Master of Liberal Arts Degree in Florida Studies

         Co-Directors Raymond Arsenault and Gary R. Mormino

Program Description

The Florida Studies track of the Master of Liberal Arts Program allows students to sample a broad array of interdisciplinary classes.  Students take Florida-based classes in the fields of History, English, Marine Science, Geology, Geography, Political Science, Journalism and Media Studies, Fine Arts, and Anthropology.

Students will work closely with the co-directors who will approve courses and help steer candidates through their thesis.

Program Requirements

Total required hours:  33

Courses: 

• A 3 credit-hour class, Introduction to Florida Studies (AMS 6934) and a 4 credit seminar on the History of Modern Florida (HIS 6939) are the program’s only required courses.  All other classes must be approved; each semester the program will circulate a list of approved courses.
• Each student must pass a comprehensive oral examination and a written examination covering three fields or concentrations. 
• All students in the Florida Studies Program will complete a thesis, generally 75 to 150 pages in length.  Candidates will select topics with the approval of a thesis advisor.  The thesis committee consists of the thesis advisor and two faculty members.  An oral defense of the thesis completes the process.  The defense is open to all faculty and graduate students.

Requirements for Admission:

Candidates must have a baccalaureate degree and a minimum score of 1000 on the GRE (Graduate Record Exam).  Please submit a writing sample (an undergraduate term paper, book review, or essay) or evidence of artistic work.  We also ask that you submit two letters of recommendation.

Further details about graduate admissions may be found at the Graduate Studies website. 

Direct inquiries to:  

Program Assistant Florida Studies Program

140 Seventh Avenue South, Snell House

St. Petersburg, FL  33701

(727) 873-4872 – office

(727) 873-4878 – fax

Specific course listings for the Florida Studies Concentration may be obtained from the program.

Previous course listings may be viewed here.