The MAIS in interdisciplinary studies is for students who seek a master's degree that integrates knowledge from several disciplines. It addresses the rapidly evolving demand for unique graduate study by promoting advanced scholarship that transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries. Students can pursue one of the following structured interdisciplinary concentrations and also have the opportunity to design an individualized concentration to meet the special needs of their careers.
Concentrations and Faculty
Benjamin Gatling (interim director)
Computational Social Sciences (Anamaria Berea, concentration head)
Energy and Sustainability* (Richard Todd Stafford, concentration head)
Religious Studies (Maria M Dakake, concentration head)
Social Entrepreneurship (Samuel L. Frye, concentration head)
Social Justice and Human Rights (Shayna Maskell, concentration head)
War and the Military in Society (Christopher H. Hamner, concentration head)
Women and Gender Studies (Rachel A. Lewis, concentration head)
Admissions
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions. For information specific to the MAIS in Interdisciplinary Studies, see Application Requirements and Deadlines.
Applicants must show a capacity for original thought in cross-disciplinary research. There may be additional skills required of students applying to specific concentrations. Students will be admitted to the Individualized Studies concentration only if the applicant identifies a Mason Faculty member appropriate for the intended course of study who is willing to serve as the student’s advisor.
Policies
For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.
Credit Restrictions
Courses applied to the degree are subject to the following restrictions:
- a maximum of 6 credits may be earned through independent study or directed readings and research courses
- a maximum of 6 credits may be taken through the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area
- a maximum of 15 credits may be transfer credits
- a maximum of 6 of the transfer credits may be from other accredited institutions
Transfer credits include credits taken before first enrolling as an admitted degree-seeking student (at another institution, in another Mason graduate program, or in Mason nondegree status) or credits taken at another institution after admission to the degree program through study abroad or study elsewhere (which requires prior written approval of the director and the dean). Additional information may be found in Academic Policies.
Degree Requirements
Total credits: 36
This is a Green Leaf program.
The Green Leaf status for this program applies only to the concentration in Energy and Sustainability.
Students should be aware of the specific policies associated with this program, located on the Admissions & Policies tab.
Students pursuing this degree must successfully complete 36 credits of graduate coursework in one of the concentrations which follow. Students must submit a curriculum worksheet that has been approved by their concentration head and the director. Some concentrations require a project or thesis.
Concentration in Computational Social Science (CSS)
Computational social science (CSS) is a relatively new interdisciplinary science in which social science questions are investigated with modern computational tools. Computational social scientists investigate complex social phenomena such as economic markets, traffic control, and political systems by simulating the interactions of the many actors in such systems on computers. They hope to gain insights which will lead to better management of the behavior of the larger social systems, i.e., prevention of market crashes, smoothed traffic flow, or maintenance of political stability. The intractability of many social problems calls for the new approaches provided by computational social science.
CSS is a highly interdisciplinary field that requires teams to plan and complete projects, be they undertaken by government, industry, or non-profit entities. Project managers of such teams, overseeing all elements of project design and execution, tend to hold PhDs. The MAIS concentration will train students to be members of these project teams, able to meaningfully contribute to background research and to project design, execution, and communication.
Prior background should include a bachelor’s degree in one of the social sciences, in computer science, in engineering, or in a relevant discipline, as well as undergraduate courses in these and related areas. Bachelor’s degrees in other areas are also eligible, but the student may be required to take additional courses in social science, mathematics, or computer science as prerequisites to admission.
Core Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses 1 | ||
| CSS 600 | Introduction to Computational Social Science | 3 |
| CSS 605 | Object-Oriented Modeling in Social Science | 3 |
| CSS 610 | Agent-based Modeling and Simulation | 3 |
| Electives 2 | ||
| Select three electives from the following: | 9 | |
| Origins of Social Complexity | ||
| Complexity Theory in the Social Sciences | ||
| Spatial Agent-Based Models of Human-Environment Interactions | ||
| Social Network Analysis | ||
| Topics in Computational Social Science | ||
| Total Credits | 18 | |
- 1
The required CSS courses provide an understanding of the conceptual, technical, and practical foundations of computational social science.
- 2
The electives provide an understanding of the technical foundations and current work in at least two subfields of computational social science.
Research Course
The research course provides students with exposure to the most current ongoing research in the field and allows them to further develop their computational research expertise.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one from the following: | 3 | |
| Directed Reading and Research | ||
| Research Colloquium in Computational Social Science | ||
| Colloquium in Computational Social Science | ||
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Electives (9-12 credits)
The electives allow students to acquire a substantive specialization as well as additional training in social and computational science. Because of the broad spectrum of social science phenomena, methodologies, and student backgrounds, there is a large pool of potential courses. Electives may include any Mason master's-level course in computational social science, social science, computer science, computational science and informatics, statistics, or other quantitative methods such as data visualization, information technology, and geographic information science. Electives should be selected in conjunction with and approval of the student's advisor and the Director of CSS Graduate Studies. If the student does not have prior coursework in multivariate statistical analysis, the electives should include at least one such course relevant for the student's chosen specialization.
Students who elect to complete a thesis or project will take 9 elective credits. Students who do not complete a thesis or project take 12 elective credits.
Integrative Learning Experience Course
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MAIS 793 | Integrated Learning Experience | 3 |
Optional Project or Thesis
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Students have the option to select one from the following: | 3 | |
| Interdisciplinary Studies Project (take 3 credits) | ||
| Interdisciplinary Studies Thesis (take 3 credits) | ||
Concentration in Energy and Sustainability (EAS)
This concentration is designed for students interested in careers in energy and sustainability-related positions in the public, private, or non-profit sectors, including law, national and international policy, media, government, and business. As one of the University's Green Leaf academic programs, the concentration in energy and sustainability focuses on finding ways to meet present needs for energy and material goods without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. A sustainability education lies at the intersection of environmental science, engineering, economics, business, public policy, social justice, and many other areas. Energy required to fuel all of these endeavors is a crucial component of sustainability.
Core Courses in Energy and Sustainability
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| EVPP 533 | Energy Policy | 3 |
| GGS 507 | Geographic Approaches for Sustainable Development | 3 |
| Natural Science Course | ||
| PHYS 581 | Topics in Renewable Energy | 3 |
| or GEOL 521 | Geology of Energy Resources | |
| Total Credits | 9 | |
Energy, Sustainability or Environmental Policy
Students choose from the following courses or other relevant courses chosen in consultation with an advisor.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select two courses from the following: | 6 | |
| National Security Technology and Policy | ||
| Special Topics in Economics 1 | ||
| Selected Topics in Environmental Science (take 3 credits) 2 | ||
| Corporate Environmental Management and Policy | ||
| Environmental Policy | ||
| Topics in Policy and Government (when topic involves environmental or sustainability policy) | ||
| Topics in Public Policy 3 | ||
| Total Credits | 6 | |
- 1
When the topic involves environmental or sustainability policy.
- 2
When the topic involves energy or sustainability policy.
- 3
When the topic involves environmental or sustainability issues.
Humanities or Social Science Approaches to Sustainability and Environmental Issues
Students choose from the following courses or other relevant courses chosen in consultation with an advisor.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select two courses from the following: | 6 | |
| Climate Change and Sustainability Communication Campaigns | ||
| Special Topics in Economics 2 | ||
| International Environmental Politics | ||
| Problems in American History 1 | ||
| Contemporary Issues in Social Justice Human Rights | ||
| Environmental Ethics | ||
| Religion and the Natural Environment | ||
| Total Credits | 6 | |
- 1
When the topic involves environmental or sustainability issues.
- 2
When the topic involves environmental or sustainability policy.
Planning, Modeling, or Management
Students choose from the following courses or other relevant courses chosen in consultation with an advisor.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one from the following: | 3-4 | |
| Infrastructure Modeling | ||
| Corporate Environmental Management and Policy | ||
| Ecosystem Analysis and Modeling | ||
| Directed Studies in Environmental Science and Public Policy (take 3 credits) | ||
| Total Credits | 3-4 | |
Natural Science
Students choose from the following courses or other relevant courses chosen in consultation with an advisor.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one from the following: | 3 | |
| Scientific Basis of Climate Change | ||
| Fundamentals of Ecology | ||
| Applied Ecology and Ecosystem Management | ||
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Electives
Students who elect to complete a project or thesis will not need any elective credits. Students who do not complete a project or thesis will take 3 elective credits.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 0-3 credits from the following: | 0-3 | |
| National Security Technology and Policy | ||
| Infrastructure Modeling | ||
| Transportation Engineering and the Environment | ||
| Scientific Basis of Climate Change | ||
| Climate Change and Sustainability Communication Campaigns | ||
| Special Topics in Economics 1 | ||
| Selected Topics in Environmental Science (take 3 credits) 1 | ||
| Fundamentals of Ecology | ||
| Corporate Environmental Management and Policy | ||
| Environmental Policy | ||
| Ecosystem Analysis and Modeling | ||
| Applied Ecology and Ecosystem Management | ||
| Directed Studies in Environmental Science and Public Policy (take 3 credits) | ||
| International Environmental Politics | ||
| Geology of Energy Resources | ||
| Problems in American History 2 | ||
| Contemporary Issues in Social Justice Human Rights | ||
| Experiential Learning 3 | ||
| Environmental Ethics | ||
| Topics in Renewable Energy | ||
| Topics in Public Policy 2 | ||
| Transportation Economics | ||
| Religion and the Natural Environment | ||
| Total Credits | 0-3 | |
- 1
When the topic involves environmental or sustainability policy.
- 2
When the topic involves environmental or sustainability issues.
- 3
Students may fulfill their elective credits with experiential learning. Experiential learning opportunities can include internships, service-learning, consulting projects, and field studies or research (including overseas). Because the intention is to develop and apply newly acquired skills, students may not use work done previously or their current employment to fulfill this requirement. All experiential learning projects must be approved by the energy and sustainability concentration head the semester before registering for the course.
Research Methods Course
Students choose one of the following courses or other relevant courses in consultation with an advisor.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one course from the following: | 3 | |
| Numerical Methods for Bioinformatics | ||
| Qualitative Research Methods for Environmental Scientists | ||
| Ecosystem Analysis and Modeling | ||
| Multivariate Data Analysis for Ecology and Environmental Science | ||
| Interdisciplinary Research Methods | ||
| Computational Methods in Engineering and Statistics | ||
| Introductory Data Analysis for Policy and Government | ||
| Topics in Public Policy 1 | ||
| Methods and Logic of Social Inquiry | ||
| Total Credits | 3 | |
- 1
When topic is Analytical Methods for Science, Technology and Innovation Policy.
Integrative Learning Experience Course
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MAIS 793 | Integrated Learning Experience | 3 |
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Optional Project or Thesis
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Students have the option to select one from the following: | 3 | |
| Interdisciplinary Studies Project (take 3 credits) | ||
| Interdisciplinary Studies Thesis (take 3 credits) | ||
Concentration in Religious Studies (RELI)
The concentration in religious studies is particularly relevant for students who are interested in careers in law, national and international government, print and media journalism, library sciences, archives and museums, public and social service, teaching, advanced graduate studies, and religious communities and institutions. The Washington, DC metropolitan area is rich in the presence of many major religious traditions and their places of worship.
The core courses introduce students to the study of religion as a unique and rigorous intellectual discipline. Students learn to evaluate a variety of perspectives on religion and gain a clear understanding of the dimension of the sacred in all aspects of human life including those commonly designated "secular". Students discover how religious perceptions of the sacred respond to an evolving world and relate to and influence cultures, institutions, and values.
Students also examine the effects of historical crises and the forces of change on religions including contemporary religious pluralism and inter-religious dialogue. Students gain a deeper knowledge of specific traditions and a more profound understanding of values and worldviews from the viewpoint of cultural diversity and religious pluralism.
Core Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| RELI 600 | Interdisciplinary Pathways in the Study of Religion | 3 |
| RELI 630 | Theories and Methods in the Study of Religion | 3 |
| Total Credits | 6 | |
Interdisciplinary Competencies in Religious Studies (9 credits)
Students take three courses from the list of competencies below to complement their interests and the skills they have already acquired through formal education and professional experience, or other courses that are chosen in consultation with an advisor.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Religion, Philosophy, and Ethics | ||
| Aristotle: Selected Works | ||
| Hegel's Phenomenology of the Spirit | ||
| History of Ethical Theory | ||
| Feminist Theory | ||
| Issues in Religious Ethics | ||
| Religion and the Natural Environment | ||
| Religion and Secularity in State and Society | ||
| Religion and Law | ||
| Islam and Human Rights | ||
| Islamic Biomedical Ethics (Religion in the Americas) | ||
| Religion in the Americas | ||
| Religion in North America to 1870 | ||
| U.S. Religion since 1870 | ||
| Topics in U.S. Religious History | ||
| Topics in American Religion | ||
| Religion and Law | ||
| Religions in Confliclt, Conversation, and Transition | ||
| World Religions, Diplomacy, and Conflict Resolution | ||
| Conflict and Religion | ||
| Interreligious Dialogue | ||
| Religion and Secularity in State and Society | ||
| Islamic Texts and Contexts | ||
| Muslim Comparative Theologies: Sunni-Shi`i Religious Thought | ||
Electives
Elective courses should complement the student's competencies, and/or reflect the topic of their project or thesis. Students take 15 credits of electives chosen from the courses listed below, or other appropriate courses chosen in consultation with the concentration head.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 5-6 courses from the following: | ||
| Anthropology and the Human Condition: Seminar I | ||
| Anthropology and the Human Condition: Seminar II | ||
| World Religions, Diplomacy, and Conflict Resolution | ||
| Conflict and Religion | ||
| Religion in North America to 1870 | ||
| U.S. Religion since 1870 | ||
| Topics in U.S. Religious History | ||
| Aristotle: Selected Works | ||
| Hegel's Phenomenology of the Spirit | ||
| History of Ethical Theory | ||
| Feminist Theory | ||
| Interreligious Dialogue | ||
| Issues in Religious Ethics | ||
| Topics in American Religion | ||
| Religion and the Natural Environment | ||
| Religion and Secularity in State and Society | ||
| Religion and Law | ||
| Islamic Texts and Contexts | ||
| Muslim Comparative Theologies: Sunni-Shi`i Religious Thought | ||
| Islam and Human Rights | ||
| Islamic Biomedical Ethics | ||
| Ethnography | ||
Integrated Learning Experience Course
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MAIS 793 | Integrated Learning Experience | 3 |
Project or Thesis
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one from the following: | 3 | |
| Interdisciplinary Studies Project (take 3 credits) | ||
| Interdisciplinary Studies Thesis (take 3 credits) | ||
Concentration in Social Entrepreneurship (SOCE)
The concentration in social entrepreneurship will equip students with the subject matter expertise, strategic knowledge, technical support, and social networks needed to create, operate, develop, and accelerate startups; bring ideas to scale; and improve an existing program's effectiveness. These future leaders will learn about sustainability, ethical leadership, strategic management, and working effectively within complex networks made up of divergent groups of stakeholders. All students will complete a capstone research project and an experiential learning requirement that deliver practical knowledge and real-world experience. This degree is suitable for students seeking careers in government, business, or the non-profit sector.
