2009-2010 University Catalog 
  
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2009-2010 University Catalog

Interdisciplinary Studies

■ Interdisciplinary Studies

Phone: 703-993-8762
Web: mais.gmu.edu

Executive Committee

Addleson, Burns, Hodzic, Kidd, Lont, Martin, O’Connor, Rodgers, Salmon, Shutika, Simmons, Snyder-Hall (director), Sorrell, Wood, Vitazkova, Yocom

Course Work

This program offers the courses designated MAIS in the Courses  chapter of this catalog. However, students in the Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS) degree take most of their courses in the disciplines that they integrate as part of their degree program.

Graduate Programs

The master’s degree program in interdisciplinary studies (MAIS) is designed for students who seek a degree that integrates knowledge from several disciplines. It addresses a rapidly evolving demand for for specialized and individualized graduate study. Students choose one of eight structured concentrations or devise an individualized program of study when traditional degree programs do not meet their evolving careers or life goals.

The degree requires course work from a home department and selected courses from other disciplines. Student complete their degrees with a project or thesis.

Concentrations

Students pursuing a master’s degree program in interdisciplinary studies can choose a concentration in community college teaching or higher education, both sponsored by the Higher Education Program. They can do a concentration in folklore, sponsored by the faculty in English or one in religion, culture, and values, sponsored by Religious Studies. The video-based production concentration is sponsored by the Communication Department, while the concentration in women and gender studies is sponsored by the Women and Gender Studies Program and that in Zoo and Aquarium Leadership, by New Century College.

For a variety of reasons, traditional graduate programs are not able to meet the specific eduational goals of some students. They can choose the individualized concentration. With the help of a faculty advisor, they design an individualized program of study that includes courses from several academic disciplines.

Programs

Master's Degree