Following a true passion for learning and a love of the educational environment, Angela Kayi found the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS) program at Oakland University ther perfect fit for her personal and professional needs. 

Angela began her graduate studies with an MBA program because her employer encouraged the pursuit of a higher degree.  While she found the MBA program beneficial, it didn't provide the intellectural stimulation she was seeking for her own personal growth. 

She decided to take a break from the MBA progrm to explore other options.  She discovered OU's MALS program while investigating art history programs in the Detroit area. 

"The flexibility of the MALS program allowed me to really shape the coursework, combining different areas of study that I found fascinating," says Kayi, whose master's project was based on sociology, women's studies and the history of art.  "There are very few programs that allow you to explore very different disciplines and apply them to each other in this way."

"The program also exhibits very high standards and emphasizes the importance of effective oral and written communication," she says.  "The application of these skills builds the ability to think critically and express y our ideas effectively - essential skills for any career."

Kayi is thrilled with her MALS experience and it has exceeded her expectations.  From encouraging international travel through a guided tour to how the program offers fresh - not canned - courses every year makes the program fresh and interesting. 

"The courses are topical and contemporary, which positively impacts future careeer opportunities for the program's graduates," she says.

Not only did the MALS program offer Kayi an opportunity to earn a graduate degree that is meaningful to her and her employer, but it also proivded the chance for Kayi to work with beloved professors she first encountered while pursuing her BA in Art History at OU.

Kayi was the first MALS recipient of the Provost's Graduate Student Research Award in 2008 which supported work on here master's project and allowed her the opportunity to work with professors she learned from during her undergraduate education.

"It's a great opportunity to study with people who love what they're teaching," says Kayi.  "The whole idea of coming back to OU and working with these faculty members was very appealing."

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Lori Heublein