Interdisciplinary Studies
Faculty
Debra Bergoffen, Coordinator, Liberal Studies
Catherine A. McCormick, Director, M.A.I.S. Program
Course Work
This program offers courses designated MAIS in the Course
Descriptions section of this catalog.
Graduate Program
Interdisciplinary 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. Therefore, students' programs are individualized, interdisciplinary,
and unique.
The program is divided into two tracks: individualized studies and liberal studies.
Individualized Studies Track
The 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 include gerontology,
video-based production, regional economic development and technology, and communication.
In addition to faculty-sponsored concentrations, students may, with the help of
their 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 inter-related
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 before students can register for project or thesis hours
(MAIS 798, 799). All university policies governing theses, including the requirement
for continual registration, apply also to the project.
Admission Requirements
Students admitted to the M.A.I.S. program must show a capacity for original thought
in cross-disciplinary research. In addition to fulfilling admission requirements
for graduate study, applicants must submit transcripts from all colleges attended,
three letters of reference, and scores from either the Graduate Record Examination
(GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT). The Graduate Management Admission Test
(GMAT) or Law School Admission Test (LSAT), if taken within the past five years,
may be substituted.
Students admitted provisionally must complete 12 credits of graduate course work
with a 3.250 GPA to advance to degree status. Failure to achieve a cumulative GPA
of 3.250 results in termination.
Degree Requirements
Candidates for the degree must successfully complete 36 credits of graduate course
work, including the following:
- At least three credits of research methodology (approved by the student's faculty
advisor)
- No more than 12 credits of courses in a single discipline
- At least 18 credits of classroom course work completed at George Mason University
with a grade of 3.000 (These 18 credits may not include credit awarded for prior
learning, independent study, directed readings, practicum, or project or thesis.)
- Three or six credits of MAIS 798 (project) or six credits of MAIS 799 (thesis)
With the approval of the program director and faculty advisor, the 36 credits
may include up to six credits taken through the Consortium of Universities of the
Washington Metropolitan Area, up to 12 transfer credits, or up to six credits granted
through assessment of a prior learning portfolio. A nonrefundable fee of $200 is
charged for the assessment.
Concentration in Gerontology
There is a growing need for professionals who plan and provide services to the
elderly. For nonprofessionals, there is a need to increase understanding of our own
aging and that of our loved ones. The program's gerontology concentration is designed
for students interested in doing research on aging, shaping public policy on the
aging society, providing services to the elderly, or increasing their own awareness
of human development in the later years. The program provides training in the basic
physiological and social-scientific theories of aging, the impact of the physical
and cultural environment on the aging process, and policy issues and ethical concerns
pertaining to old age.
In addition to pursuing the M.A.I.S. degree, students may pursue a certificate
in gerontology. For information on the undergraduate or graduate gerontology certificates,
contact Frieda Butler, director of the gerontology certificate programs, (703) 993-1911.
Concentration in Video-Based Production
The concentration in video-based production has an emphasis on video production
encompassing various components such as teleconferencing, interactive video, and
computer-controlled editing. As low-end, high-quality video equipment becomes more
affordable, more organizations (profit and nonprofit) invest in „in-houseƒ production
studios and staff. Their video needs include traditional videography, teleconferencing,
interactive video techniques, computer-controlled video editing, and multimedia,
to name a few.
Four unitsžthe Departments of Communication, English, and the Graduate School
of Education, and the Visual Information Technologies program (VIT)žoffer 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 VIT program focuses on computer-mediated visual
applications including the study of multimedia tools and design, digital and electronic
art, animation, and virtual reality.
Admission Requirements
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 nine credits of the program. Students with video experience who
wish to waive this requirement must provide a videotape of their past work and consult
with Cindy Lont at (703) 993-1100.
Concentration in Regional Economic Development
and Technology
The concentration in regional economic development and technology is designed
as a terminal master's degree program for those who intend to become practicing professionals
and those who already are employed in this field and wish to enhance their knowledge,
skills, and credentials. This program introduces the student to the basic theory
and current practice of economic development. Course work is drawn from public policy,
economics, public administration, international transactions, management and sociology.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must fulfill all M.A.I.S. application requirements. GRE or GMAT test
scores are required for the regional economic development and technology concentration.
Neither an MAT nor an LSAT test score will be accepted. In addition, two of the three
letters of reference must be from academic sources. Applicants with no background
in economics or statistical analysis will be required to take background work in
courses such as INFT 500, DESC 201, or MATH 108 to raise the skill level necessary
for completion of the program.
Concentration in Communication
The concentration in communication is designed on the premise that communication
is the metaphorical glue that holds organizations, relationships, and social structures
together. Communication is also an appropriate focus for students hoping to reach
their potential in the university of the 21th century The information age has thrust
communication technologies to the forefront, and has also made human/technology interactions
an important site for advanced study. Integrating different areas of study under
a concentration in communication has significant benefits to students extending their
education and to students returning to their studies after years of experience in
the work force. The concentration is structured to provide students with an exposure
to theoretical foundations, research methodology, and practical application while
allowing students to focus their individual programs on areas such as political communication,
intercultural communication, communication and conflict, gender and communication,
organizational communication, mass communication, or other areas related to communication.
Three courses in theory and research are required in the student's first 12 credits
of the program. One 3-credit practicum and 18 credits in a specialty area as well
as a project (MAIS 798, 3-6 credits) or thesis (MAIS 799, 6 credits) are required
for the degree. For additional information, contact Janette Kenner Muir, Department
of Communication, at (703) 993-1103.
Liberal Studies Track
The liberal studies track of the M.A.I.S. degree is designed for students interested
in a multidisciplinary and multicultural approach to human ideas and values. It provides
an opportunity for students to broaden their liberal arts backgrounds. The program
is designed for students interested in pursuing graduate degrees in the humanities
(e.g., cultural studies, philosophy, religious studies, women's studies) and for
those who wish to explore social and political questions within their cultural contexts.
It is recommended for teachers and business and professional people who understand
that the study of the humanities provides valuable insights into the problems posed
by contemporary society.
Admission Requirements
Students must show a capacity for original thought and sustained work in the humanities
and liberal arts. Transcripts of all colleges attended, with a minimum undergraduate
grade point average of 3.000, three letters of reference, and an essay detailing
interest in the liberal studies track and the proposed course of study are required.
One of the standardized examinationsžGRE, LSAT, or MATžis strongly recommended.
Prospective students are encouraged to contact Debra Bergoffen, liberal studies
coordinator, at the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, (703) 993-1294,
to discuss the degree requirements, concentrations, and the proposed program of study.
Degree Requirements
In consultation with an advisor, students select four core courses (12 credits)
and two courses in philosophy and/or religious studies (6 credits). They create a
liberal studies concentration by selecting an additional four courses (12 credits).
Listed below are several examples of possible concentrations:
- Ethics, Politics, and Public Policy
- Ethnicity, Culture, and Class
- Global Religious Traditions
- Philosophy, Interpretation, and Culture
- The Arts in a Cultural Context
- Women's Studies
Students are encouraged to create other concentrations to reflect their own unique
interests.
A total of 30 credits, including a comprehensive essay/exam are required to complete
the degree. A student may take all 30 credits through course work or may combine
course work with either a project (3 credits) or a thesis (6 credits).
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