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.
How to Apply
- View application requirements for the MA in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Review the steps to admission
- Apply for admission
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 2.122