---
title: "Exploring the Human Condition: A Guide to Pursuing Your MLS or DLS"
description: Explore SMU’s Master and Doctor of Liberal Studies programs. Get the guide to see how interdisciplinary graduate study can expand your career and impact.
image: https://grad.smu.edu/hubfs/classroom%201600x1000.jpg
---

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          - A comprehensive list of Simmons research projects
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          - Offers comprehensive program evaluation services, largely in the non-profit sector, and performs education research
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          - Conducts research in mathematics education and disseminates findings
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          - Investigates autonomic function and thermoregulation in healthy and clinical populations
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          - Studies terrestrial locomotion and the relationship of muscle function to metabolic energy expenditure and performance
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          - Investigates policies and systems in education and disseminates findings leading to direct impacts on leaders and policy makers in K12 and Higher Education
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          - Investigates the use of virtual, augmented and mixed reality for education and human development
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          - SMU and the Children’s Health Andrews Institute have launched a collaboration dedicated to improving the health, activity levels, and well-being of kids.
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![Exploring the Human Condition: A Guide to Pursuing Your Master or Doctor of Liberal Studies Degree](https://grad.smu.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/%5BSimmons%5D%20MLS_DLS%20Guide%20Mockup%20FINAL%20%5Breduced%20size%5D.png?width=2000&height=2000&name=%5BSimmons%5D%20MLS_DLS%20Guide%20Mockup%20FINAL%20%5Breduced%20size%5D.png "Exploring the Human Condition: A Guide to Pursuing Your Master or Doctor of Liberal Studies Degree")

# Exploring the Human Condition:

###### A Guide to Pursuing Your Master or Doctor of Liberal Studies Degree

ACCESS THE FULL GUIDE

### Before we send it...

## What's in the *Guide?*

Top employers in all industries need professionals who can think across disciplines, navigate complexity, and lead with purpose. That's where liberal studies comes in.

Whether you're looking to change careers, explore a lifelong intellectual interest, or make a deeper impact in your organization or community, a [graduate degree in liberal studies](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/simmons/4-reasons-a-liberal-studies-degree-is-more-relevant-than-ever) can help you accomplish it on your terms. 

SMU's [Master](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/simmons/5-tips-to-leverage-a-promotion-how-a-master-in-liberal-studies-helps) and [Doctor](https://gradarticles.smu.edu/advancing-the-field/the-doctor-of-liberal-studies-degree-who-is-it-for) of Liberal Studies programs are designed for curious, values-driven professionals who want to examine the human condition, explore diverse perspectives, and lead meaningful change. 

In this guide, you'll discover how SMU's interdisciplinary graduate programs can help you expand your thinking—and your future. 

1. What is Liberal Studies? — And Why  
   Does it Matter Today?
2. What Can You Do with a Liberal Studies Degree?
3. Pursuing a Graduate Degree in Liberal Studies at SMU
4. Your Next Steps

### Plus—a look at where our MLS and DLS graduates landed after graduation.

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You’ll be granted access to the PDF immediately for your reference as you apply to graduate school.

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## Other SMU Resources

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The Graduate Student's Guide to Living in Dallas

What's it like to live, work, relax and study in Dallas? Get to know the city we call home and explore the unexpected opportunities that await you at SMU! We always say big things happen in Dallas. Could your graduate career be one of them?

[Explore Living in Dallas](https://grad.smu.edu/the-dallas-guide-for-graduate-students-smu-old)

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A Guide to Graduate Admissions at SMU

SMU's Graduate School is proud to offer doctoral and master’s degrees in a wide variety of fields. This guide is designed to give you an overview of the admissions requirements and processes for our Master’s and Doctoral programs.

[Understand Graduate Admissions](https://grad.smu.edu/a-guide-to-graduate-admissions-at-southern-methodist-university)

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