Green Leaf

The MAIS 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

Admissions

Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions. For information specific to the MAIS in Interdisciplinary Studies, see Application Requirements and Deadlines.

Applicants must show a capacity for original thought in cross-disciplinary research. There may be additional skills required of students applying to specific concentrations. Students will be admitted to the Individualized Studies concentration only if the applicant identifies a Mason Faculty member appropriate for the intended course of study who is willing to serve as the student’s advisor.

Policies

For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.

Credit Restrictions

Courses applied to the degree are subject to the following restrictions:

  • a maximum of 6 credits may be earned through independent study or directed readings and research courses
  • a maximum of 6 credits may be taken through the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area
  • a maximum of 15 credits may be transfer credits
  • a maximum of 6 of the transfer credits may be from other accredited institutions

Transfer credits include credits taken before first enrolling as an admitted degree-seeking student (at another institution, in another Mason graduate program, or in Mason nondegree status) or credits taken at another institution after admission to the degree program through study abroad or study elsewhere (which requires prior written approval of the director and the dean). Additional information may be found in Academic Policies.

Banner Code: LA-MAIS-ISIN

Degree Requirements

Total credits: 36

This is a Green Leaf program.

The Green Leaf status for this program applies only to the concentration in Energy and Sustainability.

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. Some concentrations require a project or thesis.

Concentration in Computational Social Science (CSS)

Computational social science (CSS) is a relatively new interdisciplinary science in which social science questions are investigated with modern computational tools. Computational social scientists investigate complex social phenomena such as economic markets, traffic control, and political systems by simulating the interactions of the many actors in such systems on computers. They hope to gain insights which will lead to better management of the behavior of the larger social systems, i.e., prevention of market crashes, smoothed traffic flow, or maintenance of political stability. The intractability of many social problems calls for the new approaches provided by computational social science.

CSS is a highly interdisciplinary field that requires teams to plan and complete projects, be they undertaken by government, industry, or non-profit entities. Project managers of such teams, overseeing all elements of project design and execution, tend to hold PhDs. The MAIS concentration will train students to be members of these project teams, able to meaningfully contribute to background research and to project design, execution, and communication.

Prior background should include a bachelor’s degree in one of the social sciences, in computer science, in engineering, or in a relevant discipline, as well as undergraduate courses in these and related areas. Bachelor’s degrees in other areas are also eligible, but the student may be required to take additional courses in social science, mathematics, or computer science as prerequisites to admission.

Core Courses

Required Courses 1
CSS 600Introduction to Computational Social Science3
CSS 605Object-Oriented Modeling in Social Science3
CSS 610Agent-based Modeling and Simulation3
Electives 2
Select three electives from the following:9
Origins of Social Complexity
Complexity Theory in the Social Sciences
Spatial Agent-Based Models of Human-Environment Interactions
Social Network Analysis
Topics in Computational Social Science
Total Credits18

Research Course

The research course provides students with exposure to the most current ongoing research in the field and allows them to further develop their computational research expertise.

Select one from the following:3
Directed Reading and Research
Research Colloquium in Computational Social Science
Colloquium in Computational Social Science
Total Credits3

Electives (9-12 credits)

The electives allow students to acquire a substantive specialization as well as additional training in social and computational science. Because of the broad spectrum of social science phenomena, methodologies, and student backgrounds, there is a large pool of potential courses. Electives may include any Mason master's-level course in computational social science, social science, computer science, computational science and informatics, statistics, or other quantitative methods such as data visualization, information technology, and geographic information science. Electives should be selected in conjunction with and approval of the student's advisor and the Director of CSS Graduate Studies. If the student does not have prior coursework in multivariate statistical analysis, the electives should include at least one such course relevant for the student's chosen specialization.

Students who elect to complete a thesis or project will take 9 elective credits. Students who do not complete a thesis or project take 12 elective credits.

Integrative Learning Experience Course

MAIS 793Integrated Learning Experience3

Optional Project or Thesis

Students have the option to select one from the following:3
Interdisciplinary Studies Project (take 3 credits)
Interdisciplinary Studies Thesis (take 3 credits)

Concentration in Energy and Sustainability (EAS)

This concentration is designed for students interested in careers in energy and sustainability-related positions in the public, private, or non-profit sectors, including law, national and international policy, media, government, and business. As one of the University's Green Leaf academic programs, the concentration in energy and sustainability focuses on finding ways to meet present needs for energy and material goods without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. A sustainability education lies at the intersection of environmental science, engineering, economics, business, public policy, social justice, and many other areas. Energy required to fuel all of these endeavors is a crucial component of sustainability.

Core Courses in Energy and Sustainability

Required Courses
EVPP 533Energy Policy3
GGS 507Geographic Approaches for Sustainable Development3
Natural Science Course
PHYS 581Topics in Renewable Energy3
or GEOL 521 Geology of Energy Resources
Total Credits9

Energy, Sustainability or Environmental Policy

Students choose from the following courses or other relevant courses chosen in consultation with an advisor.

Select two courses from the following:6
National Security Technology and Policy
Special Topics in Economics 1
Selected Topics in Environmental Science (take 3 credits) 2
Corporate Environmental Management and Policy
Environmental Policy
Topics in Policy and Government (when topic involves environmental or sustainability policy)
Topics in Public Policy 3
Total Credits6

Humanities or Social Science Approaches to Sustainability and Environmental Issues

Students choose from the following courses or other relevant courses chosen in consultation with an advisor.

Select two courses from the following:6
Climate Change and Sustainability Communication Campaigns
Special Topics in Economics 2
International Environmental Politics
Problems in American History 1
Contemporary Issues in Social Justice Human Rights
Environmental Ethics
Religion and the Natural Environment
Total Credits6

Planning, Modeling, or Management

Students choose from the following courses or other relevant courses chosen in consultation with an advisor.

Select one from the following:3-4
Infrastructure Modeling
Corporate Environmental Management and Policy
Ecosystem Analysis and Modeling
Directed Studies in Environmental Science and Public Policy (take 3 credits)
Total Credits3-4

Natural Science

Students choose from the following courses or other relevant courses chosen in consultation with an advisor.