Core Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Social Entrepreneurship and Leadership | ||
| INTS 550 | Social Innovation In Action | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Leadership in a Changing Environment | ||
| Special Topics (when topic is Leadership and Organizational Problem Solving) | ||
| Business | ||
| Select one course from the following: | 3 | |
| Special Topics in Graduate School of Business 1 | ||
| Entrepreneurship | ||
| Total Credits | 9 | |
- 1
When topic is Introduction to Entrepreneurship.
Interdisciplinary Perspectives and Competencies in Social Entrepreneurship (9-12 credits)
Students take three or four courses from the list of competencies below to complement the skills they have already acquired through formal education and professional experience, or other courses to enhance their skills, including oral and written communication and research methods, that are chosen in consultation with an advisor. Students choosing to complete a project or thesis take 9 credits including a research methods course. Students choosing not to complete a project or thesis take 12 credits total, with a research methods course being optional.
Environmental and Public Policy
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate Environmental Management and Policy | ||
| Public Policy Process | ||
| Social Entrepreneurship and Public Policy | ||
| Entrepreneurship, Economics, and Public Policy |
Finance and Accounting
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Nonprofit Fund Raising and Resource Development | ||
| Nonprofit Financial Management |
Business and Project Management
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Special Topics in Graduate School of Business 1 | ||
or MBA 711 | Entrepreneurship | |
| Project Management | ||
| Turning Ideas into Successful Companies | ||
| Introduction to Management of Nonprofits | ||
| Social Entrepreneurship and Social Enterprise | ||
| Nonprofit Law, Governance, and Ethics | ||
- 1
When topic is Introduction to Entrepreneurship.
Leadership and Well-Being
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Experiential Learning 1 | ||
| Experiential Learning 2 |
- 1
When topic is Mindfulness and Leadership.
- 2
When the topic is Leadership and Positive Organizations.
Research Methods
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Interdisciplinary Research Methods | ||
| Research for Social Change | ||
Appropriate alternative chosen in consultation with the concentration head | ||
Subject Matter Expertise (12 credits)
Students must develop expertise in the social problem they seek to address through entrepreneurship. Possible areas of focus include global and/or local poverty, homelessness, human trafficking, conflict resolution, women's rights, racial inequality, educational and health-care access, climate change, environmental sustainability, and human rights, among other possible topics. The experiential learning requirement should be met through an opportunity that advances the student's understanding of their subject matter expertise.
Students take:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| INTS 540 | Contemporary Issues in Social Justice Human Rights 1 | 3 |
| 6 credits of courses related to the student's chosen subject matter area of expertise, chosen in consultation with the concentration head. | 6 | |
| Experiential learning | 3 | |
| Experiential Learning 2 | ||
or other relevant experiential learning course chosen in consultation with the concentration head. | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
- 1
or other social justice and human rights course chosen in consultation with the concentration head.
- 2
Students will seek out and/or create an opportunity for experiential learning that aligns with a social mission. Experiential learning opportunities can include internships, service-learning, consulting projects, and field studies or research (including overseas). Because the intention is to develop and apply newly acquired skills, students may not use work done previously or their current employment to fulfill this requirement. All experiential learning projects must be approved by the social entrepreneurship concentration head the semester before registering for the course.
Integrated Learning Experience Course
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MAIS 793 | Integrated Learning Experience | 3 |
Optional Project or Thesis
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Students have the option to select one from the following: | 3 | |
| Interdisciplinary Studies Project (take 3 credits) | ||
| Interdisciplinary Studies Thesis (take 3 credits) | ||
Concentration in Social Justice and Human Rights (SJHR)
The social justice and human rights concentration is designed to cultivate a deep theoretical understanding of the social, political, cultural, historical, and economic implications of a wide array of social injustices and human rights issues. Students are engaged in the applied process of imagining and actualizing holistic and complex strategies for creating and sustaining a more equitable, just, and humane world.
Core Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Foundational Course | ||
| INTS 540 | Contemporary Issues in Social Justice Human Rights | 3 |
| Social Justice and Human Rights Courses | ||
| INTS 537 | Critical Race Studies | 3 |
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
| Queer Theory | ||
| Feminist Theories | ||
| Social Justice and Human Rights Issues and Movements | ||
| Select one course from the following: | 3 | |
| Social Justice and Equity in International Education | ||
| Access and Social Justice | ||
| Representations of Race | ||
| Racial and Ethnic Relations: American and Selected Global Perspectives | ||
| Gender, Sexuality, and Disability | ||
| Gender, Sexuality, and Human Rights | ||
other relevant course chosen in consultation with the concentration head | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Emphasis Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 6 credits of courses with an emphasis on a specific social justice or human rights issue or context or a specific region, chosen in consultation with the concentration head. The theme of the emphasis courses should be reflected in the student's experiential learning project. 1 | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 6 | |
- 1
Examples of issue emphases include racial justice, human trafficking, or children's rights. Context emphases examples include the education, corporate, or government sector. Regional emphases examples include the Middle East, Latin America, or Southeast Asia.
Experiential Learning
Students will seek out and/or create an opportunity for experiential learning that deepens their understanding of social justice and/or human rights. Experiential learning opportunities can include internships, service-learning, consulting projects, and field studies or research (including overseas). The experiential learning requirement should be met through an opportunity that advances the student's understanding of their chosen emphasis. Because the intention is to develop and apply newly acquired skills, students may not use work done previously or their current employment to fulfill this requirement. All experiential learning projects must be approved by the social justice and human rights concentration head in the semester before registering for the course. Students may register for an individualized section of MAIS 695 Experiential Learning or another graduate-level internship or practicum course to fulfill this requirement.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MAIS 695 | Experiential Learning | 3 |
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Students complete 6 elective credits from the following or other relevant courses chosen in consultation with the concentration head. | 6 | |
| Culture, Power, and Conflict | ||
| Intercultural Communication | ||
| Climate Change and Sustainability Communication Campaigns | ||
| Special Topics in Communication 1 | ||
| Diversity and Difference in Conflict Analysis and Resolution | ||
| Principles of Environmental Conflict Resolution | ||
| Peace Studies | ||
| Gender and Violence | ||
| Identity and Conflict | ||
| Ethnic and Cultural Factors in Conflict Resolution | ||
| Conflict and Race | ||
| Conflict and Gender | ||
| Human Rights Theory and Practice in Comparative Perspective | ||
| Structural Sources of Conflict | ||
| Introduction to Culturally Linguistically Diverse Learners | ||
| Education and Culture | ||
| Advanced Topics in Education 2 | ||
| The Achievement Gap | ||
| School Reform in the United States: Politics and Policies | ||
| Neighborhood, Community, Education Policy | ||
| Social Justice and Equity in International Education | ||
| Seminar in Multicultural Education | ||
| Special Topics in the History and Criticism of Children's Literature 3 | ||
| Human Dimensions of Climate Change | ||
| Cultural Pluralism in Higher Education | ||
| Access and Social Justice | ||
| Special Topics in Higher Education 4 | ||
| Problems in American History 5 | ||
| Representations of Race | ||
| Experiential Learning 6 | ||
| Special Topics in Nutrition and Food Studies 7 | ||
| Environmental Ethics | ||
| Environmental Policy | ||
| Advocacy and Lobbying | ||
| Social Institutions and Public Policy | ||
| Human Smuggling and Trafficking | ||
| Islam and Human Rights | ||
| Racial and Ethnic Relations: American and Selected Global Perspectives | ||
| International Migration in the Age of Globalization | ||
| Special Topics in Sociology 8 | ||
| Social Networks, New Media, and Inequality | ||
| Institutions and Inequalities | ||
| Sociology of Human Rights | ||
| Social Policy for Children and Youth | ||
| Global Human Rights Policy | ||
| Empowering Communities for Change | ||
| Gender, Sexuality, and Disability | ||
| Transnational Sexualities | ||
| Sexuality, Race, and Immigration | ||
| Policing Black Bodies | ||
| Current Topics in Women and Gender Studies 9 | ||
| Special Topics 10 | ||
| Gender, Sexuality, and Human Rights | ||
| Feminist Theories | ||
| Transnational Issues of Gender and Race | ||
| Total Credits | 6 | |
- 1
When topic is New Media and Democracy.
- 2
When topic is Gender, Education, and Schooling
- 3
When topic is Disability in Children's Literature.
- 4
When topic is Contemporary and Critical Social Theories.
- 5
When topic is Gender and Racial Ideology in Jim Crow.
- 6
Chosen in consultation with concentration head.
- 7
When topic is Urban Agriculture.
- 8
When topic is Women and Global Issues.
- 9
When topic is Women, Law, and Justice.
- 10
When topic is Narratives of Human Rights: Violations Against Women and Girls.
Research Methods Course
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one course from the following | 3 | |
| Interdisciplinary Research Methods | ||
| Research Methods in Higher Education | ||
| Research for Social Change | ||
| Feminist Research Methods | ||
Other relevant course in consultation with an advisor | ||
Integrated Learning Experience Course
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MAIS 793 | Integrated Learning Experience | 3 |
Project or Thesis
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one from the following: | 3 | |
| Interdisciplinary Studies Project (take 3 credits) | ||
| Interdisciplinary Studies Thesis (take 3 credits) | ||
Concentration in War and the Military in Society (WMS)
The concentration in war and the military in society equips students with skills and knowledge to evaluate, analyze, and solve problems related to the use of organized violence, including questions of national security and national strategy, international relations, defense policymaking, and domestic, fiscal, legal, and social policy surrounding the instruments of national defense. Students will engage in interdisciplinary coursework that provides a variety of methods and tools to frame and analyze these questions, using historical and contemporary case studies to better understand the dilemmas and opportunities facing policymakers and military professionals in their efforts to think strategically about a variety of challenges.
All students will complete a capstone research project that provides an opportunity to do deep research into an historic or contemporary case. In addition, students may also complete an experiential learning requirement that combines practical knowledge and real-world experience to engage in problems connected to war and society.
Interdisciplinary Perspectives on War and the Military in Society (27 Credits)
Students take 9 courses from 2 or more interdisciplinary perspectives below to complement the skills and subject matter expertise they have already acquired through formal education and professional experience, or other courses to enhance their portfolio that are chosen in consultation with the concentration head.
Historical Perspectives
These courses draw upon conflicts from two thousand years of human experience, from ancient Rome to contemporary issues in civil-military relations. The historical perspective focuses upon the past and the way that problems related to war and society have changed over time.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Problems in American History (when topic is The Second World War or Civil Military Relations) | ||
| Topics in the American Civil War Era (when the topic is The Civil War) | ||
| Era of the American Revolution | ||
| Problems in European History (when the topic is Fall of the Roman Empire, The First Global Wars, Revolutions in the Atlantic, The Second World War, or Technology and Power) | ||
| The Vietnam War | ||
| War and Remembrance |
Contemporary Policy Perspectives
These courses focus on the applied study of security and on concrete, modern-day issues related to the particular challenges of organized violence in the twenty-first century.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Biodefense Strategy | ||
| Nonproliferation and Arms Control | ||
| Examining Terrorist Groups | ||
| Terrorism and Weapons of Mass Destruction | ||
| Selected Topics (when the topic is Urban Warfare) | ||
| Islam and Politics | ||
| Topics in Policy and Government (when the topic is Middle East Security, European Security, or International Money Laundering and Terror) | ||
| Interagency Operations in Conflict and Post-Conflict Settings | ||
| Analysis for Peace Operations | ||
| International Police Operations |
Theoretical Perspectives
These courses focus on theories of war, peace, and security across a broad range of contemporary and historic cases and through a variety of disciplinary lenses.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Topics in Global Health Security (when the topic is Cyber Warfare Strategy/Policy) | ||
| Dynamics of Civil Wars | ||
| Selected Topics in Geography (when the topic is Military Geography or Insurgency) | ||
| International Relations | ||
| International Security | ||
| Topics in Policy and Government (when the topic is Intelligence and Public Policy, Disruptive Technology and National Security, or Information Intelligence and Smart Power) | ||
| Grand Strategy | ||
| Ethics and the Use of Force |
Practical or Applied Perspectives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Experiential Learning 1 |
- 1
Students seek out and/or create an opportunity for experiential learning that aligns with their educational or professional interests. Experiential learning opportunities can include internships, service-learning, consulting projects, or field studies. Because the intention is to develop and apply newly acquired skills, students may not use work done previously or their current employment to fulfill this requirement. All experiential learning projects must be approved by the war and the military in society concentration head the semester before registering for the course.
Research Methods
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Students select one research methods course from the following: | 3 | |
| Interdisciplinary Research Methods | ||
| The Study and Writing of History | ||
| Military Operations Research I: Cost Analysis | ||
| Military Operations Research Modeling II: Effectiveness Analysis | ||
| Topics in Policy and Government (when topic is Qualitative Research Methods) | ||
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Integrated Learning Experience Course
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MAIS 793 | Integrated Learning Experience | 3 |
Project or Thesis
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one from the following: | 3 | |
| Interdisciplinary Studies Project (take 3 credit) | ||
| Interdisciplinary Studies Thesis (take 3 credits) | ||
Concentration in Women and Gender Studies (WGST)
The concentration in women and gender studies promotes advanced scholarship that transcends traditional boundaries. Students combine required coursework in feminist theory, feminist research methods, critical race theory, queer and sexuality studies, and transnational feminisms with elective course offerings in disciplines such as history, literature, sociology, anthropology, health, education, philosophy, social work, conflict analysis and resolution, or the arts. The program accommodates both full-time and part-time students.
Of the coursework required for this concentration as described below, at least 21 credits must be in core courses related to the study of women and gender. Students must earn a grade of B- or higher in the core courses.
Students interested in pursuing a dual master's program linking the MAIS degree and a master's degree in another discipline should discuss their interest with the graduate program directors of both programs and review the university policies regarding Individualized Dual Master's Degree Programs.
Core Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| WMST 630 | Feminist Theories | 3 |
| WMST 640 | Transnational Issues of Gender and Race | 3 |
| WMST 610 | Feminist Research Methods | 3 |
| Students take one course from each of the following areas. 1 | 9 | |
Critical Race Studies (3 credits) | ||
| Critical Race Studies | ||
| Representations of Race | ||
| Genealogy of Black Feminist Thought | ||
| Policing Black Bodies | ||
or INTS 541 | Policing Black Bodies | |
| Current Topics in Women and Gender Studies (when topic is Black Psychology) | ||
| Special Topics (when topic is Gender, Race, Reform 1800-1920, Gender, Race and Lynching or Gender and Racial Idealogy in Jim Crow) | ||
Bodies and Sexualities (3 credits) | ||
| Gender, Sexuality, and Disability | ||
| Current Topics in Women and Gender Studies (when topic is Feminist Ecopolitics or Gender, Race and Animal Rights) | ||
| Queer Theory | ||
Transnational and Global Perspectives (3 credits) | ||
| Transnational Sexualities | ||
| Gender, Sexuality, and Human Rights | ||
| Sexuality, Race, and Immigration | ||
| Sociology of Globalization | ||
| Social Justice and Equity in International Education | ||
| Total Credits | 18 | |
- 1
Students may take additional courses from these areas and count them toward their elective credits.
Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Students take 12 credits in elective courses that address the study of women and gender and that are not taken as part of the core focus. | 12 | |
| Gender, Sexuality, and Disability | ||
| Transnational Sexualities | ||
| Sexuality, Race, and Immigration | ||
| Current Topics in Women and Gender Studies (can be repeated for credit) | ||
| Special Topics (can be repeated for credit) | ||
| Queer Theory | ||
| Gender, Sexuality, and Human Rights | ||
| Internship | ||
Other relevant courses from other disciplines chosen in consultation with concentration head | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Integrated Learning Experience Course
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MAIS 793 | Integrated Learning Experience | 3 |
Project or Thesis
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one from the following: | 3 | |
| Interdisciplinary Studies Project (take 3 credits) | ||
| Interdisciplinary Studies Thesis (take 3 credits) | ||
Individualized Concentration (IND)
This concentration is for students who wish to design a graduate program to meet the special needs of their careers and life plans. Students usually choose this option because traditional graduate programs do not meet their specific goals. Students, with help from their faculty advisor, design a unique program of study that includes courses from several academic departments.
Students have access to most graduate courses offered by Mason but must meet all course prerequisites. Each student must submit a curriculum worksheet approved by the student's advisor and director during the first semester enrolled. Any subsequent amendments must have the approval of the student's advisor and the director.
Disciplinary Focus
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 15 credits in one discipline. These require the approval of faculty advisor and MAIS director. | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Complementary Disciplines
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Students choosing to complete a project or thesis take 12 credits in complementary disciplines. Students choosing not to complete a project or thesis take 15 credits total. These require the approval of faculty advisor and MAIS director. | 12-15 | |
| Total Credits | 12-15 | |
Research Methods
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Students take the following research methods course or other relevant courses in consultation with a faculty advisor and MAIS director. | 3 | |
| Interdisciplinary Research Methods | ||
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Integrated Learning Experience Course
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MAIS 793 | Integrated Learning Experience | 3 |
Optional Project or Thesis
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one from the following: | 3 | |
| Interdisciplinary Studies Project (take 3 credits) | ||
| Interdisciplinary Studies Thesis (take 3 credits) | ||
Program Outcomes
- Students will identify, describe, and apply interdisciplinary perspectives to their work, synthesize information with examples, theories, or facts from more than one field of study, and apply information gained in one learning context toward complex issues in another.
- Students will devise an interdisciplinary approach to a research problem, demonstrate command of the current literature of the relevant field(s), and develop and describe a methodology appropriate to the problem.
- Students will identify quantitative and/or qualitative data from more than one discipline that can be applied to a research problem and organize and synthesize evidence to reveal insightful patterns, differences, or similarities.
- Students will frame a significant research question that is open-ended, appropriately scaled, and answerable, craft a coherent argument and insightfully interpret/analyze evidence to support it, situate the discussion within the existing literature or genre, and present research in a rigorous and professionally competent manner.
- Students will extend previous work in the field or apply significant research to a practical or creative problem.
- Global Affairs, MA and Interdisciplinary Studies, MAIS (concentration in women and gender studies) Dual Degree
- Philosophy, MA and Interdisciplinary Studies, MAIS (Concentration in women and gender studies) Dual Degree
- Sociology, MA and Interdisciplinary Studies, MAIS (concentration in women and gender studies) Dual Degree
Students interested in pursuing a dual master's program linking global affairs or interdisciplinary studies (concentration in women and gender studies) with a discipline other than that listed below should discuss their interest with the graduate program directors of both programs and review the university policies in AP.6.9.6.
Global Affairs, MA and Interdisciplinary Studies, MAIS (concentration in women and gender studies) Dual Degree
The Global Affairs and Interdisciplinary Studies Programs offer a dual master's program where a student can earn both a Global Affairs MA and the Interdisciplinary Studies MAIS (concentration in women and gender studies) in 54 credits rather than 66 credits. This program is governed by university policy AP.6.9.6
Application Requirements
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions. For information specific to this dual master's program see Application Requirements and Deadlines.
Requirements
Total credits: 54
Required Global Affairs Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GLOA 600 | Global Competencies | 3 |
| GLOA 610 | Economic Globalization and Development | 3 |
| GLOA 615 | Case Studies in Globalization | 3 |
| GLOA 710 | Seminar Abroad | 3 |
| Select three courses from the chosen specialization for the global affairs MA | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 21 | |
Required Women and Gender Studies Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| WMST 630 | Feminist Theories | 3 |
| WMST 640 | Transnational Issues of Gender and Race | 3 |
| Select one course in critical race studies from the following: | 3 | |
| Critical Race Studies | ||
| Representations of Race | ||
| Genealogy of Black Feminist Thought | ||
or INTS 541 | Policing Black Bodies | |
| Policing Black Bodies | ||
| Current Topics in Women and Gender Studies | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Select one course in bodies and sexualities from the following: | 3 | |
| Gender, Sexuality, and Disability | ||
| Current Topics in Women and Gender Studies | ||
| Queer Theory | ||
| Select one course in transnational and global perspectives from the following: | 3 | |
| Transnational Sexualities | ||
| Gender, Sexuality, and Human Rights | ||
| Sexuality, Race, and Immigration | ||
| Sociology of Globalization | ||
| Social Justice and Equity in International Education | ||
| Select 9 credits in elective courses chosen from the following and not used to fulfill another requirement: | 9 | |
| Gender, Sexuality, and Disability | ||
| Transnational Sexualities | ||
| Sexuality, Race, and Immigration | ||
| Current Topics in Women and Gender Studies | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Queer Theory | ||
| Gender, Sexuality, and Human Rights | ||
| Internship | ||
| Total Credits | 24 | |
Required Methods Course
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one from the following: | 3 | |
| Interdisciplinary Research Methods | ||
| Feminist Research Methods | ||
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Capstone
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Capstone Research Seminar | ||
| Integrated Learning Experience | ||
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Project or Thesis
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Interdisciplinary Studies Project (take 3 credits) | ||
| Interdisciplinary Studies Thesis (take 3 credits) | ||
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Total Credits: 54
Students interested in pursuing a dual master's program linking philosophy or interdisciplinary studies (women and gender studies concentration) and a discipline other than that listed below should discuss their interest with the graduate program directors of both programs and review the university policies in AP.6.9.6.
Philosophy, MA and Interdisciplinary Studies, MAIS (Concentration in women and gender studies) Dual Degree
The Department of Philosophy and the School of Integrative Studies offer a dual master's degree program where students can earn both the MA and the MAIS (concentration in women and gender studies) in 55 credits rather than 67 credits. This program is governed by university policy AP.6.9.6.
Application Requirements
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions. For information specific to this dual master's degree see Application Requirements and Deadlines.
Requirements
Students pursuing dual master's study linking the Philosophy MA and the Interdisciplinary Studies MAIS with a concentration in women and gender studies will complete WMST 630 Feminist Theories / PHIL 658 Feminist Theory and 3 additional credits of WMST courses approved by the Department of Philosophy to apply to the philosophy degree as elective credit. Six credits of approved PHIL credits will apply to the MAIS degree as elective credit.
Students interested in pursuing a dual master's program linking sociology or interdisciplinary studies (concentration in women and gender studies) with a discipline other than that listed below should discuss their interest with the graduate program directors of both programs and review the university policies in AP.6.9.6.
Sociology, MA and Interdisciplinary Studies, MAIS (concentration in women and gender studies) Dual Degree
The Department of Sociology and Anthropology and the Interdisciplinary Studies Programs offer a dual master's program where a student can earn both a Sociology MA and the Interdisciplinary Studies MAIS (concentration in women and gender studies) in 57 credits rather than 69 credits. This program is governed by university policy AP.6.9.6.
