Individualized Studies Concentration

Mischa Geracoulis, 2023

Mischa Geracoulis is a media professional, serving as the Curriculum Development Coordinator, for Project Censored.  Her journalistic and educational work focuses on the intersections among critical media and information literacy, human rights education,  and democracy and ethics, while prioritizing issues on truth in reporting, press and academic freedom. 

Why did you choose George Mason University and the Interdisciplinary Studies Program?

Because my work, interests, and goals were, and still are, cross-discipline, several colleagues had suggested that I explore GMU’s Interdisciplinary Studies programs. I started that process by looking at the course offerings and reading up on the faculty members’ research. At the time, Dr. Shayna Maskell’s then-new book release caught my attention. Shortly thereafter, I met Dr. Maskell—both she and the program offerings surpassed my expectations. Her passion for the programs and for teaching, and happiness at Mason motivated me to apply.

How did you choose your specific area of study? What led you to choosing your concentration within MAIS? 

With the guidance of Dr. Maskell, who understood my intentions and aspirations for grad school, I chose the degree program that allowed me to merge the journalistic work I had been doing for years with new goals for teaching and writing. Because I was seeking a degree that would do more than one thing—expand my knowledge, impart new skills, and further the work that I was already invested in—an interdisciplinary degree made perfect sense.

What part of your degree program had the most impact on you?

It is difficult to single out one part of the whole because everything was so intertwined, as is the nature of interdisciplinary studies. That said, because I got to be an active participant in my learning, deliberately choosing courses and ideas and subjects to research, I felt continually challenged and inspired.

Describe your dissertation, thesis, or capstone.

My capstone was a combination of research, writing, and creating a deliverable. My paper was the result of a study of the curricular gaps in two main subjects—media literacy and human rights. Discovering similar gaps, as well as learning objectives, inspired the design of an undergraduate course that intersects the two subjects.

Are there faculty or staff members who made a difference during your Mason career?

I feel a debt of gratitude to Dr. Maskell who always made time for me and supported me every step of the way. Her attention to and guidance on my research and feedback on my writing were as invaluable as the seemingly mundane but no-less-important minutia of selecting courses, calculating credits, and signing forms. Dr. Gatling’s disciplinary expertise and direction were equally above-and-beyond, and his support for my research—even now as an alum—was and is invaluable. And Rachel Stevenson’s endless patience with my many questions, and administrative efficiency were super helpful!

What are your long-term career goals?

Envisioning myself as a lifelong learner, I aim to keep learning and evolving. I love my work with Project Censored, the media education and watch organization, where I get to apply both my journalistic experience and graduate education. Most of the Project Censored team are connected to a university and teach in addition to serving with the Project. Similarly, I would like to utilize my degree to instruct, as well as continue with research, writing books, and working in newer mediums too.

What advice would you give to new or prospective students interested in your concentration?

It’s a terminal degree, so in some ways the program can be more intense than a pre-packaged degree. I would recommend starting with a fairly clear vision of your end goals, and then working backwards; meaning, have a good idea about what you want to learn through coursework and research, and leverage that towards a final thesis or project. Of course, those goals and ideas may well change, but the sooner you conceptualize your thesis and/or objectives for the program, the better. I’d also suggest getting to know faculty and becoming familiar with their work that aligns with your interests. That will help with finding mentors and advisors and building relationships toward your thesis committee. Be organized and ready to work on deadlines, and don’t hesitate to ask questions because everyone in the department is more than willing to help.