The MA 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.
The MAIS in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Energy and Sustainability is a Green Leaf program.
The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on program requirements and courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes. Requirements may be different for earlier catalog years. See the University Catalog archives.
Total credits: 36
This is a Green Leaf program.
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. All students complete their work in the program with a project or thesis.
The concentration in women and gender studies promotes advanced scholarship that transcends traditional boundaries. Students combine required coursework in women and gender studies with courses in a discipline of interest 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 24 credits must be in courses related to the study of women and gender and 12 credits in courses in a field focus. All courses related to the study of women and gender must be approved by the head of the concentration in women and gender studies. 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. Students approved to pursue dual master's study linking the MAIS degree with a concentration in women and gender studies and the MA philosophy degree will complete WMST 630 Feminist Theories across the Disciplines/PHIL 658 Feminist Theory and 3 additional credits of WMST courses to apply to the philosophy degree as elective credit. Six credits of approved PHIL credits will apply to the MAIS degree as elective credit.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MAIS 796 | MAIS ProSeminar | 1 |
| Total Credits | 1 | |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| WMST 630 | Feminist Theories across the Disciplines | 3 |
| WMST 640 | Transnational and Global Feminisms | 3 |
| WMST 610 | Feminist Approaches to Social Research | 3 |
| Students take one course from each of the following areas. 1 | 6 | |
|
Race and Intersectionality
|
||
| Social Dynamics of Family Violence | ||
| Gender and Violence in Social Institutions | ||
| Current Topics in Women and Gender Studies 2 | ||
| Special Topics 3 | ||
|
Queer and Sexuality Studies
|
||
|
WMST 507
|
Transnational Sexualities | |
|
WMST 509
|
Gender, Sexuality, and International Migration | |
| Current Topics in Women and Gender Studies 4 | ||
|
WMST 602
|
Queer Theory | |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
| 1 |
Students may take additional courses from these areas and count them toward their elective credits. |
| 2 |
When topic is Black Psychology, Gender, Cultures and Health in the US, Race, Gender, Class, and Sport, or Policing Black Bodies. |
| 3 |
When topic is Gender, Race, Reform 1800-1920 or Gender and Racial Ideology in Jim Crow. |
| 4 |
When topic is Gender, Sexuality and Disability. |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Students take 15-18 credits in elective courses that address the study of women and gender and that are not part of the core focus. Three of these credits must be in a WMST course from the list below. 1 | 15-18 | |
| Social Dynamics of Family Violence | ||
| Gender and Violence in Social Institutions | ||
|
WMST 507
|
Transnational Sexualities | |
|
WMST 508
|
Gender, Sexuality, and Human Rights | |
|
WMST 509
|
Gender, Sexuality, and International Migration | |
| Current Topics in Women and Gender Studies (can be repeated for credit) | ||
| Special Topics (can be repeated for credit) | ||
|
WMST 602
|
Queer Theory | |
| Feminist Research Practice (not required but highly recommended) | ||
| Internship | ||
| Total Credits | 15-18 | |
| 1 |
Or other WMST course chosen in consultation with the concentration head. Students may also take relevant courses from other disciplines chosen in consultation with the concentration head. |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MAIS 797 | Interdisciplinary Studies Proposal | 1 |
| Total Credits | 1 | |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one from the following: | 1-4 | |
| Interdisciplinary Studies Project (take 1 credit) | ||
| Interdisciplinary Studies Thesis (take 4 credits) | ||
| Total Credits | 1-4 | |
Students interested in pursuing a dual master's program linking philosophy and 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. Students approved to pursue dual master's study linking the MA philosophy degree and the Interdisciplinary Studies, MAIS with a concentration in women and gender studies will complete WMST 630 Feminist Theories across the Disciplines/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. Application to the second master's program should be pursued with consultation of the directors of both programs. Admission to the second master's program will require that the student has met the minimum prerequisites for admission to the second program. If a student lacks the minimum prerequisites and seeks to be admitted to a second master's program, the director of the second program may identify ways in which the prerequisite can be completed prior to admission.