The Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS) program in the College of Humanities & Social Sciences consists of multiple established degree paths that exist in partnership with academic units and faculty across the University. It offers a home for students with broad academic interests who seek a master's degree that will help them to create a better world. While their degree paths may vary dramatically, our students share a desire to address critical problems facing the world today. MAIS encourages students' freedom and creativity while recognizing the demand for high quality, non-traditional graduate programs that transcend disciplinary boundaries.
Achieving Mason’s commitment to the personal and intellectual growth of our students, teaching excellence, and innovative research is only possible through a diverse population of students, faculty, and staff. Exchanging a broad range of ideas and sharing a multitude of experiences and perspectives sustains our commitment and builds a community in which everyone thrives.
With students from more than 130 nations, representing over 80 languages and 1500 accents, and students of color making up over 40% of the student body, Mason is continuing on the path toward and inclusive, diverse and equitable world.
Computational Social Science merges social science with computer programming and modeling to prepare students for jobs in government, the military and the private sector.
Energy and Sustainability offers broad training in environmental science, engineering, economics and business, public policy, and the humanities to create the sustainability professionals of the future.
Individualized Studies invites applicants whose goals are not met by a traditional master's program to design their own path, with faculty assistance, prior to applying to the program.
Religious Studies provides inquiry into religion as an organizing principle, and frequent source of conflict, with training suitable for careers in law, government, journalism, library sciences, teaching and work with non-profits.
Social Entrepreneurship provides students with a theoretical and practical toolkit to engage with real-world issues in industry, nonprofits, government, public policy, and education while maintaining a commitment to social justice and caring for human dignity.
Social Justice and Human Rights focuses on racial injustice, educational rights, (dis)ability rights, indigenous rights, animal rights, and human trafficking in preparation for careers in education, public service, and community organizing.
War and the Military in Society provides broad training in understanding the ways nations conceive of their military apparatus, and the bearing it has on future policy decisions, for careers in national defense, intelligence, and international security.
Women and Gender Studies combines research, teaching, and activism, with a focus on the intersections of sex, gender, sexuality, and power in preparation for careers in education, public service and community organizing.