Application Requirements
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions. For information specific to this dual master's degree see Application Requirements and Deadlines.
Requirements
Total credits: 57
Required Sociology Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SOCI 601 | Proseminar in Public and Applied Sociology | 3 |
| SOCI 620 | Methods and Logic of Social Inquiry | 3 |
| SOCI 711 | Classical Sociological Theory | 3 |
| SOCI 712 | Contemporary Sociological Theory | 3 |
| Select one Methodology and Analysis Course from the following: | 3 | |
| Survey Research | ||
| Evaluation Research for Social Programs | ||
| Special Topics in Sociology | ||
| Qualitative Research Methods | ||
| Statistical Reasoning for Applied Research | ||
| Feminist Theory | ||
| Ethnography | ||
| Historical and Comparative Sociology | ||
| Analytic Techniques of Social Research | ||
| Methods in Anthropology | ||
Other methodology course in consultation with the MA Advisor | ||
| Select three advanced courses (500-800 level) in sociology | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 24 | |
Required Women and Gender Studies Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| WMST 630 | Feminist Theories | 3 |
| WMST 640 | Transnational Issues of Gender and Race | 3 |
| MAIS 793 | Integrated Learning Experience | 3 |
| Select one course in critical race studies form the following: | 3 | |
| Critical Race Studies | ||
| Representations of Race | ||
| Genealogy of Black Feminist Thought | ||
| Policing Black Bodies | ||
or INTS 541 | Policing Black Bodies | |
| Current Topics in Women and Gender Studies | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Select one course in bodies and sexualities from the following: | 3 | |
| Gender, Sexuality, and Disability | ||
| Current Topics in Women and Gender Studies | ||
| Queer Theory | ||
| Select one course in transnational and global perspectives from the following: | 3 | |
| Transnational Sexualities | ||
| Gender, Sexuality, and Human Rights | ||
| Sexuality, Race, and Immigration | ||
| Sociology of Globalization | ||
| Seminar for Supervision in Teacher Education | ||
| Social Justice and Equity in International Education | ||
| Select three courses from the following that address the study of women and gender and that are not taken as part of the core focus. | 9 | |
| Gender, Sexuality, and Disability | ||
| Transnational Sexualities | ||
| Sexuality, Race, and Immigration | ||
| Current Topics in Women and Gender Studies | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Queer Theory | ||
| Gender, Sexuality, and Human Rights | ||
| Internship | ||
Other relevant courses from other disciplines chosen in consultation with concentration head | ||
| Total Credits | 27 | |
Required Methods Course
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| WMST 610 | Feminist Research Methods | 3 |
Capstone, Project, or Thesis
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one from the following: | 3 | |
| Interdisciplinary Studies Project | ||
| Interdisciplinary Studies Thesis | ||
| Thesis | ||
| Master's Capstone Paper | ||
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Many accelerated master's programs are available for any bachelor's degree at Mason, including the ones below. See the full list of degrees with accelerated programs at George Mason.
- Bachelor's Degree (any)/Interdisciplinary Studies, Accelerated MAIS (Computational Social Science Concentration)
- Bachelor's Degree (any)/Interdisciplinary Studies, Accelerated MAIS (Energy and Sustainability Concentration)
- Bachelor's Degree (any)/Interdisciplinary Studies, Accelerated MAIS (Religious Studies Concentration)
- Bachelor's Degree (any)/Interdisciplinary Studies, Accelerated MAIS (Social Entrepreneurship Concentration)
- Bachelor's Degree (any)/Interdisciplinary Studies, Accelerated MAIS (Social Justice and Human Rights Concentration)
- Bachelor's Degree (any)/Interdisciplinary Studies, Accelerated MAIS (War and the Military in Society Concentration)
- Bachelor's Degree (any)/Interdisciplinary Studies, Accelerated MAIS (Women and Gender Studies Concentration)
Bachelor's Degree (any)/Interdisciplinary Studies, Accelerated MAIS (Computational Social Science Concentration)
Overview
Highly-qualified undergraduates may be admitted to the bachelor's/accelerated master's program and obtain a BS/BA in a chosen major and a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS) with a concentration in Computational Social Science in an accelerated time-frame after satisfactory completion of a minimum of 144 credits.
See AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees for policies related to thie program.
Students in an accelerated degree program must fulfill all university requirements for the master's degree. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.
BAM Pathway Admission Requirements
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions Policies and Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degree policies. For information specific to this program, see Application Requirements and Deadlines on the departmental website.
The accelerated MAIS with a concentration in Computational Social Science is appropriate for students in a variety of majors. Ideally applicants will have undergraduate backgrounds in both computer science/computational data science and the social sciences or humanities. Applicants pursuing an undergraduate degree in computer science/computational data science should have completed at least one upper-division course in communications, conflict analysis and resolution, criminology, economics, geography, government, history, psychology, or sociology. Applicants pursuing undergraduate degrees in these or other majors should have completed at least one upper-division computer science or computational data science course.Students will be considered for admission into the BAM Pathway after completion of a minimum of 60 credits, and an overall minimum GPA of 3.25.
Students who are accepted into the BAM Pathway will be allowed to register for graduate level courses after successful completion of a minimum of 75 undergraduate credits.
Accelerated Master's Admission Requirements
Students already admitted in the BAM Pathway will be admitted to the MAIS program, if they have met the following criteria, as verified on the Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition form:
- Minimum overall GPA of 3.25
- Successfully meeting Mason's requirements for undergraduate degree conferral (graduation) and completing the application for graduation.
Accelerated Pathway Requirements
To maintain the integrity and quality of both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, undergraduate students interested in taking graduate courses must choose from the following courses. With permission of the student's undergraduate and graduate advisors, accelerated Computational Social Science students may select a substitute course for accelerated coursework. Substitutions must be justified as specifically relevant to the student's study and will be noted on the transition form. Concentration substitutions will not satisfy more than one requirement within the major.
Advanced Standing courses (up to 12 credits)
- CSS 600 Introduction to Computational Social Science (3 credits)
- CSS 605 Object-Oriented Modeling in Social Science (3 credits)
- CSS 610 Agent-based Modeling and Simulation (3 credits)
- CSS 620 Origins of Social Complexity (3 credits)
Reserve Graduate Credit courses (up to 6 credits) taken while an undergraduate and will only count for the graduate degree program
- CSS 600 Introduction to Computational Social Science (3 credits)
- CSS 605 Object-Oriented Modeling in Social Science (3 credits)
- CSS 610 Agent-based Modeling and Simulation (3 credits)
- CSS 620 Origins of Social Complexity (3 credits)
- CSS 625 Complexity Theory in the Social Sciences (3 credits)
- CSS 645 Spatial Agent-Based Models of Human-Environment Interactions (3 credits)
- CSS 692 Social Network Analysis (3 credits)
For more detailed information on coursework and timeline requirements see AP.6.7 Bachelor's Accelerated Master's Degree policies.
Bachelor's Degree (any)/Interdisciplinary Studies, Accelerated MAIS (Energy and Sustainability Concentration)
Overview
Highly-qualified Mason undergraduates may be admitted to the bachelor's/accelerated master's program and obtain a BA/BS in a chosen major and a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS) with a concentration in energy and sustainability in an accelerated time-frame after satisfactory completion of a minimum of 144 credits.
See AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees for policies related to this program.
Students in an accelerated degree program must fulfill all university requirements for the master's degree. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.
BAM Pathway Admission Requirements
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions Policies and Bachelor's Accelerated Master's Degree policies. For information specific to this accelerated master's program, see Application Requirements and Deadlines on the departmental website.
