been to ancient Greece, met up with Freud, Marx, and Weber, backed up millions of years earlier to learn about fossil records—and, through it all, was led and challenged by (University of Chicago faculty) who are leading experts in their field.”
David Chrzanowski, MLA student, Senior Project Manager, Exelon Corporation
Conveniently fit the MLA into your busy lifestyle
“I love MLA’s flexible schedule and convenient location. I have two kids and a job that doesn’t fit into a predictable 9 to 5 workday, but have always found a class that fits into my busy schedule. Whether taking a bus, a train, or my car, getting to the Gleacher Center couldn’t be any easier for me. MLA made it possible for me to get a Master’s degree, despite the demands of my family and professional responsibilities.”
Joseph Edwards, MLA '11, College Advisor, University of Chicago
Gain credentials and context for future graduate work
“The MLA broadened not only my horizons of information, but also my perspectives. I think differently now. After graduating, I was inspired to pursue a doctoral degree which uses every ounce of dedication, comprehension, and tenacity that I have, characteristics that were honed during my days as an MLA student.”
Ann Cameron Williams, MLA ‘00
Join others who share a passion for learning
“I remember sitting in my first class. Imagine studying cosmological physics under the man who coined the term “dark energy.” Sitting on one side of me was a steel worker and on the other the chief of surgery at a large hospital. In front of me was Professor Michael Turner describing the mystery of an expanding universe. He made an intimidating subject come alive as we pondered the fate of the universe.””
Tim Mayes, MLA student, founder, Residential Dynamics Group
Learn more about the program by watching student testimonials: