The College of Arts and Sciences has a strong tradition of interdisciplinary studies at both the baccalaureate and doctoral levels.

For the bachelor of arts and bachelor of liberal arts degrees, the College's integrated studies in the humanities curriculum (more commonly known as "cluster courses") and the Program for Adult College Education (PACE) are two programs that consist almost entirely of interdisciplinary coursework. At the advanced level of doctoral work, most of the departments in the College participate in the campus Interdisciplinary Ph.D. program, which requires studies in at least two fields.

The M.A. in Liberal Studies degree continues the tradition of interdisciplinary work in the college at the intermediate level between baccalaureate and doctoral work. In a few cases, students completing this degree may find the transition to doctoral work as the appropriate next step. However, students should recognize that the degree is not designed to provide students in the program with specific subject skills usually associated with targeted career objectives in traditional research areas.

Students interested in coordinating their M.A. in Liberal Studies coursework with future doctoral work at UMKC are strongly encouraged to make this intent known at the outset of their work. Without initial planning conducted with a committee of doctoral faculty, a student's master's coursework may not be appropriate to later doctoral studies.