Select one from the following:3
Scientific Basis of Climate Change
Fundamentals of Ecology
Applied Ecology and Ecosystem Management
Total Credits3

Electives

Students who elect to complete a project or thesis will not need any elective credits. Students who do not complete a project or thesis will take 3 elective credits.

Select 0-3 credits from the following:0-3
National Security Technology and Policy
Infrastructure Modeling
Transportation Engineering and the Environment
Scientific Basis of Climate Change
Climate Change and Sustainability Communication Campaigns
Special Topics in Economics 1
Selected Topics in Environmental Science (take 3 credits) 1
Fundamentals of Ecology
Corporate Environmental Management and Policy
Environmental Policy
Ecosystem Analysis and Modeling
Applied Ecology and Ecosystem Management
Directed Studies in Environmental Science and Public Policy (take 3 credits)
International Environmental Politics
Geology of Energy Resources
Problems in American History 2
Contemporary Issues in Social Justice Human Rights
Experiential Learning 3
Environmental Ethics
Topics in Renewable Energy
Topics in Public Policy 2
Transportation Economics
Religion and the Natural Environment
Total Credits0-3

Research Methods Course

Students choose one of the following courses or other relevant courses in consultation with an advisor.

Select one course from the following:3
Numerical Methods for Bioinformatics
Qualitative Research Methods for Environmental Scientists
Ecosystem Analysis and Modeling
Multivariate Data Analysis for Ecology and Environmental Science
Interdisciplinary Research Methods
Computational Methods in Engineering and Statistics
Introductory Data Analysis for Policy and Government
Topics in Public Policy 1
Methods and Logic of Social Inquiry
Total Credits3

Integrative Learning Experience Course

MAIS 793Integrated Learning Experience3
Total Credits3

Optional Project or Thesis

Students have the option to select one from the following:3
Interdisciplinary Studies Project (take 3 credits)
Interdisciplinary Studies Thesis (take 3 credits)

Concentration in Religious Studies (RELI)

The concentration in religious studies is particularly relevant for students who are interested in careers in law, national and international government, print and media journalism, library sciences, archives and museums, public and social service, teaching, advanced graduate studies, and religious communities and institutions. The Washington, DC metropolitan area is rich in the presence of many major religious traditions and their places of worship.

The core courses introduce students to the study of religion as a unique and rigorous intellectual discipline. Students learn to evaluate a variety of perspectives on religion and gain a clear understanding of the dimension of the sacred in all aspects of human life including those commonly designated "secular". Students discover how religious perceptions of the sacred respond to an evolving world and relate to and influence cultures, institutions, and values.

Students also examine the effects of historical crises and the forces of change on religions including contemporary religious pluralism and inter-religious dialogue. Students gain a deeper knowledge of specific traditions and a more profound understanding of values and worldviews from the viewpoint of cultural diversity and religious pluralism.

Core Courses

RELI 600Interdisciplinary Pathways in the Study of Religion3
RELI 630Theories and Methods in the Study of Religion3
Total Credits6

Interdisciplinary Competencies in Religious Studies (9 credits)

Students take three courses from the list of competencies below to complement their interests and the skills they have already acquired through formal education and professional experience, or other courses that are chosen in consultation with an advisor.

Religion, Philosophy, and Ethics
Aristotle: Selected Works
Hegel's Phenomenology of the Spirit
History of Ethical Theory
Feminist Theory
Issues in Religious Ethics
Religion and the Natural Environment
Religion and Secularity in State and Society
Religion and Law
Islam and Human Rights
Islamic Biomedical Ethics (Religion in the Americas)
Religion in the Americas
Religion in North America to 1870
U.S. Religion since 1870
Topics in U.S. Religious History
Topics in American Religion
Religion and Law
Religions in Confliclt, Conversation, and Transition
World Religions, Diplomacy, and Conflict Resolution
Conflict and Religion
Interreligious Dialogue
Religion and Secularity in State and Society
Islamic Texts and Contexts
Muslim Comparative Theologies: Sunni-Shi`i Religious Thought

Electives

Elective courses should complement the student's competencies, and/or reflect the topic of their project or thesis. Students take 15 credits of electives chosen from the courses listed below, or other appropriate courses chosen in consultation with the concentration head.

Select 5-6 courses from the following:
Anthropology and the Human Condition: Seminar I
Anthropology and the Human Condition: Seminar II
World Religions, Diplomacy, and Conflict Resolution
Conflict and Religion
Religion in North America to 1870
U.S. Religion since 1870
Topics in U.S. Religious History
Aristotle: Selected Works
Hegel's Phenomenology of the Spirit
History of Ethical Theory
Feminist Theory
Interreligious Dialogue
Issues in Religious Ethics
Topics in American Religion
Religion and the Natural Environment
Religion and Secularity in State and Society
Religion and Law
Islamic Texts and Contexts
Muslim Comparative Theologies: Sunni-Shi`i Religious Thought
Islam and Human Rights
Islamic Biomedical Ethics
Ethnography

Integrated Learning Experience Course

MAIS 793Integrated Learning Experience3

Project or Thesis

Select one from the following:3
Interdisciplinary Studies Project (take 3 credits)
Interdisciplinary Studies Thesis (take 3 credits)

Concentration in Social Entrepreneurship (SOCE)

The concentration in social entrepreneurship will equip students with the subject matter expertise, strategic knowledge, technical support, and social networks needed to create, operate, develop, and accelerate startups; bring ideas to scale; and improve an existing program's effectiveness. These future leaders will learn about sustainability, ethical leadership, strategic management, and working effectively within complex networks made up of divergent groups of stakeholders. All students will complete a capstone research project and an experiential learning requirement that deliver practical knowledge and real-world experience. This degree is suitable for students seeking careers in government, business, or the non-profit sector.

