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What
academic fields can I choose?
Available fields are: Art, Communication Arts, Criminal Justice,
English and History. Fields in the Colleges of Business,
Education, and Science and Technology (referred to as "outside
colleges") may in some cases be included. Arrangements
for such programs must be made on the student's behalf by
the MAIS Coordinator. Students who include a minor field
outside the College of Arts and Humanities must fulfill all
prerequisites deemed necessary by the outside college.
In no way does the MAIS degree qualify students for any type
of certification examination. In the three-field plan, two
fields must be in the College of Liberal Arts. For
the two-field plan, the major field must be one of the following:
English, History, Communication Arts or Studio Art. Since
program coherence is essential, closely related fields are
usually the best choices.
Not
all disciplines in the College or University participate in
the MAIS program. Check with the MAIS Coordinator to
be sure that the areas in which you are interested are included
in the program Some examples which do not participate
are: Psychology, Spanish, and Mexican American Studies.
Do
all fields have to be emphasized
equally?
No. However, degree rules do set maximums and minimums. In
a three field plan, six courses (18 semester hours) are the
maximum one can take in a field. The minimum size of a field
is two courses (six semester hours). If two academic disciplines
comprise the degree plan, the student must take from 18-24
hours in the major field and from 9-15 hours in the minor
field. If one field is taken outside the college, the major
field (which must be taken within the College of Arts and
Humanities) must be comprised of a minimum of 24 hours. All
students are required to take a research methods course.
Can
I include a field I have not studied
before?
You can do so, but you must take at least six semester hours
of upper-division undergraduate course work in that field
before taking graduate level courses. This prerequisite course
work does not count as part of the 36 semester hours required
for the the degree. Further, you may have to take additional
prerequisites if required by a college other than that of
Arts and Humanities. If, for example, you include a
Business component, you MUST comply with the College of Business'
requirements. The MAIS requirements and regulations
do not supercede those of the Colleges.
How
are MA-IS degree plans
developed?
Program planning begins with a goals statement submitted by
the student as part of the application process. The MAIS Coordinator
reviews the student's application materials and appoints a
committee of three faculty advisors, one from each field.
This advisory team works with the student to develop a specific
plan of study and is available for advice throughout the program.
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Is
a thesis offered as an exit
requirement?
Yes. Both two and three field plans offer
a 6 hour thesis option if the student and
committee desire. The degree, however, can
be completed with 36 semester hours of
graduate course work.
An
interdisciplinary project option is also
available. The project must integrate
concepts and methodology from at least two
of the degree fields. An oral defense of
the thesis or project is required. The
project carries three semester hours
credit and is part of the 36 semester hour
program.
Does
the program require comprehensive
exams?
Yes. Students not electing the project or thesis option must
successfully complete a written and an oral comprehensive
exam at the end of their course work. This exam is designed
by the student's faculty committee and evaluates the extent
to which the student has attained the educational goals established
by the student and the degree committee at the beginning of
the program.
Can
I pursue this degree on a part-time
basis?
Yes.
The program is designed for part-time
students. Graduate courses are usually
scheduled in the evening to accommodate
students with full-time jobs.
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