Students will be considered for admission into the BAM Pathway after completion of a minimum of 60 credits, with a minimum overall GPA of 3.25.
Students who are accepted in the BAM Pathway will be allowed to register for graduate level courses after successful completion of a minimum of 75 undergraduate credits.
Accelerated Master's Admissions Requirements
Students already admitted in the BAM Pathway will be admitted to the MAIS program, if they have met the following criteria, as verified on the Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition form:
- Minimum overall GPA of 3.25
- Minimum grade of B in each advanced standing course
- Successfully meeting Mason's requirements for undergraduate degree conferral (graduation) and completing the application for graduation.
Accelerated Pathway Requirements
To maintain the integrity and quality of both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, undergraduate students interested in taking graduate courses must choose from the following courses. With permission of the student's undergraduate and graduate advisors, accelerated Energy and Sustainability students may select a substitute course for accelerated coursework. Substitutions must be justified as specifically relevant to the student's study and will be noted on the transition form. Concentration substitutions will not satisfy more than one requirement within the major.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Standing courses (up to 12 credits with a minimum grade of B in each) | ||
| ECON 695 | Special Topics in Economics 1 | 3 |
| EVPP 533 | Energy Policy | 3 |
| EVPP 642 | Environmental Policy | 3 |
| GGS 507 | Geographic Approaches for Sustainable Development | 3 |
| GLOA 605 | Interdisciplinary Research Methods | 3 |
| PHIL 643 | Environmental Ethics | 3 |
| PHYS 581 | Topics in Renewable Energy | 3 |
| Reserve Graduate credit courses (up to 6 credits) taken while an undergraduate and will only count for the graduate degree program | ||
| ECON 695 | Special Topics in Economics | 3 |
| EVPP 533 | Energy Policy | 3 |
| EVPP 642 | Environmental Policy | 3 |
| GGS 507 | Geographic Approaches for Sustainable Development | 3 |
| GLOA 605 | Interdisciplinary Research Methods | 3 |
| PHIL 643 | Environmental Ethics | 3 |
| PHYS 581 | Topics in Renewable Energy | 3 |
- 1
When the topic involves environmental or sustainability issues.
For more detailed information on coursework and timeline requirements see AP.6.7 Bachelor's Accelerated Master's Degree policies.
Bachelor's Degree (any)/Interdisciplinary Studies, Accelerated MAIS (Religious Studies Concentration)
Overview
Highly-qualified Mason undergraduates may be admitted to the bachelor's/accelerated master's program and obtain a BA/BS in a chosen major and a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS) with a concentration in Religious Studies in an accelerated time-frame after satisfactory completion of a minimum of 144 credits.
If the students has not majored in religious studies it is preferred, thought not required, that the student have a minor in religious studies.
See AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees for policies related to this program.
Students in an accelerated degree program must fulfill all university requirements for the master's degree. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.
BAM Pathway Admission Requirements
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions Policies and Bachelor's Accelerated Master's Degree policies. For information specific to this accelerated master's program, see Application Requirements and Deadlines on the departmental website.
Students will be considered for admission into the BAM Pathway after completion of a minimum of 60 credits, with a minimum overall GPA of 3.25.
Students who are accepted in the BAM Pathway will be allowed to register for graduate level courses after successful completion of a minimum of 75 undergraduate credits.
Accelerated Master's Admissions Requirements
Students already admitted in the BAM Pathway will be admitted to the MAIS program, if they have met the following criteria, as verified on the Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition form:
- Minimum overall GPA of 3.25
- Successfully meeting Mason's requirements for undergraduate degree conferral (graduation) and completing the application for graduation.
Accelerated Pathway Requirements
To maintain the integrity and quality of both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, undergraduate students interested in taking graduate courses must choose from the following courses. With permission of the student's undergraduate and graduate advisors, accelerated Religious Studies students may select a substitute course for accelerated coursework. Substitutions must be justified as specifically relevant to the student's study and will be noted on the transition form. Concentration substitutions will not satisfy more than one requirement within the major.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Standing courses (up to 12 credits) | ||
| RELI 600 | Interdisciplinary Pathways in the Study of Religion | 3 |
| RELI 630 | Theories and Methods in the Study of Religion | 3 |
| RELI 632 | Interreligious Dialogue | 3 |
| RELI 633 | Issues in Religious Ethics | 3 |
| RELI 640 | Religion and Law | 3 |
| RELI 591 | Special Topics in Religious Studies | 3 |
| Reserve Graduate Credit courses (up to 6 credits) taken while an undergraduate and will only count for the graduate degree program | ||
| RELI 600 | Interdisciplinary Pathways in the Study of Religion | 3 |
| RELI 630 | Theories and Methods in the Study of Religion | 3 |
| RELI 632 | Interreligious Dialogue | 3 |
| RELI 633 | Issues in Religious Ethics | 3 |
| RELI 640 | Religion and Law | 3 |
| RELI 591 | Special Topics in Religious Studies | 3 |
For more detailed information on coursework and timeline requirements see AP.6.7 Bachelor's Accelerated Master's Degree policies.
Bachelor's Degree (any)/Interdisciplinary Studies, Accelerated MAIS (Social Entrepreneurship Concentration)
Overview
Highly-qualified Mason undergraduates may be admitted to the bachelor's/accelerated master's program and obtain a BA/BS in a chosen major and a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS) with a concentration in social entrepreneurship in an accelerated time-frame after satisfactory completion of a minimum of 144 credits.
See AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees for policies related to this program.
Students in an accelerated degree program must fulfill all university requirements for the master's degree. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.
BAM Pathway Admission Requirements
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions Policies and Bachelor's Accelerated Master's Degree policies. For information specific to this accelerated master's program, see Application Requirements and Deadlines on the departmental website.
Students will be considered for admission into the BAM Pathway after completion of a minimum of 60 credits with a minimum overall GPA of 3.25.
Students who are accepted in the BAM Pathway will be allowed to register for graduate level courses after successful completion of a minimum of 75 undergraduate credits.
Accelerated Master's Admissions Requirements
Students already admitted in the BAM Pathway will be admitted to the MAIS program, if they have met the following criteria, as verified on the Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition form:
- Minimum overall GPA of 3.25
- Successfully meeting Mason's requirements for undergraduate degree conferral (graduation) and completing the application for graduation.
Accelerated Pathway Requirements
To maintain the integrity and quality of both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, undergraduate students interested in taking graduate courses must choose from the following courses. With permission of the student's undergraduate and graduate advisors, accelerated Social Entrepreneurship students may select a substitute course for accelerated coursework. Substitutions must be justified as specifically relevant to the student's study and will be noted on the transition form. Concentration substitutions will not satisfy more than one requirement within the major.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Standing courses (up to 12 credits) | ||
| INTS 550 | Social Innovation In Action | 3 |
| INTS 535 | Leadership in a Changing Environment | 3 |
| INTS 540 | Contemporary Issues in Social Justice Human Rights | 3 |
| Reserve Graduate Credit courses (up to 6 credits) taken while an undergraduate and will only count for the graduate degree program | ||
| PUAD 505 | Introduction to Management of Nonprofits | 3 |
| PUAD 540 | Public Policy Process | 3 |
For more detailed information on coursework and timeline requirements, see AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees.
Bachelor's Degree (any)/Interdisciplinary Studies, Accelerated MAIS (Social Justice and Human Rights Concentration)
Overview
Highly-qualified Mason undergraduates may be admitted to the bachelor's/accelerated master's program and obtain a BA/BS in a chosen major and a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS) with a concentration in social justice and human rights in an accelerated time-frame after satisfactory completion of a minimum of 144 credits.
See AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees for policies related to this program.