Core Courses

Social Entrepreneurship and Leadership
INTS 550Social Innovation In Action3
Select one of the following:3
Leadership in a Changing Environment
Special Topics (when topic is Leadership and Organizational Problem Solving)
Business
Select one course from the following:3
Analysis of Financial Decisions
Special Topics in Graduate School of Business 1
Entrepreneurship
Total Credits9

Interdisciplinary Perspectives and Competencies in Social Entrepreneurship (9-12 credits)

Students take three or four courses from the list of competencies below to complement the skills they have already acquired through formal education and professional experience, or other courses to enhance their skills, including oral and written communication and research methods, that are chosen in consultation with an advisor. Students choosing to complete a project or thesis take 9 credits including a research methods course. Students choosing not to complete a project or thesis take 12 credits total, with a research methods course being optional.

Environmental and Public Policy
Corporate Environmental Management and Policy
Public Policy Process
Social Entrepreneurship and Public Policy
Entrepreneurship, Economics, and Public Policy
Finance and Accounting
Analysis of Financial Decisions
Nonprofit Fund Raising and Resource Development
Nonprofit Financial Management
Business and Project Management
Special Topics in Graduate School of Business 1
Entrepreneurship
Project Management
Turning Ideas into Successful Companies
Introduction to Management of Nonprofits
Social Entrepreneurship and Social Enterprise
Nonprofit Law, Governance, and Ethics
Leadership and Well-Being
Experiential Learning 1
Experiential Learning 2
Research Methods
Interdisciplinary Research Methods
Research for Social Change
Appropriate alternative chosen in consultation with the concentration head

Subject Matter Expertise (12 credits)

Students must develop expertise in the social problem they seek to address through entrepreneurship. Possible areas of focus include global and/or local poverty, homelessness, human trafficking, conflict resolution, women's rights, racial inequality, educational and health-care access, climate change, environmental sustainability, and human rights, among other possible topics. The experiential learning requirement should be met through an opportunity that advances the student's understanding of their subject matter expertise.

Students take:

INTS 540Contemporary Issues in Social Justice Human Rights 13
6 credits of courses related to the student's chosen subject matter area of expertise, chosen in consultation with the concentration head.6
Experiential learning3
Experiential Learning 2
or other relevant experiential learning course chosen in consultation with the concentration head.
Total Credits12

Integrated Learning Experience Course

MAIS 793Integrated Learning Experience3

Optional Project or Thesis

Students have the option to select one from the following:3
Interdisciplinary Studies Project (take 3 credits)
Interdisciplinary Studies Thesis (take 3 credits)

Concentration in Social Justice and Human Rights (SJHR)

The social justice and human rights concentration is designed to cultivate a deep theoretical understanding of the social, political, cultural, historical, and economic implications of a wide array of social injustices and human rights issues. Students are engaged in the applied process of imagining and actualizing holistic and complex strategies for creating and sustaining a more equitable, just, and humane world.

Core Courses

Foundational Course
INTS 540Contemporary Issues in Social Justice Human Rights3
Social Justice and Human Rights Courses
INTS 537Critical Race Studies3
Choose one of the following:3
Queer Theory
Feminist Theories
Social Justice and Human Rights Issues and Movements
Select one course from the following:3
Social Justice and Equity in International Education
Access and Social Justice
Representations of Race
Racial and Ethnic Relations: American and Selected Global Perspectives
Gender, Sexuality, and Disability
Gender, Sexuality, and Human Rights
other relevant course chosen in consultation with the concentration head
Total Credits12

Emphasis Courses

Select 6 credits of courses with an emphasis on a specific social justice or human rights issue or context or a specific region, chosen in consultation with the concentration head. The theme of the emphasis courses should be reflected in the student's experiential learning project. 16
Total Credits6

Experiential Learning

Students will seek out and/or create an opportunity for experiential learning that deepens their understanding of social justice and/or human rights. Experiential learning opportunities can include internships, service-learning, consulting projects, and field studies or research (including overseas). The experiential learning requirement should be met through an opportunity that advances the student's understanding of their chosen emphasis. Because the intention is to develop and apply newly acquired skills, students may not use work done previously or their current employment to fulfill this requirement. All experiential learning projects must be approved by the social justice and human rights concentration head in the semester before registering for the course. Students may register for an individualized section of MAIS 695 Experiential Learning or another graduate-level internship or practicum course to fulfill this requirement.

MAIS 695Experiential Learning3
Total Credits3

Electives

Students complete 6 elective credits from the following or other relevant courses chosen in consultation with the concentration head.6
Culture, Power, and Conflict
Intercultural Communication
Climate Change and Sustainability Communication Campaigns
Special Topics in Communication 1
Diversity and Difference in Conflict Analysis and Resolution
Principles of Environmental Conflict Resolution
Peace Studies
Gender and Violence
Identity and Conflict
Ethnic and Cultural Factors in Conflict Resolution
Conflict and Race
Conflict and Gender
Human Rights Theory and Practice in Comparative Perspective
Structural Sources of Conflict
Introduction to Culturally Linguistically Diverse Learners
Education and Culture
Advanced Topics in Education 2
The Achievement Gap
School Reform in the United States: Politics and Policies
Neighborhood, Community, Education Policy
Social Justice and Equity in International Education
Seminar in Multicultural Education
Special Topics in the History and Criticism of Children's Literature 3
Human Dimensions of Climate Change
Cultural Pluralism in Higher Education
Access and Social Justice
Special Topics in Higher Education 4
Problems in American History 5
Representations of Race
Experiential Learning 6
Special Topics in Nutrition and Food Studies 7
Environmental Ethics
Environmental Policy
Advocacy and Lobbying
Social Institutions and Public Policy
Human Smuggling and Trafficking
Islam and Human Rights
Racial and Ethnic Relations: American and Selected Global Perspectives
International Migration in the Age of Globalization
Special Topics in Sociology 8
Social Networks, New Media, and Inequality
Institutions and Inequalities
Sociology of Human Rights
Influencing Social Policy
Social Policy for Children and Youth
Global Human Rights Policy
Empowering Communities for Change
Gender, Sexuality, and Disability
Transnational Sexualities
Sexuality, Race, and Immigration
Policing Black Bodies
Current Topics in Women and Gender Studies 9
Special Topics 10
Gender, Sexuality, and Human Rights
Feminist Theories
Transnational Issues of Gender and Race
Total Credits6

Research Methods Course

Select one course from the following3
Interdisciplinary Research Methods
Research Methods in Higher Education
Research for Social Change
Feminist Research Methods
Other relevant course in consultation with an advisor

Integrated Learning Experience Course

MAIS 793Integrated Learning Experience3

Project or Thesis

Select one from the following:3
Interdisciplinary Studies Project (take 3 credits)
Interdisciplinary Studies Thesis (take 3 credits)

Concentration in War and the Military in Society (WMS)

The concentration in war and the military in society equips students with skills and knowledge to evaluate, analyze, and solve problems related to the use of organized violence, including questions of national security and national strategy, international relations, defense policymaking, and domestic, fiscal, legal, and social policy surrounding the instruments of national defense. Students will engage in interdisciplinary coursework that provides a variety of methods and tools to frame and analyze these questions, using historical and contemporary case studies to better understand the dilemmas and opportunities facing policymakers and military professionals in their efforts to think strategically about a variety of challenges.

