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Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies

As you progress in your chosen career field, you may find that the key to promotion is more education. The Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS) degree is a flexible graduate-level program that allows you to design academic study around topics of interest to suit your career goals.

The MAIS degree is limited only by your intellectual interests. Through this program, you can combine courses from UT Dallas’ seven schools or delve into an area of interest.

Program Description

A full-time student can complete the MA degree in one year. Part-time students should allow two years to complete this program.

Internships are an encouraged part of the MAIS degree plan and may be completed for academic credit.

At the conclusion of your studies, you will work with an advisor to design a capstone seminar and project. The seminar includes readings in, and discussion of, interdisciplinary theory and preparation for the research project. Your research topic will lend itself to an interdisciplinary approach. To complete the project, you will synthesize information from various sources, utilizing different methodologies, and draw conclusions that present a new perspective on the topic as a result of this interdisciplinary approach.

Students must complete 36 credit hours of coursework to earn a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies. This includes:

  • Three-hour interdisciplinary seminar
  • Nine hours of distribution courses chosen from areas ranging from business to arts and humanities
  • Twelve hours of concentration courses
  • Six hours of electives
  • Six hour capstone and research project

See utdallas.edu/is for more information.

Career Paths

Alumni pursue a wide variety of career fields in business, industry and public service. One graduate combined her love of the arts and education with business administration to open a successful art gallery.

Another graduate melded business education with psychology and literary studies courses to build a career in private sector advertising and local government marketing.

The University’s Career Center is an important resource for students pursuing postgraduate employment. Licensed counselors are available to provide strategies for mastering job interviews, writing professional cover letters and resumes and connecting with campus recruiters, among other services.

Admission Requirements

  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score of at least 1000
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited university, with a grade average of B or better
  • UT Dallas graduate application form

Students not meeting the above criteria are considered on an individual basis. A student who has a deficit in either their GRE score or grade point average may be conditionally admitted to the program.

Timing

The MAIS program accepts graduate students for the fall, spring and summer semesters.

Visit utdallas.edu/enroll/apply/fees.php for official UT Dallas deadlines.

The University of Texas at Dallas www.utdallas.edu/enroll

School of Interdisciplinary Studies

The programs of the School of Interdisciplinary Studies (IS) provide students with a broad learning experience. Because of the individualized focus and flexibility, the program is appropriate for both students preparing to enter the workplace and those planning to continue their studies. IS students are encouraged to customize a degree plan using two or more disciplines — a combination of business and the social sciences, for example — or they can tailor degrees in American studies or gender studies around topics of interest.

Degrees Offered

Bachelor of Arts: American studies, interdisciplinary studies

Bachelor of Science: Interdisciplinary studies

Master of Arts: Interdisciplinary studies

Minors Offered

If your academic focus leads you elsewhere at UT Dallas, but you would still like to pursue studies in the School of Interdisciplinary Studies, the following minors are available:

  • American studies
  • Gender studies
  • Healthcare studies

Additional Facts

  • Thirteen percent of UT Dallas students seeking a bachelor’s degree major in interdisciplinary studies.
  • The University’s Teacher Development Center (TDC) is housed in the School of Interdisciplinary Studies, and provides rigorous, university-based coursework with extensive field experience, including student teaching or a supervised postbaccalaureate internship for students interested in making teaching or school administration their career. The TDC offers teacher certification options for both undergraduate and postbaccalaureate students.
  • The school is closely affiliated with the Carolyn Galerstein Women’s Center (GWC). Founded in 1996, the GWC collaboratively presents gender issues on campus and in the community throughout the academic year and advocates for an inclusive, safe environment that directly impacts and improves lives.

Contact Information

For questions regarding the application process and specific admission requirements, contact:

Rebecca Wiser
Academic Support Coordinator
School of Interdisciplinary Studies
800 West Campbell Road HH30 and HH 2.134
Richardson, TX 75080-3021
Phone: (972)-883-2354
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: utdallas.edu/is

For questions about the Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies degree program, contact:

Dr. George Fair
Dean
School of Interdisciplinary Studies
800 West Campbell Road HH30
Richardson, TX 75080-3021
Office: Green Hall, 2.244
Phone: 972-883-2350
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: utdallas.edu/is

Office of Admission and Enrollment Services
800 West Campbell Road ROC 11
Richardson, TX 75080-3021
Phone: 972-883-2270 or 1-800-889-2443
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: utdallas.edu/admissions/graduate