Students in an accelerated degree program must fulfill all university requirements for the master's degree. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.
BAM Pathway Admission Requirements
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions Policies and Bachelor's Accelerated Master's Degree policies. For information specific to this accelerated master's program, see Application Requirements and Deadlines on the departmental website.
Students will be considered for admission into the BAM Pathway after completion of a minimum of 60 credits, with a minimum overall GPA of 3.25.
Students who are accepted in the BAM Pathway will be allowed to register for graduate level courses after successful completion of a minimum of 75 undergraduate credits.
Accelerated Master's Admissions Requirements
Students already admitted in the BAM Pathway will be admitted to the MAIS program, if they have met the following criteria, as verified on the Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition form:
- Minimum overall GPA of 3.25
- Successfully meeting Mason's requirements for undergraduate degree conferral (graduation) and completing the application for graduation.
Accelerated Pathway Requirements
To maintain the integrity and quality of both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, undergraduate students interested in taking graduate courses must choose from the following courses. With permission of the student's undergraduate and graduate advisors, accelerated Social Justice and Human Rights students may select a substitute course for accelerated coursework. Substitutions must be justified as specifically relevant to the student's study and will be noted on the transition form. Concentration substitutions will not satisfy more than one requirement within the major.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Standing courses (up to 12 credits) | ||
| INTS 540 | Contemporary Issues in Social Justice Human Rights | 3 |
| INTS 534 | Research for Social Change | 3 |
| INTS 537 | Critical Race Studies | 3 |
| INTS 538 | Representations of Race | 4 |
| WMST 504 | Gender, Sexuality, and Disability | 3 |
| WMST 602 | Queer Theory | 3 |
| WMST 608 | Gender, Sexuality, and Human Rights | 3 |
| WMST 630 | Feminist Theories | 3 |
| PHIL 643 | Environmental Ethics | 3 |
| PUAD 540 | Public Policy Process | 3 |
| PUAD 649 | Advocacy and Lobbying | 3 |
| Reserve Graduate Credit courses (up to 6 credits) taken while an undergraduate and will only count for the graduate degree program | ||
| INTS 534 | Research for Social Change | 3 |
| INTS 537 | Critical Race Studies | 3 |
| INTS 538 | Representations of Race | 4 |
| WMST 504 | Gender, Sexuality, and Disability | 3 |
| WMST 602 | Queer Theory | 3 |
| WMST 608 | Gender, Sexuality, and Human Rights | 3 |
| WMST 630 | Feminist Theories | 3 |
| PHIL 643 | Environmental Ethics | 3 |
| PUAD 540 | Public Policy Process | 3 |
| PUAD 649 | Advocacy and Lobbying | 3 |
For more detailed information on coursework and timeline requirements see AP.6.7 Bachelor's Accelerated Master's Degree policies.
Bachelor's Degree (any)/Interdisciplinary Studies, Accelerated MAIS (War and the Military in Society Concentration)
Overview
Highly-qualified Mason undergraduates may be admitted to the bachelor's/accelerated master's program and obtain a BA/BS in a chosen major and a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS) with a concentration in War and Military in Society in an accelerated time-frame after satisfactory completion of a minimum of 144 credits.
See AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees for policies related to this program.
Students in an accelerated degree program must fulfill all university requirements for the master's degree. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.
BAM Pathway Admission Requirements
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions Policies and Bachelor's Accelerated Master's Degree policies. For information specific to this accelerated master's program, see Application Requirements and Deadlines on the departmental website.
Students will be considered for admission into the BAM Pathway after completion of a minimum of 60 credits, with a minimum overall GPA of 3.25.
Students who are accepted in the BAM Pathway will be allowed to register for graduate level courses after successful completion of a minimum of 75 undergraduate credits.
Accelerated Master's Admissions Requirements
Students already admitted in the BAM Pathway will be admitted to the MAIS program, if they have met the following criteria, as verified on the Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition form:
- Minimum overall GPA of 3.25
- Successfully meeting Mason's requirements for undergraduate degree conferral (graduation) and completing the application for graduation.
Accelerated Pathway Requirements
To maintain the integrity and quality of both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, undergraduate students interested in taking graduate courses must choose from the following courses. With permission of the student's undergraduate and graduate advisors, accelerated War and Military in Society students may select a substitute course for accelerated coursework. Substitutions must be justified as specifically relevant to the student's study and will be noted on the transition form. Concentration substitutions will not satisfy more than one requirement within the major.
Advanced Standing courses (up to 12 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GOVT 540 | International Relations | 3 |
| HIST 617 | Topics in the American Civil War Era | 3 |
| HIST 631 | Era of the American Revolution | 3 |
| PUBP 504 | Grand Strategy | 3 |
| PUBP 506 | Ethics and the Use of Force | 3 |
Reserve Graduate Credit courses (up to 6 credits) taken while an undergraduate and will only count for the graduate degree program
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIOD 609 | Biodefense Strategy | 3 |
For more detailed information on coursework and timeline requirements see AP.6.7 Bachelor's Accelerated Master's Degree policies.
Bachelor's Degree (any)/Interdisciplinary Studies, Accelerated MAIS (Women and Gender Studies Concentration)
Overview
Highly-qualified Mason undergraduates may be admitted to the bachelor's/accelerated master's program and obtain a BA/BS in a chosen major and a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS) with a concentration in women and gender studies in an accelerated time-frame after satisfactory completion of a minimum of 144 credits.
See AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees for policies related to this program.
Students in an accelerated degree program must fulfill all university requirements for the master's degree. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.
BAM Pathway Admission Requirements
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions Policies and Bachelor's Accelerated Master's Degree policies. For information specific to this accelerated master's program, see Application Requirements and Deadlines on the departmental website.
Students will be considered for admission into the BAM Pathway after completion of a minimum of 60 credits, with a minimum overall GPA of 3.25.
Students who are accepted in the BAM Pathway will be allowed to register for graduate level courses after successful completion of a minimum of 75 undergraduate credits.
Accelerated Master's Admissions Requirements
Students already admitted in the BAM Pathway will be admitted to the MA program, if they have met the following criteria, as verified on the Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition form:
- Minimum overall GPA of 3.25
- Successfully meeting Mason's requirements for undergraduate degree conferral (graduation) and completing the application for graduation.
Accelerated Pathway Requirements
To maintain the integrity and quality of both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, undergraduate students interested in taking graduate courses must choose from the following courses. With permission of the student's undergraduate and graduate advisors, accelerated Women and Gender Studies students may select a substitute course for accelerated coursework. Substitutions must be justified as specifically relevant to the student's study and will be noted on the transition form. Concentration substitutions will not satisfy more than one requirement within the major.
Advanced Standing courses (up to 12 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| WMST 504 | Gender, Sexuality, and Disability | 3 |
| WMST 602 | Queer Theory | 3 |
| WMST 608 | Gender, Sexuality, and Human Rights | 3 |
| WMST 610 | Feminist Research Methods | 3 |
| WMST 630 | Feminist Theories | 3 |
| WMST 640 | Transnational Issues of Gender and Race | 3 |
Reserve Graduate Credit courses (up to 6 credits) taken while an undergraduate and will only count for the graduate degree program
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| WMST 504 | Gender, Sexuality, and Disability | 3 |
| WMST 602 | Queer Theory | 3 |
| WMST 608 | Gender, Sexuality, and Human Rights | 3 |
| WMST 610 | Feminist Research Methods | 3 |
| WMST 630 | Feminist Theories | 3 |
| WMST 640 | Transnational Issues of Gender and Race | 3 |
For more detailed information on coursework and timeline requirements see AP.6.7 Bachelor's Accelerated Master's Degree policies.