All students will complete a capstone research project that provides an opportunity to do deep research into an historic or contemporary case. In addition, students may also complete an experiential learning requirement that combines practical knowledge and real-world experience to engage in problems connected to war and society.

Interdisciplinary Perspectives on War and the Military in Society  (27 Credits)

Students take 9 courses from 2 or more interdisciplinary perspectives below to complement the skills and subject matter expertise they have already acquired through formal education and professional experience, or other courses to enhance their portfolio that are chosen in consultation with the concentration head. 

Historical Perspectives

These courses draw upon conflicts from two thousand years of human experience, from ancient Rome to contemporary issues in civil-military relations. The historical perspective focuses upon the past and the way that problems related to war and society have changed over time.

Problems in American History (when topic is The Second World War or Civil Military Relations)
Topics in the American Civil War Era (when the topic is The Civil War)
Era of the American Revolution
Problems in European History (when the topic is Fall of the Roman Empire, The First Global Wars, Revolutions in the Atlantic, The Second World War, or Technology and Power)
The Vietnam War
War and Remembrance
Contemporary Policy Perspectives

These courses focus on the applied study of security and on concrete, modern-day issues related to the particular challenges of organized violence in the twenty-first century.

Biodefense Strategy
Nonproliferation and Arms Control
Examining Terrorist Groups
Terrorism and Weapons of Mass Destruction
Selected Topics (when the topic is Urban Warfare)
Islam and Politics
Topics in Policy and Government (when the topic is Middle East Security, European Security, or International Money Laundering and Terror)
Interagency Operations in Conflict and Post-Conflict Settings
Analysis for Peace Operations
International Police Operations
Theoretical Perspectives

These courses focus on theories of war, peace, and security across a broad range of contemporary and historic cases and through a variety of disciplinary lenses.

Advanced Topics in Global Health Security (when the topic is Cyber Warfare Strategy/Policy)
Dynamics of Civil Wars
Selected Topics in Geography (when the topic is Military Geography or Insurgency)
International Relations
International Security
Topics in Policy and Government (when the topic is Intelligence and Public Policy, Disruptive Technology and National Security, or Information Intelligence and Smart Power)
Grand Strategy
Ethics and the Use of Force
Practical or Applied Perspectives
Leadership
Experiential Learning 1

Research Methods

Students select one research methods course from the following:3
Interdisciplinary Research Methods
The Study and Writing of History
Military Operations Research I: Cost Analysis
Military Operations Research Modeling II: Effectiveness Analysis
Topics in Policy and Government (when topic is Qualitative Research Methods)
Total Credits3

Integrated Learning Experience Course

MAIS 793Integrated Learning Experience3

Project or Thesis

Select one from the following:3
Interdisciplinary Studies Project (take 3 credit)
Interdisciplinary Studies Thesis (take 3 credits)

Concentration in Women and Gender Studies (WGST)

The concentration in women and gender studies promotes advanced scholarship that transcends traditional boundaries. Students combine required coursework in feminist theory, feminist research methods, critical race theory, queer and sexuality studies, and transnational feminisms with elective course offerings in disciplines 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 21 credits must be in core courses related to the study of women and gender. 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.

Core Courses

WMST 630Feminist Theories3
WMST 640Transnational Issues of Gender and Race3
WMST 610Feminist Research Methods3
Students take one course from each of the following areas. 19
Critical Race Studies (3 credits)
Critical Race Studies
Representations of Race
Genealogy of Black Feminist Thought
Policing Black Bodies
Policing Black Bodies
Current Topics in Women and Gender Studies (when topic is Black Psychology)
Special Topics (when topic is Gender, Race, Reform 1800-1920, Gender, Race and Lynching or Gender and Racial Idealogy in Jim Crow)
Bodies and Sexualities (3 credits)
Gender, Sexuality, and Disability
Current Topics in Women and Gender Studies (when topic is Feminist Ecopolitics or Gender, Race and Animal Rights)
Queer Theory
Transnational and Global Perspectives (3 credits)
Transnational Sexualities
Gender, Sexuality, and Human Rights
Sexuality, Race, and Immigration
Sociology of Globalization
Social Justice and Equity in International Education
Total Credits18

Electives

Students take 12 credits in elective courses that address the study of women and gender and that are not taken as part of the core focus. 12
Gender, Sexuality, and Disability
Transnational Sexualities
Sexuality, Race, and Immigration
Current Topics in Women and Gender Studies (can be repeated for credit)
Special Topics (can be repeated for credit)
Queer Theory
Gender, Sexuality, and Human Rights
Internship
Other relevant courses from other disciplines chosen in consultation with concentration head
Total Credits12

Integrated Learning Experience Course

MAIS 793Integrated Learning Experience3

Project or Thesis

Select one from the following:3
Interdisciplinary Studies Project (take 3 credits)
Interdisciplinary Studies Thesis (take 3 credits)

Individualized Concentration (IND)

This concentration is for students who wish to design a graduate program to meet the special needs of their careers and life plans. Students usually choose this option because traditional graduate programs do not meet their specific goals. Students, with help from their faculty advisor, design a unique program of study that includes courses from several academic departments.

Students have access to most graduate courses offered by Mason but must meet all course prerequisites.  Each student must submit a curriculum worksheet approved by the student's advisor and director during the first semester enrolled. Any subsequent amendments must have the approval of the student's advisor and the director.

