2010-2011 University Catalog 
  
  Catalog Home
  About George Mason University
  Admission
  Tuition, Expenses, and Financial Aid
  Academic Policies
  Student Rights and Responsibilities
  General Policies
  University Academic Programs and Resources
  University General Education
  Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution
  College of Education and Human Development
  College of Health and Human Services
  College of Humanities and Social Sciences
  Krasnow Institute for Advanced Study
  School of Law
  School of Management
  School of Public Policy
  College of Science
  College of Visual and Performing Arts
  Volgenau School of Information Technology and Engineering
  Programs of Study
  Programs by Department
  Courses
  Administration and Faculty
  Schedule of Classes
HELP
2010-2011 University Catalog

Interdisciplinary Studies

■ Interdisciplinary Studies

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

Executive Committee

Addleson, Brown Leonard, Dakake, Hodzic, Kinnaman, Lont, O’Connor, Rodgers, Salmon, Snyder-Hall (director), Vitazkova, Yocom

Course Work

This program offers the courses designated MAIS in the Courses  chapter of this catalog. Students in this 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 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. Students 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; a concentration in neuroethics, sponsored by the Philosophy Department; or a concentration in religion, culture, and values, sponsored by Religious Studies. The concentration in video-based production is sponsored by the Communication Department, the concentration in women and gender studies is sponsored by the Women and Gender Studies Program, and the concentration in zoo and aquarium leadership is sponsored 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 an 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