Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies

The intersection of social justice and environmental justice

Elizabeth Schierbeek is currently working on her capstone, a thesis involving extensive fieldwork with the Maijuna community in rural Peru

MA, Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Social Justice and Human Rights

Elham began her journey at George Mason as an undergraduate studying government and international politics before continuing into the MAIS program in social justice and human rights through the bachelor's to accelerated master's pathway.

MA in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Religious Studies

Averi is commended for her peer feedback and mentoring, and championing program research symposia.

MA in Interdisciplinary Studies (Concentration in Education and Critical Pedagogies; Secondary concentration in Media and Democracy Studies)

In addition to exemplary work in the classroom and innovative capstone work at the intersections of human rights, critical media literacy, and education, Mischa has served on the editorial board of Project Censored, writing articles on issues and events that garnered little to no media attention in mainstream media outlets. She has also been a contributing writer and editor at The Markaz Review, writing about human rights-related topics.

MA in Interdisciplinary Studies (Concentration in Energy & Sustainability)

Kiernan was awarded a prestigious Boren Fellowship for language acquisition and completed experiential learning in Brazil. To the department's knowledge, he is the first MAIS student to be awarded a Boren and one of only a few in recent years who has completed experiential learning abroad.

MAIS in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Social Justice and Human Rights

Lakshmi's thesis, involving much more significant research than is standard for MAIS students, is a nuanced and thoughtful look at Asian Indian women adoptees and the construction of racial(ized) identity.

Flexibility to choose classes that further her goals

I was interested in classes that would help inform business practices, systems thinking and leadership. As a social entrepreneur, I would like provide workforce development training in the event field to women who were formerly incarcerated.

2019 Distinguished Alumni - MAIS

Shane Kanady is SourceAmerica’s Vice President of Workforce Development. In this role, he oversees programs that focus on the economic and social inclusion of persons with disabilities.

2018 Distinguished Alumni - Women and Gender Studies

Tavarez is passionate about student affairs and dedicated herself to serving Mason’s Housing and Residence Life, LGBTQ Resources, and University Career Services during her time as a student.

2019 Distinguished Alumni - Women and Gender Studies

Valencia K. Long received her Master of Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Women and Gender Studies from Mason.

Serving Mason student organizations

Engaged college students are more successful college students. Through her work in Mason's office of student involvement, Amber Duffey is helping students connect to the life of the university.

2022 Distinguished Alumni - Staff

Janae D. Johnson is a proud two-time alum of George Mason University; having obtained a bachelor’s in psychology and master’s in interdisciplinary studies in higher education.

2018 Distinguished Alumni - MAIS

Schuchard helped launch the first cyber data science organization in the Department of Defense dedicated to creating analytics in support of U.S. national cyber defense policy at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels.

Graduate Admissions Specialist

Nicollette graduated from the MAIS Higher Education Program in December of 2014. Nicollette made the most of the MAIS program by getting involved in the Mason community. She met student affairs professionals and faculty that became her mentors throughout the program. Since graduating, Nicollette has continued with her passion for assisting students and currently works in the Office of Graduate Admissions.

2019 Distinguished Alumni - Higher Education

Guilbert Brown is the Interim Vice President for Finance and Administration/CFO for Millersville University. He previously served as the Acting Assistant Vice Chancellor with the Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education and as the Vice President for Finance & Administration at Edinboro University (EU).

Redefining feminist theory using Sufi thought and direct action activism

Sara Haq has over a decade of experience teaching, researching, and writing at the intersection of gender and sexuality studies and Sufism. Following completion of her PhD and Postdoc, she is currently an independent scholar in Lahore, Pakistan.

Empowering girls for future success

Danielle Craddock, MAIS '11 is the owner of Danielle B. Craddock LLC, a consulting company where she uses her experience as founder and director of Girls Inspired & Ready to Lead Inc. (GIRL) to help others start their nonprofits or develop STEM programming. GIRL mentors and empowers teen girls through career exploration, leadership development, and confidence building.

2018 Distinguished Alumni - Higher Education

As a first-generation college graduate and Haitian American, she is committed and passionate about helping college students, parents, and perspective students understand the college process. Throughout her academic career, she has conducted research on student access and retention particularly among underrepresented populations as well as presented workshops on the college search process, and understanding the financial implications of obtaining a four-year degree.

In 2010, Shannyn Snyder received her master of arts in interdisciplinary studies with a focus on anthropology and global health. After a brief introduction to water scarcity in a global issues course, she realized that she wanted to focus on water and global health, but no such specific program existed at Mason. With the help of the MAIS program, she found out she could connect water, health and culture in the individualized concentration. Now, she's returned to Mason for her PhD to continue this work.

2017 Spring Distinguished Alumni - MAIS

Paul Gilbert is the Executive-in-Residence for the Recreation Management Program within the College of Education and Human Development here at Mason.

2021 Distinguished Alumni - Higher Education

Harold A. Geller is associate professor emeritus, physics and astronomy, at George Mason University. He is also an adjunct in physics at American University and Mason; at large director, GMU Alumni Association; and solar system ambassador for NASA/JPL. Geller has also authored/edited seven books; published over 100 papers in education, astrobiology, astrophysics, and biochemistry. He has been interviewed or quoted by USA Today, Washington Post, Huffington Post, WTOP News Radio, News Channel 8, and The Skeptic. 

2022 Alumni Service Award to Community & Distinguished Alumni MAIS

Kathy Albarado founded Helios HR, an award-winning human capital consulting and recruiting firm, with a commitment to aid leaders in solidifying strong human resource practices that build and enhance their corporate culture