Disciplinary Focus

Select 15 credits in one discipline. These require the approval of faculty advisor and MAIS director.15
Total Credits15

Complementary Disciplines

Students choosing to complete a project or thesis take 12 credits in complementary disciplines. Students choosing not to complete a project or thesis take 15 credits total. These require the approval of faculty advisor and MAIS director.12-15
Total Credits12-15

Research Methods

Students take the following research methods course or other relevant courses in consultation with a faculty advisor and MAIS director.3
Interdisciplinary Research Methods
Total Credits3

Integrated Learning Experience Course

MAIS 793Integrated Learning Experience3

Optional Project or Thesis

Select one from the following:3
Interdisciplinary Studies Project (take 3 credits)
Interdisciplinary Studies Thesis (take 3 credits)

Program Outcomes

  • Students will identify, describe, and apply interdisciplinary perspectives to their work, synthesize information with examples, theories, or facts from more than one field of study, and apply information gained in one learning context toward complex issues in another.
  • Students will devise an interdisciplinary approach to a research problem, demonstrate command of the current literature of the relevant field(s), and develop and describe a methodology appropriate to the problem.
  • Students will identify quantitative and/or qualitative data from more than one discipline that can be applied to a research problem and organize and synthesize evidence to reveal insightful patterns, differences, or similarities.
  • Students will frame a significant research question that is open-ended, appropriately scaled, and answerable, craft a coherent argument and insightfully interpret/analyze evidence to support it, situate the discussion within the existing literature or genre, and present research in a rigorous and professionally competent manner.
  • Students will extend previous work in the field or apply significant research to a practical or creative problem.

Students interested in pursuing a dual master's program linking global affairs or interdisciplinary studies (concentration in women and gender studies) with a discipline other than that listed below should discuss their interest with the graduate program directors of both programs and review the university policies in AP.6.9.6.

Global Affairs, MA and Interdisciplinary Studies, MAIS (concentration in women and gender studies) Dual Degree

The Global Affairs and Interdisciplinary Studies Programs offer a dual master's program where a student can earn both a Global Affairs MA and the Interdisciplinary Studies MAIS (concentration in women and gender studies) in 54 credits rather than 66 credits. This program is governed by university policy AP.6.9.6

Application Requirements

Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions. For information specific to this dual master's program see Application Requirements and Deadlines.

Requirements

Total credits: 54

Required Global Affairs Courses

GLOA 600Global Competencies3
GLOA 610Economic Globalization and Development3
GLOA 615Case Studies in Globalization3
GLOA 710Seminar Abroad3
Select three courses from the chosen specialization for the global affairs MA9
Total Credits21

Required Women and Gender Studies Courses

WMST 630Feminist Theories3
WMST 640Transnational Issues of Gender and Race3
Select one course in critical race studies from the following:3
Critical Race Studies
Representations of Race
Genealogy of Black Feminist Thought
Policing Black Bodies
Policing Black Bodies
Current Topics in Women and Gender Studies
Special Topics
Select one course in bodies and sexualities from the following:3
Gender, Sexuality, and Disability
Current Topics in Women and Gender Studies
Queer Theory
Select one course in transnational and global perspectives from the following:3
Transnational Sexualities
Gender, Sexuality, and Human Rights
Sexuality, Race, and Immigration
Sociology of Globalization
Social Justice and Equity in International Education
Select 9 credits in elective courses chosen from the following and not used to fulfill another requirement:9
Gender, Sexuality, and Disability
Transnational Sexualities
Sexuality, Race, and Immigration
Current Topics in Women and Gender Studies
Special Topics
Queer Theory
Gender, Sexuality, and Human Rights
Internship
Total Credits24

Required Methods Course 

Select one from the following:3
Interdisciplinary Research Methods
Feminist Research Methods
Total Credits3

Capstone

Select one of the following:3
Capstone Research Seminar
Integrated Learning Experience
Total Credits3

Project or Thesis

Select one of the following:3
Interdisciplinary Studies Project (take 3 credits)
Interdisciplinary Studies Thesis (take 3 credits)
Total Credits3

Total Credits: 54

Students interested in pursuing a dual master's program linking philosophy or interdisciplinary studies (women and gender studies concentration) and a discipline other than that listed below should discuss their interest with the graduate program directors of both programs and review the university policies in AP.6.9.6.

Philosophy, MA and Interdisciplinary Studies, MAIS (Concentration in women and gender studies) Dual Degree

The Department of Philosophy and the Interdisciplinary Studies Program offer a dual master's degree program where students can earn both the MA and the MAIS (concentration in women and gender studies) in 55 credits rather than 67 credits. This program is governed by university policy AP.6.9.6.

Application Requirements

Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions. For information specific to this dual master's degree see Application Requirements and Deadlines.

Requirements

Students pursuing dual master's study linking the Philosophy MA 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.

Students interested in pursuing a dual master's program linking sociology or interdisciplinary studies (concentration in women and gender studies) with a discipline other than that listed below should discuss their interest with the graduate program directors of both programs and review the university policies in AP.6.9.6.

Sociology, MA and Interdisciplinary Studies, MAIS (concentration in women and gender studies) Dual Degree

The Department of Sociology and Anthropology and the Interdisciplinary Studies Programs offer a dual master's program where a student can earn both a Sociology MA and the Interdisciplinary Studies MAIS (concentration in women and gender studies) in 57 credits rather than 69 credits. This program is governed by university policy AP.6.9.6.

Application Requirements

Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions. For information specific to this dual master's degree see Application Requirements and Deadlines.

