Have you been waiting for the perfect time to finish your master’s degree? Maybe none of the master’s programs you’ve been looking at have been quite the right fit. In what’s being called a  “self-designed” master’s degree, the University of Northern Iowa’s Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies could be exactly what you’ve been looking for! Find out more about this unique, flexible degree program and some of the many advantages of taking it.

What is a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies?

A Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS) is designed by you, for you. It’s a standalone 30-hour master’s degree program that allows students to choose between two to three concentration areas. Through the MAIS, students have the unique ability to take graduate courses from all departments and professional schools at UNI. The MAIS can equip you for a variety of job opportunities including manager, analyst, consultant, strategist and others. It’s also a great degree completion opportunity for people who have been looking for a way to finally finish their master’s degree.

5 benefits to creating your own master’s degree at UNI

1. You’ll enjoy more flexibility than the average grad student

No other master’s degree has the level of flexibility as the MAIS. With most degrees, you get one direction with very little, if any, room to travel off the beaten path. By declaring MAIS as your program of study, you won’t have to deal with some of the barriers other students may have. You can pursue multiple interests even if they don’t traditionally go together in an academic setting. 

If you’re looking for a hybrid degree program, the master’s in interdisciplinary studies may be able to accommodate that. Courses are offered both in person and online to meet the needs of all different types of learners during a time that works with their schedules.

Intimidated by the idea of a graduate thesis? The Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies offers both thesis and non-thesis options.

2. You’ll get a personalized grad school experience

No two people have the exact same professional goals. With MAIS, you have the freedom to take graduate courses across multiple units to create a custom master’s degree that is uniquely yours. You’ll feel like it’s personalized because it is personalized.

Designing your own master’s degree means that you’re positioning yourself for your career goals. No one knows more about your career goals than you do. This makes you the perfect person to build the major you believe will help you achieve those goals.

The best part of the MAIS is how you’ll benefit from close academic mentorship and support throughout your studies. Our expert staff will help chart your path by identifying classes, internships and clinical experiences that will be valuable and help you achieve your goals. This will help you feel more closely connected to UNI, and it will set you up for even greater success in your program.

3. You can advance into management more quickly

Do you have the goal of working in management in your current industry? Many management and leadership positions require getting a master’s degree. The Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies can develop your skills in multiple areas and ultimately help you qualify for the management positions that come with bigger paychecks. You can take a communications course, a business class and courses that relate to your industry to bring your goals within reach.

The Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies will enhance your written communication skills and your research abilities. You’ll be able to analyze and interpret data from scholarly literature on your chosen discipline. You’ll also be able to elaborate evidence-based arguments through the understanding of the fields of inquiry. All of this will set you up to take on a management opportunity in stride.

4. You can finally finish your degree

Maybe you’ve already earned some master’s credits. The Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies is the perfect opportunity to finally finish what you started. If you’re busy working, this degree is a flexible option that is meant to be compatible with a wide variety of lifestyles. Finishing your master’s can enhance your skill set and make you more marketable. If you’ve been waiting for a sign that the time is right to finish your degree, consider the MAIS that sign.

5. You don’t have to compromise 

Building your own master’s degree means you can get the degree you want at the school of your dreams. You don’t have to compromise on either. If you’re an adult learner, you may already have life commitments and can’t relocate for school. But you may also have a hard time finding the right master’s program at UNI. The MAIS is the solution. You can build the degree you want and pursue it at UNI so you don’t have to leave the Cedar Valley.

Maybe location isn’t an issue but UNI is your dream grad school for other reasons. If UNI doesn’t offer the program you want, you can still build that program at UNI based on existing courses. That means you can truly have it all when it comes to your grad school experience.

Master tomorrow with UNI’s MAIS

If you’re excited about the prospect of building your dream major at the University of Northern Iowa, get in touch with the graduate college by completing the contact form today! Whether you started your journey toward a master’s years ago and life happened or you want to pursue a master’s for the first time, this program can help you build your dream career and master tomorrow.