Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies The Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS) program combines a solid academic core with student-selected concentration areas, enabling students to incorporate and integrate various academic disciplines, theories and methodologies. As an MAIS student, you will design an individualized course of study with a faculty advisor, incorporating your interests and academic and professional goals. MAIS degrees may include traditional academic courses, internships and independent study opportunities.

The MAIS degree program concludes with a two-semester master's project, completed via the Capstone Seminar (MAIS 5302) and Research Project (MAIS 5303). The master's project will lend itself to an interdisciplinary approach: To complete the project, you will synthesize information from various sources utilizing different methodologies, and draw conclusions to present a new perspective on your selected topic.

Degree Plan

The MAIS degree plan includes at least 36 credit hours, including the following 12 hours of core requirements:
  • MAIS 5300 Interdisciplinary Seminar
  • MAIS 5321 Library Research Skills
  • MAIS 5302 Capstone Seminar
  • MAIS 5303 Research Project
For the remaining credit hours, you will choose one or two of the concentration areas:
  • American Studies
  • Area & Regional Studies (The Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa, The Middle East, etc.)
  • Arts Management
  • Diversity Studies
  • Environmental Studies & Sustainability
  • Healthcare Studies
  • Professional Communication & Leadership
Example Degree Plan (one concentration)+
  • Core Requirements (12 credit hours)
    • MAIS 5300 Interdisciplinary Seminar (taken first semester in program, 3 credit hours)
    • MAIS 5321 Library Research skills (online, 3 credit hours)
    • MAIS 5302 Capstone Seminar (research for project/thesis; 3 credit hours)
    • MAIS 5303 Research Project (final project/thesis; 3 credit hours)
  • Concentration Area (18 credit hours)
    • Concentration course #1
    • Concentration course #2
    • Concentration course #3
    • Concentration course #4
    • Concentration course #5
    • Concentration course #6
  • Electives (6 credit hours)
    • Elective course #1
    • Elective course #2
Example Degree Plan (two concentrations) +
  • Core Requirements (12 credit hours)
    • MAIS 5300 Interdisciplinary Seminar (starting fall 2015; 3 credit hours)
    • MAIS 5321 Library Research skills (entirely online; 3 credit hours)
    • MAIS 5302 Capstone Seminar (research for project/thesis; 3 credit hours)
    • MAIS 5303 Research Project (final project/thesis; 3 credit hours)
  • Concentration Area #1 (12 credit hours)
    • Concentration course #1
    • Concentration course #2
    • Concentration course #3
    • Concentration course #4
    • Concentration course #5
    • Concentration course #6
  • Concentration Area #2 (12 credit hours)
    • Concentration course #1
    • Concentration course #2
    • Concentration course #3
    • Concentration course #4
You can also create your own unique concentration area in consultation with your faculty advisor. MAIS students may choose to formulate a concentration area by pursuing one of the many graduate-level certificate programs available at UT Dallas.

Marketable Skills

  • Written communication
  • Research data collection, analysis, and interpretation
  • Construct evidence-based arguments and recommendations
  • Knowledge and integration of diverse subject areas

How to Apply

Contact Us

Ahnna Peavey
Administrative Services Officer Graduate Program
[email protected]
972-883-2350 | HH 2.810

Dr. Jillian Duquaine-Watson
MAIS Program Head
[email protected]
972-883-2322 | HH 2.140