Requirements

Total credits: 57

Required Sociology Courses

SOCI 601Proseminar in Public and Applied Sociology3
SOCI 620Methods and Logic of Social Inquiry3
SOCI 711Classical Sociological Theory3
SOCI 712Contemporary Sociological Theory3
Elective Methodology and Analysis Course3
Survey Research
Evaluation Research for Social Programs
Special Topics in Sociology
Qualitative Research Methods
Statistical Reasoning
Feminist Theory
Ethnography
Historical and Comparative Sociology
Analytic Techniques of Social Research
Methods in Anthropology
Select three advanced courses (500-800 level) in sociology9
Total Credits24

Required Women and Gender Studies Courses

WMST 630Feminist Theories3
WMST 640Transnational Issues of Gender and Race3
MAIS 793Integrated Learning Experience3
Select one course in critical race studies form the following:3
Critical Race Studies
Representations of Race
Genealogy of Black Feminist Thought
Policing Black Bodies
Policing Black Bodies
Current Topics in Women and Gender Studies
Special Topics
Select one course in bodies and sexualities from the following:3
Gender, Sexuality, and Disability
Current Topics in Women and Gender Studies
Queer Theory
Select one course in transnational and global perspectives from the following:3
Transnational Sexualities
Gender, Sexuality, and Human Rights
Sexuality, Race, and Immigration
Sociology of Globalization
Seminar for Supervision in Teacher Education
Social Justice and Equity in International Education
Select three courses from the following that address the study of women and gender and that are not taken as part of the core focus.9
Gender, Sexuality, and Disability
Transnational Sexualities
Sexuality, Race, and Immigration
Current Topics in Women and Gender Studies
Special Topics
Queer Theory
Gender, Sexuality, and Human Rights
Internship
Other relevant courses from other disciplines chosen in consultation with concentration head
Total Credits27

Required Methods Course

WMST 610Feminist Research Methods3

Capstone, Project, or Thesis

Select one from the following:3
Interdisciplinary Studies Project
Interdisciplinary Studies Thesis
Thesis
Master's Capstone Paper
Total Credits3

Many accelerated master's programs are available for any bachelor's degree at Mason, including the ones below. See the full list of degrees with accelerated programs at George Mason.

Bachelor's Degree (any)/Interdisciplinary Studies, Accelerated MAIS (Computational Social Science Concentration)

Overview

Highly-qualified undergraduates may be admitted to the  bachelor's/accelerated master's program and obtain a BS/BA in a chosen major and a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS) with a concentration in Computational Social Science in an accelerated time-frame after satisfactory completion of a minimum of 144 credits.

See AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees for policies related to thie program. 

Students in an accelerated degree program must fulfill all university requirements for the master's degree. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.

BAM Pathway Admission Requirements

Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions Policies and Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degree policies. For information specific to this program, see Application Requirements and Deadlines on the departmental website.

The accelerated MAIS with a concentration in Computational Social Science is appropriate for students in a variety of majors. Ideally applicants will have undergraduate backgrounds in both computer science/computational data science and the social sciences or humanities. Applicants pursuing an undergraduate degree in computer science/computational data science should have completed at least one upper-division course in communications, conflict analysis and resolution, criminology, economics, geography, government, history, psychology, or sociology. Applicants pursuing undergraduate degrees in these or other majors should have completed at least one upper-division computer science or computational data science course.Students will be considered for admission into the BAM Pathway after completion of a minimum of 60 credits, and an overall minimum GPA of 3.50.

Students who are accepted into the BAM Pathway will be allowed to register for graduate level courses after successful completion of a minimum of 75 undergraduate credits.

Accelerated Master's Admission Requirements

Students already admitted in the BAM Pathway will be admitted to the MAIS program, if they have met the following criteria, as verified on the Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition form:

  • Minimum overall GPA of 3.50
  • Minimum grade of B in all advanced standing coursework
  • Successfully meeting Mason's requirements for undergraduate degree conferral (graduation) and completing the application for graduation.

Accelerated Pathway Requirements

To maintain the integrity and quality of both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, undergraduate students interested in taking graduate courses must choose from the following:

Advanced Standing courses (up to 12 credits with a minimum grade of B in each)

  • CSS 600 Introduction to Computational Social Science (3 credits)
  • CSS 605 Object-Oriented Modeling in Social Science (3 credits)
  • CSS 610 Agent-based Modeling and Simulation (3 credits)
  • CSS 620 Origins of Social Complexity (3 credits)

Reserve Graduate Credit courses (up to 6 credits) taken while an undergraduate and will only count for the graduate degree program

  • CSS 600 Introduction to Computational Social Science (3 credits)
  • CSS 605 Object-Oriented Modeling in Social Science (3 credits)
  • CSS 610 Agent-based Modeling and Simulation (3 credits)
  • CSS 620 Origins of Social Complexity (3 credits)
  • CSS 625 Complexity Theory in the Social Sciences (3 credits)
  • CSS 645 Spatial Agent-Based Models of Human-Environment Interactions (3 credits)
  • CSS 692 Social Network Analysis (3 credits)

For more detailed information on coursework and timeline requirements see AP.6.7 Bachelor's Accelerated Master's Degree policies.

Bachelor's Degree (any)/Interdisciplinary Studies, Accelerated MAIS (Energy and Sustainability Concentration)

Overview

Highly-qualified Mason undergraduates may be admitted to the bachelor's/accelerated master's program and obtain a BA/BS in a chosen major and a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS) with a concentration in energy and sustainability in an accelerated time-frame after satisfactory completion of a minimum of 144 credits.

See AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees for policies related to this program.

Students in an accelerated degree program must fulfill all university requirements for the master's degree. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.

BAM Pathway Admission Requirements

Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions Policies and Bachelor's Accelerated Master's Degree policies.  For information specific to this accelerated master's program, see Application Requirements and Deadlines on the departmental website.

Students will be considered for admission into the BAM Pathway after completion of a minimum of 60 credits, with a minimum overall GPA of 3.50.

Students who are accepted in the BAM Pathway will be allowed to register for graduate level courses after successful completion of a minimum of 75 undergraduate credits.

Accelerated Master's Admissions Requirements

Students already admitted in the BAM Pathway will be admitted to the MAIS program, if they have met the following criteria, as verified on the Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition form:

  • Minimum overall GPA of 3.50
  • Minimum grade of B in each advanced standing course
  • Successfully meeting Mason's requirements for undergraduate degree conferral (graduation) and completing the application for graduation.

