This is an archived copy of the 2019-2020 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.gmu.edu.

The master of arts 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 nine 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 coursework 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 established concentrations in these areas:

  • Computational Social Science
  • Energy and Sustainability
  • Folklore Studies
  • Higher Education
  • Religious Studies
  • Social Entrepreneurship
  • Social Justice and Human Rights
  • War and the Military in Society
  • Women and Gender Studies

For a variety of reasons, traditional graduate programs are not able to meet the specific educational 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.

Concentration Heads

Breglia, Crooks, Dakake, Gatling, Hamner, Lair, Lester, Lewis, McCarron, Sachedina

MA Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS)

Students pursuing an MAIS take most of their courses in the disciplines that they integrate as part of their degree program.

MAIS Course Schedule

600 Level Courses

MAIS 600: Special Topics in Interdisciplinary Studies. 3 credits.
Examines broad social, cultural, political, environmental, and scientific issues through a variety of disciplinary lenses. Topics vary. Offered by School of Integrative Studies. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 6 credits.
Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Graduate or Non-Degree.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

700 Level Courses

MAIS 795: Experiential Learning. 1-3 credits.
Provides practical work experience via an internship, service-learning project, consultancy, or field study that the student brokers with a third party. Students may not use work done previously or their current employment for course credit. All experiential learning placements must be approved by the student’s concentration head prior to registration to ensure suitability to the student’s program.Offered by Interdisciplinary Studies. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 3 credits.
Recommended Prerequisite: 12 graduate credits in the Interdisciplinary Studies program or permission of the program director.
Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

Enrollment limited to students in a Master of Interdiscply Studies degree.

Schedule Type: Internship
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
MAIS 796: MAIS ProSeminar. 1 credit.
Introduces students to the structure of the MAIS program; students create a portfolio of their work which continues during their studies; the portfolio prepares students for the capstone project or thesis.Offered by Interdisciplinary Studies. May not be repeated for credit.
Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students in a Master of Interdiscply Studies degree.

Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
MAIS 797: Interdisciplinary Studies Proposal. 1 credit.
Focused on formulating and writing a MAIS project or thesis proposal.Offered by Interdisciplinary Studies. May not be repeated for credit.
Recommended Prerequisite: Admission to MAIS and completion of 21 credits of graduate course work, including any required research methodology course; MAIS 796.
Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment is limited to Graduate or Non-Degree level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
MAIS 798: Interdisciplinary Studies Project. 1-5 credits.
Research project related to student's concentration taken under supervision of faculty advisor and project evaluation committee.Offered by Interdisciplinary Studies. May be repeated within the degree. Equivalent to HE 798.
Recommended Prerequisite: MAIS 797 and prior approval of a project proposal by the committee chair, two committee members, and MAIS director.
Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment is limited to Graduate or Non-Degree level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Thesis
Grading:
This course is graded on the Satisfactory/No Credit scale.
MAIS 799: Interdisciplinary Studies Thesis. 1-5 credits.
Original research endeavor related to student's MAIS program concentration. Research must result in document meeting MAIS and university standards.Offered by Interdisciplinary Studies. May be repeated within the degree. Equivalent to HE 799.
Recommended Prerequisite: MAIS 797 and prior approval of a project proposal by the committee chair, two committee members, and MAIS director.
Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment is limited to Graduate or Non-Degree level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Thesis
Grading:
This course is graded on the Satisfactory/No Credit scale.