PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS
The MAIS degree program is designed for students to formulate a program of study that integrates work from three separate fields of study. Any three fields of study at Oregon State University may be used in putting together a program of study for the MAIS degree, provided that the department or program participates in the MAIS degree. The three fields must be integrated through the course of study to focus on and add insight to a particular issue or problem. Any graduate major or minor may serve as a field for this degree, and two of the three fields may be in the same department if there are distinct, approved areas of concentration in that department. (For example, in Speech Communication, applicants may select Rhetoric and Interpersonal Communication as two approved areas of concentration within that department, and then select a third field of study from a different department.)
Applicants to the MAIS program will specify three different fields of study - one will be designated as a primary field and the other as second and third fields. Those applying to the MAIS program must first decide which three fields they wish to pursue.
Before applying, it is helpful for prospective students to contact the graduate advisors in the different fields (departments) they are exploring. Graduate advisors can inform you about their graduate programs - what to expect, the types of courses you will take, what the program entails - and help provide guidance as to whether a particular field is right for you.
YOU WILL ALSO NEED TO FIND OUT IF DEPARTMENTS AND PROGRAMS REQUIRE GRE SCORES, IF THEY HAVE APPLICATION DEADLINES, AND IF THEY REQUIRE YOU TO SECURE A FACULTY ADVISOR IN THEIR PROGRAM BEFORE YOU CAN BE ADMITTED. SOME DEPARTMENT HAVE REQUIREMENTS THAT EXCEED THE MAIS PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS.
Once a decision is made regarding which fields to study, prospective students will submit an online application to the OSU Graduate School that specifies their three proposed fields of study.
You do not need to develop a program of study or determine all the members of your committee before applying. These things are to be completed after you are admitted and begin your studies.
Using the online application process, you will submit the application and the statement of objectives. All other materials must be sent separately to Graduate Admissions. SEND ALL MAIS APPLICATION MATERIALS SUCH AS LETTERS AND TRANSCRIPTS DIRECTLY TO GRADUATE ADMISSIONS. DO NOT SEND THESE ITEMS DIRECTLY TO THE DEPARTMENTS OR TO THE MAIS PROGRAM DIRECTOR. THE GRADUATE ADMISSIONS OFFICE WILL MAKE YOUR APPLICATION MATERIALS AVAILABLE FOR ALL THE DEPARTMENTS AND PROGRAMS IDENTIFIED IN YOUR APPLICATION.
Send:
The statement of objectives should describe what you want to study and why you are choosing an interdisciplinary degree. Include a rationale for integrating the three fields you have chosen in order to meet your academic goals. The instructions for your statement are:
"Discuss the three areas of study you are proposing, how they fit together to lend themselves to interdisciplinary study, and the rationale justifying why an interdisciplinary degree is being sought, as opposed to a degree based in a single discipline. Also discuss how your proposed academic objectives will help you meet your career goals or other goals beyond earning the MAIS degree. The statement should be 750-1000 words."
Each program or department will decide whether or not you are admitted. If you are not admitted into one or more of the fields you apply to, you will not be accepted. If you wish, you may select another field and have your application considered in that field, but you will not have to resubmit all the applications and forms. The admissions office will work with you if this needs to be done.
See the MAIS admissions process as described in full on the MAIS website.
The MAIS accepts application to begin in any term. Students in the US should submit their applications no later than:
International students outside the U.S. should apply no later than:
(Important: Some departments and programs have earlier deadlines, and some only accept students to begin in the fall term. You need to check with the programs and departments you are applying to for details.)
The MAIS Program does not provide financial aid directly to students. Some departments and programs provide assistantships or other support to MAIS students. You will need to contact the programs and departments directly to see what resources may be available and what application deadlines exist. The link below provides additional information about financial aid.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
A minimum of 30 credits must be earned on the Oregon State University campus. For details, please refer to the residency requirements, as outlined in the Graduate Catalog.
The MAIS degree has no foreign language requirement.
