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The Doctor of Liberal Studies

Unveiling the D.L.S. degree: A rigorous pathway for seasoned scholars to synthesize knowledge and contribute original thought.

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Overview

The D.L.S. Degree

The Doctor of Liberal Studies, abbreviated as D.L.S. (from the Latin Doctor Liberalium Studiorum), represents an advanced academic degree designed for individuals seeking to deepen their scholarly expertise through rigorous interdisciplinary inquiry. This degree is typically offered by esteemed research universities, preparing candidates for significant intellectual contributions.

Key Institutions

Several prominent institutions offer the Doctor of Liberal Studies degree, including:

  • Georgetown University
  • Southern Methodist University
  • University of Memphis

These universities provide a robust academic environment for students pursuing this specialized doctorate.

Target Audience

D.L.S. programs are meticulously crafted for accomplished professionals who already possess advanced degrees, often more than one. The admission process is highly competitive, with cohorts typically comprising six to fifteen students, ensuring a focused and collaborative learning experience.

Participating Universities

Georgetown University

Georgetown University offers the D.L.S. program, integrating foundational coursework in the humanities and social sciences to foster interdisciplinary research capabilities. Its graduates often return to established careers, leveraging their enhanced analytical and scholarly skills.

Southern Methodist University

Southern Methodist University (SMU) provides a D.L.S. program that emphasizes the synthesis of knowledge across diverse fields. The program is designed for professionals seeking to make original intellectual contributions within their areas of expertise.

University of Memphis

The University of Memphis also offers the Doctor of Liberal Studies degree, catering to individuals aiming for advanced research and scholarly work. The program's interdisciplinary structure allows for a tailored academic journey.

Program Focus

Research Doctorate

The D.L.S. is fundamentally a research doctorate, distinct from professional degrees. It is structured to equip students with the capacity to generate original intellectual contributions and engage in scholarly research. The emphasis is on creating new knowledge through the synthesis of interdisciplinary insights, rather than focusing solely on a single discipline.

Interdisciplinary Synthesis

A core tenet of the D.L.S. program is its interdisciplinary nature. Students are encouraged to draw upon and integrate knowledge from various fields, fostering a holistic understanding of complex issues. This approach cultivates unique perspectives and innovative solutions.

Equivalence and Recognition

The U.S. Department of Education and the National Science Foundation recognize research-oriented doctoral degrees like the Doctor of Liberal Studies as equivalent to the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). This recognition underscores the academic rigor and scholarly value of the D.L.S. degree, irrespective of its specific disciplinary focus.

Curriculum & Context

Foundational Studies

The D.L.S. curriculum typically includes required foundational courses across key humanities and social science disciplines. These often encompass philosophy, theology, history, art, literature, and the social sciences. This broad grounding is essential for developing the intellectual context necessary for advanced interdisciplinary study.

Contemporary Thought & Ethics

A significant focus of the D.L.S. program is the exploration of ethics and critical issues in contemporary thought. By synthesizing knowledge from various fields, students are prepared to address complex societal challenges with nuanced understanding and scholarly insight.

Career Outcomes

Professional Advancement

Graduates of D.L.S. programs frequently return to their established career domains, enhancing their expertise and leadership capabilities. Common fields include national security, journalism, healthcare, education, and law, where advanced analytical and interdisciplinary skills are highly valued.

Academic Roles

While not exclusively focused on academia, a growing number of D.L.S. graduates secure positions in higher education. These roles can range from teaching and research to administrative leadership. However, it is important to note that some academic institutions may prioritize applicants with Ph.D. degrees, particularly for positions requiring specific research methodologies.

References

Source Material

  • Georgetown DLS Program: http://scs.georgetown.edu/departments/6/doctor-of-liberal-studies/
  • SMU DLS Program: http://www.smu.edu/Simmons/AreasofStudy/GLS/DLS Archived 2015-10-22 at the Wayback Machine
  • Georgetown Magazine with cohort list, DLS graduates: http://static.scs.georgetown.edu/upload/kb_file/WebFiles/LS%20Documents/Graduate_Liberal_Studies_Fall_2010_Magazine.pdf
  • Doctorate Recipients from U.S. Universities: 2015, National Science Foundation (June 2017), 15: https://www.nsf.gov/statistics/2017/nsf17306/static/report/nsf17306.pdf
  • Elizabeth Griffith, MBA, DLS (Boston College) profile: http://www.bc.edu/publications/chronicle/FeaturesNewsTopstories/2014/news/griffith-heads-csom-graduate-programs.html Archived 2015-09-21 at the Wayback Machine
  • William Costanza, DLS (Marymount University) profile: http://www.marymount.edu/Home/Contact-Us/Directory?profileid=52 Archived 2015-09-08 at the Wayback Machine
  • John Buschman, DLS (Seton Hall University) profile: http://works.bepress.com/john_buschman/
  • Karen Wilhelm, DLS profile (George Mason University): http://spgia.gmu.edu/faculty-staff/faculty/directory-of-spgia-adjunct-faculty-members/karen-wilhelm/ Archived 2015-11-18 at the Wayback Machine
  • Pablo Molina, DLS profile (Georgetown University): http://explore.georgetown.edu/people/molina/

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References

References

  1.  Georgetown DLS Program | http://scs.georgetown.edu/departments/6/doctor-of-liberal-studies/
  2.  John Buschman, DLS (Seton Hall University) profile | http://works.bepress.com/john_buschman/
  3.  Pablo Molina, DLS profile (Georgetown University) | http://explore.georgetown.edu/people/molina/
A full list of references for this article are available at the Doctor of Liberal Studies Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional academic advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for direct consultation with university admissions departments, academic advisors, or qualified educational professionals. Always refer to the official websites of the respective universities and consult with experts for specific guidance regarding degree programs and career paths.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.