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."
"MAPSS offered an excellent bridge to my intended destination of law school. MAPSS allowed me to enhance the skills and knowledge of my undergraduate experience, while preparing for the rigors of my future professional career in Native American law."
"Having volunteered in Nepal for over a year, I realized I wanted to take my contribution to the next level and applied only to the MAPSS program because of the flexibility to design my own path within an academically rigorous and interdiscplinary environment. My interest in Nepalese anthropology was well-served by crafting a unique selection of courses from a variety of outstanding departments and interacting with world renowned faculty and an amazingly diverse and intellectually stimulating cohort.
"MAPSS provided a golden opportunity for a Canadian student of American history. Not only did I receive solid instruction in the perspectives and practises of the social sciences, but I was able to pursue my project with top-tier faculty in one of the world's great cities. In addition to providing the setting for an indelible academic experience, my MAPSS year laid the groundwork for future graduate work. And its program staff helped me achieve my more immediate goals: finding employment in the United States. They provided the know-how and personal attention - and the occasional shot in the arm - to translate my graduate education into meaningful employment in public history."
"My MAPSS experience provided a solid foundation on which to build a successful career."
"I chose MAPSS over several Ph.D. programs, and don't regret it at all. I've found that both the University of Chicago and the MAPSS department are recognized everywhere I go. MAPSS has prepared me well for the job that I currently hold, and I'm sure it will serve me well once I decide to continue with my academic development."