Accelerated Pathway Requirements

To maintain the integrity and quality of both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, undergraduate students interested in taking graduate courses must choose from the following:

Advanced Standing courses (up to 12 credits with a minimum grade of B in each)
ECON 695Special Topics in Economics 13
EVPP 533Energy Policy3
EVPP 642Environmental Policy3
GGS 507Geographic Approaches for Sustainable Development3
GLOA 605Interdisciplinary Research Methods3
PHIL 643Environmental Ethics3
PHYS 581Topics in Renewable Energy3
Reserve Graduate credit courses (up to 6 credits) taken while an undergraduate and will only count for the graduate degree program
ECON 695Special Topics in Economics3
EVPP 533Energy Policy3
EVPP 642Environmental Policy3
GGS 507Geographic Approaches for Sustainable Development3
GLOA 605Interdisciplinary Research Methods3
PHIL 643Environmental Ethics3
PHYS 581Topics in Renewable Energy3

For more detailed information on coursework and timeline requirements see AP.6.7 Bachelor's Accelerated Master's Degree policies.

Bachelor's Degree (any)/Interdisciplinary Studies, Accelerated MAIS (Religious Studies Concentration)

Overview

Highly-qualified Mason undergraduates may be admitted to the bachelor's/accelerated master's program and obtain a BA/BS in a chosen major and a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS) with a concentration in Religious Studies in an accelerated time-frame after satisfactory completion of a minimum of 144 credits.

If the students has not majored in religious studies it is preferred, thought not required, that the student have a minor in religious studies.

See AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees for policies related to this program.

Students in an accelerated degree program must fulfill all university requirements for the master's degree. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.

BAM Pathway Admission Requirements

Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions Policies and Bachelor's Accelerated Master's Degree policies.  For information specific to this accelerated master's program, see Application Requirements and Deadlines on the departmental website.

Students will be considered for admission into the BAM Pathway after completion of a minimum of 60 credits, with a minimum overall GPA of 3.50.

Students who are accepted in the BAM Pathway will be allowed to register for graduate level courses after successful completion of a minimum of 75 undergraduate credits.

Accelerated Master's Admissions Requirements

Students already admitted in the BAM Pathway will be admitted to the MAIS program, if they have met the following criteria, as verified on the Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition form:

  • Minimum overall GPA of 3.50
  • Minimum grade of B in each advanced standing course
  • Successfully meeting Mason's requirements for undergraduate degree conferral (graduation) and completing the application for graduation.

Accelerated Pathway Requirements

To maintain the integrity and quality of both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, undergraduate students interested in taking graduate courses must choose from the following:

Advanced Standing courses (up to 12 credits with a minimum grade of B in each)
RELI 600Interdisciplinary Pathways in the Study of Religion3
RELI 630Theories and Methods in the Study of Religion3
RELI 632Interreligious Dialogue3
RELI 633Issues in Religious Ethics3
RELI 640Religion and Law3
RELI 591Special Topics in Religious Studies3
Reserve Graduate Credit courses (up to 6 credits) taken while an undergraduate and will only count for the graduate degree program
RELI 600Interdisciplinary Pathways in the Study of Religion3
RELI 630Theories and Methods in the Study of Religion3
RELI 632Interreligious Dialogue3
RELI 633Issues in Religious Ethics3
RELI 640Religion and Law3
RELI 591Special Topics in Religious Studies3

For more detailed information on coursework and timeline requirements see AP.6.7 Bachelor's Accelerated Master's Degree policies.

Bachelor's Degree (any)/Interdisciplinary Studies, Accelerated MAIS (Social Entrepreneurship Concentration)

Overview

Highly-qualified Mason undergraduates may be admitted to the bachelor's/accelerated master's program and obtain a BA/BS in a chosen major and a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS) with a concentration in social entrepreneurship in an accelerated time-frame after satisfactory completion of a minimum of 144 credits.

See AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees for policies related to this program.

Students in an accelerated degree program must fulfill all university requirements for the master's degree. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.

BAM Pathway Admission Requirements

Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions Policies and Bachelor's Accelerated Master's Degree policies.  For information specific to this accelerated master's program, see Application Requirements and Deadlines on the departmental website.

Students will be considered for admission into the BAM Pathway after completion of a minimum of 60 credits with a minimum overall GPA of 3.50.

Students who are accepted in the BAM Pathway will be allowed to register for graduate level courses after successful completion of a minimum of 75 undergraduate credits.

Accelerated Master's Admissions Requirements

Students already admitted in the BAM Pathway will be admitted to the  MAIS program, if they have met the following criteria, as verified on the Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition form:

  • Minimum overall GPA of 3.50
  • Minimum grade of B in all advanced credit courses
  • Successfully meeting Mason's requirements for undergraduate degree conferral (graduation) and completing the application for graduation.

Accelerated Pathway Requirements

To maintain the integrity and quality of both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, undergraduate students interested in taking graduate courses must choose from the following:

Advanced Standing courses (up to 12 credits with a minimum grade of B in each)
INTS 550Social Innovation In Action3
INTS 535Leadership in a Changing Environment3
INTS 540Contemporary Issues in Social Justice Human Rights3
GBUS 540Analysis of Financial Decisions3
Reserve Graduate Credit courses (up to 6 credits) taken while an undergraduate and will only count for the graduate degree program
PUAD 505Introduction to Management of Nonprofits3
PUAD 540Public Policy Process3

For more detailed information on coursework and timeline requirements, see AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees.

Bachelor's Degree (any)/Interdisciplinary Studies, Accelerated MAIS (Social Justice and Human Rights Concentration)

Overview

Highly-qualified Mason undergraduates may be admitted to the bachelor's/accelerated master's program and obtain a BA/BS in a chosen major and a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS) with a concentration in social justice and human rights in an accelerated time-frame after satisfactory completion of a minimum of 144 credits.

See AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees for policies related to this program.

Students in an accelerated degree program must fulfill all university requirements for the master's degree. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.

BAM Pathway Admission Requirements

Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions Policies and Bachelor's Accelerated Master's Degree policies.  For information specific to this accelerated master's program, see Application Requirements and Deadlines on the departmental website.

Students will be considered for admission into the BAM Pathway after completion of a minimum of 60 credits, with a minimum overall GPA of 3.50.

