Individualized Programs
Because there are as many specific courses of study as there are individual MAPSS students, it is impossible to identify "typical" curricula. Such freedom and flexibility, in a context of extraordinary faculty, university, and peer resources, compose the uniqueness of MAPSS among American graduate programs. Prospective applicants who may feel daunted by the prospect of a designer M.A. degree are urged to view the sample curricula below and navigate the course offerings in the University's online time schedule (http://timeschedules.uchicago.edu/)
Some students compose a curriculum wholly from among general courses and seminars; others prefer a program of considerably greater concentration. Some take most or all of their courses in a single department or discipline; others combine courses from as many as four or five different disciplines in order to address a particular research problem. Cross-disciplinary faculty committees maintain specifically ordered course sequences, such as those in Gender Studies and the Committee on Human Rights. The University of Chicago is especially receptive to such multi-disciplinary and cross-disciplinary projects. Most faculty hold appointments in more than one teaching unit, many graduate courses are cross-listed, and the graduate workshop system brings students from many departments together over common research topics. For nearly 75 years, MAPSS has contributed significantly to this distinguished Chicago tradition.
"I had established a successful public policy career, but still felt the itch to get a PhD. My year at MAPSS was the perfect transition. Thanks to the program's support and flexibility, I was able to make this significant life decision with my eyes wide open. MAPSS not only opened academic doors for me after so many years out of school, but also expanded my professional opportunities. Thanks to my internship with the Human Rights program, I've built
relationships in the UN system which have provided summer employment in Europe, along with important insights for my doctoral work in international migration."
