Sarah Waheed (MAPSS '99); PhD student in Modern South Asian History, Tufts University
"My experience in MAPSS at University of Chicago was a fruitful one. Coursework in social theory and history prepared me for future graduate studies, and I was able to structure an independent reading course in which I could work through the theoretical and analytical questions of my masters project."
Kye Tiernan (MAPSS '98)
Technology Producer at McDougal-Littell
"MAPSS provided me with a rigorous approach to the social sciences. This allowed me to focus on topics such as Latin American society, visual culture, and digital media as a tool for researching and presenting ritual, tradition, and space. I had superb access to top-notch theoreticians and practitioners that expended my approach to philosophies and methods. I now put the skills I learned in MAPSS directly to use as a Technology Producer developing digital content for McDougal-Littell - one of the country's most established educational publishers. The other students in the program were almost as valuable as the faculty and institutional resources. The strong network of friends and collaborators I established during my years at MAPSS still supports me today. One of these is my husband, former Johnson Instructor Alex Dent."
Amanda Diederich-Hirsh (MAPSS '04) Political Consultant Gragert Research Chicago, IL
"Entering MAPSS was the best career decision I've ever made. The core course teaches disciplined, critical reasoning and the interdisciplinary nature of the program enabled me to identify meaningful new career options, while providing valuable knowledge and a highly regarded degree with which to change course. By the end of the program I had gained the skills and confidence to transition into a job in political consulting that requires working independently in a fast-paced environment, while thinking critically and creatively.
Maintaining the rigorous academic demands the University is known for, and exchanging ideas with some of the greatest minds in academia was something of a consciousness-changing experience. Individuals in my cohort came from a vast diversity of backgrounds and experiences, and were passionate about acquiring and sharing knowledge.
The University of Chicago, and specifically MAPSS, has a unique ability to recognize and nurture potential in non-traditional students. It's a refreshing change from most academic institutions, and it is what puts the Chicago experience far beyond what one would get somewhere else. The year spent in MAPSS far exceeded all of my expectations."
"My experience in MAPSS at University of Chicago was a fruitful one. Coursework in social theory and history prepared me for future graduate studies, and I was able to structure an independent reading course in which I could work through the theoretical and analytical questions of my masters project."
Kye Tiernan (MAPSS '98)Technology Producer at McDougal-Littell
"MAPSS provided me with a rigorous approach to the social sciences. This allowed me to focus on topics such as Latin American society, visual culture, and digital media as a tool for researching and presenting ritual, tradition, and space. I had superb access to top-notch theoreticians and practitioners that expended my approach to philosophies and methods. I now put the skills I learned in MAPSS directly to use as a Technology Producer developing digital content for McDougal-Littell - one of the country's most established educational publishers. The other students in the program were almost as valuable as the faculty and institutional resources. The strong network of friends and collaborators I established during my years at MAPSS still supports me today. One of these is my husband, former Johnson Instructor Alex Dent."
Amanda Diederich-Hirsh (MAPSS '04) Political Consultant Gragert Research Chicago, IL
"Entering MAPSS was the best career decision I've ever made. The core course teaches disciplined, critical reasoning and the interdisciplinary nature of the program enabled me to identify meaningful new career options, while providing valuable knowledge and a highly regarded degree with which to change course. By the end of the program I had gained the skills and confidence to transition into a job in political consulting that requires working independently in a fast-paced environment, while thinking critically and creatively.
Maintaining the rigorous academic demands the University is known for, and exchanging ideas with some of the greatest minds in academia was something of a consciousness-changing experience. Individuals in my cohort came from a vast diversity of backgrounds and experiences, and were passionate about acquiring and sharing knowledge.
The University of Chicago, and specifically MAPSS, has a unique ability to recognize and nurture potential in non-traditional students. It's a refreshing change from most academic institutions, and it is what puts the Chicago experience far beyond what one would get somewhere else. The year spent in MAPSS far exceeded all of my expectations."