Students who are accepted in the BAM Pathway will be allowed to register for graduate level courses after successful completion of a minimum of 75 undergraduate credits.

Accelerated Master's Admissions Requirements

Students already admitted in the BAM Pathway will be admitted to the MAIS program, if they have met the following criteria, as verified on the Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition form:

  • Minimum overall GPA of 3.50
  • Minimum grade of B in each advanced standing course
  • Successfully meeting Mason's requirements for undergraduate degree conferral (graduation) and completing the application for graduation.

Accelerated Pathway Requirements

To maintain the integrity and quality of both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, undergraduate students interested in taking graduate courses must choose from the following:

Advanced Standing courses (up to 12 credits with a minimum grade of B in each)
INTS 540Contemporary Issues in Social Justice Human Rights3
INTS 534Research for Social Change3
INTS 537Critical Race Studies3
INTS 538Representations of Race4
WMST 504Gender, Sexuality, and Disability3
WMST 602Queer Theory3
WMST 608Gender, Sexuality, and Human Rights3
WMST 630Feminist Theories3
PHIL 643Environmental Ethics3
PUAD 540Public Policy Process3
PUAD 649Advocacy and Lobbying3
Reserve Graduate Credit courses (up to 6 credits) taken while an undergraduate and will only count for the graduate degree program
INTS 534Research for Social Change3
INTS 537Critical Race Studies3
INTS 538Representations of Race4
WMST 504Gender, Sexuality, and Disability3
WMST 602Queer Theory3
WMST 608Gender, Sexuality, and Human Rights3
WMST 630Feminist Theories3
PHIL 643Environmental Ethics3
PUAD 540Public Policy Process3
PUAD 649Advocacy and Lobbying3

For more detailed information on coursework and timeline requirements see AP.6.7 Bachelor's Accelerated Master's Degree policies.

Bachelor's Degree (any)/Interdisciplinary Studies, Accelerated MAIS (War and the Military in Society Concentration)

Overview

Highly-qualified Mason undergraduates may be admitted to the bachelor's/accelerated master's program and obtain a BA/BS in a chosen major and a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS) with a concentration in War and Military in Society in an accelerated time-frame after satisfactory completion of a minimum of 144 credits.

See AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees for policies related to this program.

Students in an accelerated degree program must fulfill all university requirements for the master's degree. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.

BAM Pathway Admission Requirements

Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions Policies and Bachelor's Accelerated Master's Degree policies.  For information specific to this accelerated master's program, see Application Requirements and Deadlines on the departmental website.

Students will be considered for admission into the BAM Pathway after completion of a minimum of 60 credits, with a minimum overall GPA of 3.50.

Students who are accepted in the BAM Pathway will be allowed to register for graduate level courses after successful completion of a minimum of 75 undergraduate credits.

Accelerated Master's Admissions Requirements

Students already admitted in the BAM Pathway will be admitted to the MAIS  program, if they have met the following criteria, as verified on the Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition form:

  • Minimum overall GPA of 3.5
  • Minimum grade of B in each advanced standing course
  • Successfully meeting Mason's requirements for undergraduate degree conferral (graduation) and completing the application for graduation.

Accelerated Pathway Requirements

To maintain the integrity and quality of both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, undergraduate students interested in taking graduate courses must choose from the following:

Advanced Standing courses (up to 12 credits with a minimum grade of B in each)

GOVT 540International Relations3
HIST 617Topics in the American Civil War Era3
HIST 631Era of the American Revolution3
PUBP 504Grand Strategy3
PUBP 506Ethics and the Use of Force3

Reserve Graduate Credit courses (up to 6 credits) taken while an undergraduate and will only count for the graduate degree program

BIOD 609Biodefense Strategy3

For more detailed information on coursework and timeline requirements see AP.6.7 Bachelor's Accelerated Master's Degree policies.

Bachelor's Degree (any)/Interdisciplinary Studies, Accelerated MAIS (Women and Gender Studies Concentration)

Overview

Highly-qualified Mason undergraduates may be admitted to the bachelor's/accelerated master's program and obtain a BA/BS in a chosen major and a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS) with a concentration in women and gender studies in an accelerated time-frame after satisfactory completion of a minimum of 144 credits.

See AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees for policies related to this program.

Students in an accelerated degree program must fulfill all university requirements for the master's degree. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.

BAM Pathway Admission Requirements

Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in Graduate Admissions Policies and Bachelor's Accelerated Master's Degree policies.  For information specific to this accelerated master's program, see Application Requirements and Deadlines on the departmental website.

Students will be considered for admission into the BAM Pathway after completion of a minimum of 60 credits, with a minimum overall GPA of 3.50.

Students who are accepted in the BAM Pathway will be allowed to register for graduate level courses after successful completion of a minimum of 75 undergraduate credits.

Accelerated Master's Admissions Requirements

Students already admitted in the BAM Pathway will be admitted to the MA program, if they have met the following criteria, as verified on the Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition form:

  • Minimum overall GPA of 3.50
  • Minimum grade of B in each advanced standing course
  • Successfully meeting Mason's requirements for undergraduate degree conferral (graduation) and completing the application for graduation.

Accelerated Pathway Requirements

To maintain the integrity and quality of both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, undergraduate students interested in taking graduate courses must choose from the following:

Advanced Standing courses (up to 12 credits with a minimum grade of B in each)

WMST 504Gender, Sexuality, and Disability3
WMST 602Queer Theory3
WMST 608Gender, Sexuality, and Human Rights3
WMST 610Feminist Research Methods3
WMST 630Feminist Theories3
WMST 640Transnational Issues of Gender and Race3

Reserve Graduate Credit courses (up to 6 credits) taken while an undergraduate and will only count for the graduate degree program

WMST 504Gender, Sexuality, and Disability3
WMST 602Queer Theory3
WMST 608Gender, Sexuality, and Human Rights3
WMST 610Feminist Research Methods3
WMST 630Feminist Theories3
WMST 640Transnational Issues of Gender and Race3


For more detailed information on coursework and timeline requirements see AP.6.7 Bachelor's Accelerated Master's Degree policies.