Overview

Southern Methodist University's Doctor of Liberal Studies evening program serves the needs of working professionals who seek intellectual challenge at the doctoral level with an eye to contributing to their community, workplace and the world in new and creative ways.

Features

Under the guidance of senior faculty, DLS students engage in focused scholarly reading and research on a topic or issue, culminating in a doctoral thesis that demonstrates interdisciplinary analysis, synthesis, and interpretation.

Programme Structure

Curriculum:

Students take approximately 6 - 9 course credit hours each year for two to four years culminating in an oral comprehensive exam.

Upon successfully completing the exam, students advance to the dissertation and defense stage.

The expected average program duration is three to five years but not to exceed seven years.

Most three-credit courses are taught one evening during the week or Saturday morning on the main SMU campus during fall, spring, or summer.

Students may enroll in up to nine hours of Directed Reading/Independent study courses.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-03-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

110

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IELTS

6.5

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Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Dallas, United States

Disciplines

Liberal Arts View 14 other PhDs in Liberal Arts in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

110

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Official undergraduate transcripts from all previous undergraduate and graduate study.

Letter of Purpose.

Academic Writing Sample.

Three Letters of Recommendation.

Resume/Curriculum Vita.

Personal Interview.

Tuition Fees

Living costs

Dallas

United States

1140 - 1925 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Liberal Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Features

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

Living costs

Dallas

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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