| George Mason University > University Catalog > College of Arts and Sciences | |
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Interdisciplinary Studies
Executive CommitteeRadner (chair), Button, Jacobs, Lont, Mahler, Ro, Rodgers, Salmon, Sorrell Course WorkThis program offers courses designated MAIS in the Course Descriptions chapter of this catalog. In addition, students in the MAIS program do most of their work in courses listed under the disciplines that they integrate through this graduate program. Graduate ProgramInterdisciplinary Studies, M.A.I.S.The Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies is for students who seek master's degrees that integrate knowledge from several disciplines. With the help of faculty advisors, students design individualized programs of study that include courses from several academic departments. The program is divided into two tracks: liberal studies and individualized studies. For more information, contact the MAIS office at (703) 993-8762 or mais@gmu.edu. Track in Liberal StudiesThe liberal studies track is administered through the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies. Please consult that section of this chapter for further information. Track in Individualized StudiesThe individualized studies track differs from traditional graduate programs in that it emphasizes the integration of knowledge from various disciplines. The program is intended to promote advanced scholarship that transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries. Within the program, several faculty-sponsored concentrations provide structured, yet flexible, options for prospective students. Concentrations are available in political science, video-based production, and recreation resources management. In addition to faculty-sponsored concentrations, students may, with the help of faculty advisors, design individualized programs of study that include courses from several academic departments. Individualized programs must involve a course of study that is not already offered within any of the other graduate programs at George Mason University and should consist of a coherent package of interrelated courses. Students in this track must complete a project or thesis that represents the culmination of their program of study. Work on the project or thesis is done under the direction of a faculty committee headed by a faculty advisor. Project or thesis proposals must be approved by the committee and the MAIS Executive Committee before students can register for project or thesis credits (MAIS 798, 799). All university policies governing theses, including the requirement for continuous registration, also apply to the project. Admission RequirementsStudents admitted to the MAIS program must show a capacity for original thought in cross-disciplinary research. Students will only be admitted if the program can assign a faculty advisor appropriate for the intended course of study. In addition to fulfilling George Mason admission requirements for graduate study, applicants must submit the following:
Students admitted provisionally must achieve a 3.250 GPA in the first 12 credits of graduate course work. If they fail to do so, they will be terminated from the program. Degree RequirementsCandidates for the degree must successfully complete 36 credits of graduate course work, including the following:
Additional requirements for faculty-sponsored concentrations are listed below. Students must submit a curriculum contract that has been approved by their faculty advisor to the MAIS program by the time they have completed 12 credits of graduate work. Credits that apply to the MAIS degree are subject to the following restrictions:
* All transfer credits require the approval of the faculty advisor, the director of the MAIS program, and the dean. Transfer credits are any credits taken before first enrolling as an admitted degree-seeking student, whether taken at another institution, taken in another George Mason University graduate program, or completed through George Mason University's Extended Studies Program. Concentration in Community College Teaching (in Computer Science, English, Mathematics, Psychology, or TESL)The concentration in Community College Teaching combines 18 credits of college teaching courses (including course work required for the Certificate in College Teaching) with 18 credits of graduate work in one of the following knowledge areas: computer science, English, mathematics, psychology, or teaching English as a second language. This concentration qualifies students to teach entry-level courses in these growing fields at the two-year level. In addition, this M.A. concentration is an appropriate graduate degree for some faculty currently teaching in community colleges. Degree RequirementsStudents must complete 36 credits of course work, distributed as follows:
Concentration in Political ScienceThe concentration in political science is concerned with the institutions and processes of politics and government in America, in the international arena, and other nations and regions of the world. The concentration is designed to prepare students for advanced work in political science, for teaching and research about government, for careers in government and politics, and for work in domestic and international nongovernmental organizations. Courses in comparative politics, international studies, American government, and political theory are offered within the concentration. The interdisciplinary opportunities of the M.A.I.S. degree allow students to work with the many other centers of excellence in the university in history, philosophy, economics, sociology, psychology, and public policy. Degree RequirementsStudents complete 36 credits of core courses and specialized courses distributed as follows:
Concentration in Video-Based ProductionThe concentration in video-based production emphasizes video production that encompasses various components, such as teleconferencing, interactive video, and digital editing. As low-end, high-quality video equipment becomes more affordable, more organizations (for profit and nonprofit) are investing in in-house production studios and staff. Their video needs include traditional videography, teleconferencing, interactive video techniques, digital video editing, and multimedia, to name a few. Four units offer relevant courses for the concentration in video-based production. The Communication Department offers courses in the theory and practice of video production. The Graduate School of Education courses in interactive and distance learning provide a background for pedagogy and a wide spectrum of interactive skills. The English Department offers a course in film theory, and the Art and Visual Technologies Division focuses on computer-mediated visual applications, including the study of multimedia tools and design, digital and electronic art, animation, and virtual reality. Students entering the program must have a basic knowledge of video production. Students with little or no video experience must take COMM 590 Seminar in Video Production within the first 9 credits of the program. Students with video experience who wish to waive this requirement must provide a videotape of their past work. Degree Requirements
Concentration in Recreation Resources ManagementThe concentration in recreation resources management is designed to prepare students and professionals in the fields of recreation and natural resources to pursue advanced academic training, seek career advancement, and serve their communities more adequately. Upon completion of the MAIS, students will possess a working knowledge of research and theory and an enhanced ability to think analytically. The program focuses on problems and challenges affecting the quality and quantity of outdoor recreation experiences and on the conservation and preservation of the nation's public land resources. The core courses are available in distance-learning formats. Access to the Internet is required. Enrollment is continuous. Students have six months to complete each course. Students should consult with their faculty advisors to design a program of study beyond the core requirements. Students are required to present an oral defense of the thesis or project on the George Mason campus. Degree RequirementsA contract with a clearly identified cognate must be approved by a faculty academic advisor at or before the time that a student completes 9 to 12 credits. The contract must include a 3-credit course in research/methodology.
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