Interdisciplinary study integrates separate disciplinary theories, data, methods, concepts and tools into a deeper, broader, more holistic understanding of a complex problem, issue, or question.
What is the MAIS?
The Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS) degree program is designed for students to formulate a program of study that integrates work from three separate fields of study. Breadth and depth of study is important in designing the program. A project or thesis offers the opportunity to integrate the three disciplines.
Who is this program for?
The MAIS program is designed for students who have a passion or a deep interest in an area of study which requires synthesis of more than one field of study offered at OSU. MAIS students are self-directed in determining their course of study to deepen their learning and critical thinking skills so as to integrate three fields of study.
Students interested in the MAIS begin their inquiry with intellectual or career goals or interests that can be best achieved through interdisciplinary study. For example, a prospective student may have a keen interest in a particular topic that can only be understood through the integration of disciplinary approaches. An MAIS degree may also help applicants achieve career goals. For example, applicants may want to obtain a masters degree for career advancement, and an interdisciplinary degree may be of greatest relevance to their current professional activities.
What are the available fields of study?
Any graduate major or minor may serve as a discipline, or field, for this degree. Two of the three fields may be identical if the areas of concentration within these two fields are different. The integration must contain at least one field from the College of Liberal Arts. Program participation varies from year to year.
Programs currently participating in this degree are:
What are the program requirements?
The Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS) degree is granted for attainment of broad, advanced knowledge and achievement integrated from three fields of study. Any graduate major or minor may serve as a field for this degree. Two of the three fields may be from one department if the areas of concentration within these two fields are different. A minimum of 9 credits in each of the three fields of study is required. The degree requires a minimum of 49 credits including 4 credits of coursework on interdisciplinary research methods.
No more than 21 credits (excluding thesis or research paper credit) may be taken in any field unless the total program exceeds 49 credits. There is no foreign language requirement. No more than 3 credits of blanket-numbered courses in each field of study may be used in the program; thesis credits (Option A) or research paper credits (Option B) are exempt from this limitation. The student's committee consists of four members of the graduate faculty--one from each of the three fields-and a Graduate Council representative. A formal program meeting must be held prior to the completion of 18 graduate credits. A final oral examination is required.
There are two options under the program:
Option A: Thesis option. The thesis must coordinate work in the three fields. The requirement is 6 to 9 credits of Thesis 503. The thesis advisor must be a member of the graduate faculty authorized to direct theses.
Option B: Research paper option. The research paper must integrate work from at least two of the three fields. The requirement is 4 to 7 credits, registered as Research 501, Reading and Conference 505, or Projects 506.
