|
master of arts in interdisciplinary studies
The Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree (MAIS) at The University of South Dakota is designed primarily for non-traditional students.The program is individually tailored for mature individuals who can establish their professional and/or personal goals and articulate the role that advanced academic training plays in achieving them. The purpose of the Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies Program is to allow flexibility in program design and course selection for students who have determined the type of advanced education most beneficial in terms of career development.
One of the unique elements of the degree is that students design their own programs of study based on their perceptions of which academic disciplines are most beneficial in terms of personal and professional goals. Students seeking self-designed educational curriculum must reflect well-conceived educational and professional goals. Students seeking admission to the program must specifically explain the way in which their program of study will meet their goals. It is highly recommended that the prospective student contact a member of the Interdisciplinary Studies committee to assist in the completion of the preliminary program of study.
Because the MAIS program is tailored to meet the needs of individuals, it is anticipated that a wide diversity of courses will be taken in a number of departments. Only 12 semester hours, however, of the 32-hour program may be taken in any course prefix. The 32-hour requirement is a minimum, and programs may exceed that number. Fifty percent of course work must be completed at the 700-level or above. The individual may chose a thesis or non-thesis program. Finally, a maximum of 9 hours of previously completed course work may be used to toward the MAIS degree; this course work may only be used with the approval of the MAIS Selection Committee and the Graduate Dean. In addition, a final oral interview is required of all degree candidates.
Admissions Requirements
Students fully admitted to the MAIS program must have a baccalaureate or equivalent degree earned from a department of approved standing and granted by an accredited college or university. The baccalaureate cumulative grade point average must be at least a 2.7 on a 4.0 grading scale. Students with less than a 2.7 grade point average may be admitted provisionally; these students will be required to obtain a “B” or above in the first three graduate courses taken. Students must achieve a minimum cumulative average of 3.0 in all courses included on the program of study.
Application Procedures
1. Completion of an Application for Admission to the Graduate School.
2. Applicants must complete a preliminary program of study, or the list of courses that you desire as a part of your program. As part of the preliminary program of study, applicants are required to demonstrate, in writing, how the designed program will meet the desired personal and career goals.
3. Three letters of recommendation are required as part of the application process.
4. Two official transcripts showing that a baccalaureate degree has been conferred must be submitted.
5. A $35.00 non-refundable application fee must be submitted with the application materials
6. The application deadline is six weeks prior to the start of classes.
Oral Examination
The purpose of the oral examination at the completion of course work in the program is to provide the student and the University an opportunity to assess the effectiveness of the program of study in attaining the student’s goals. The oral examination is conducted in a manner that demonstrates the degree to which the student has integrated the information and perspectives gained through the program of study. The oral examination assesses the student’s communication skills and ability to think critically. The examination does not attempt to assess in-depth knowledge gained in specific courses.
The oral examination requires approximately one hour to conduct. The oral examination committee is comprised of a minimum of three faculty including the student’s MAIS advisor and two faculty members from whom the student has taken courses in the MAIS program of study. The Dean of Research and Graduate Education is an ex officio member of all MAIS oral committees and attends as schedule allows.
Interdisciplinary Studies Packet
The Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies Selection Committee
Diane Duin, Assistant Professor & Director of Graduate Studies, School of Business
605-677-5232; dduin@usd.edu
John Day, Dean, College of Fine Arts 605-677-5481; jday@usd.edu
Kurt Hackemer, Associate Dean, College of Arts and Sciences 605-677-5221;khackeme@usd.edu
Jeri Engelking, Campus Dean, School of Education 605-677-5437;
Additional Information
Please contact: Graduate School, Room 107, Slagle Hall The University of South Dakota 414 East Clark Vermillion, SD 57069-2390 605-677-6287 or
e- mail gradsch@usd.edu
|
