Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 SGPP Catalog and Handbook 
    
2022-2023 SGPP Catalog and Handbook [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Integrated Studies, M.A.


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs of Study

Program Description

The Master of Arts in Integrated Studies is a 39-credit self-designed, interdisciplinary graduate program for students to explore real-world issues, problems, or topics that cross disciplinary boundaries and are not addressed in other graduate programs. Students design an individual program plan in conjunction with an advisor that uses theories, concepts, and ways of thinking from more than one discipline to focus study on an area of interest. The combination of scholarship, mentoring, and program flexibility allows individuals to create programs leading to professional enhancement and community contributions.

Areas of study are customized and diverse. Students can incorporate graduate level certificates, self-designed independent studies and other SMUMN graduate level classes into a personalized curriculum that meets their academic and professional goals. Students in the past have focused their studies on interdisciplinary issues related to adult education, social justice, employee assistance, programming, transformational leadership, organizational and individual coaching, health/wellness, spiritual life, music therapy, and ecological studies.

Admission and enrollment into this program is restricted to those in the Latin American Sisters’ Initiative.

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the Master of Arts in Integrated Studies program are expected to be able to do the following:

  1. Evaluate diverse perspectives, comparing and critiquing positions and assumptions encountered in the course of academic study.
  2. Synthesize knowledge understanding of principles, theories, and concepts from more than one disciplinary field of study.
  3. Create a self-directed, integrated course of academic study.
  4. Address a focused area of study using an interdisciplinary approach.
  5. Communicate effectively and ethically in a variety of modes.

Program Structure and Delivery

The program is designed to meet the individualized needs of adult learners.

Degree Requirements


Required Integrated Studies Courses 9 cr.
Student Selected Courses 30 cr.
Total 39 cr.

Faculty


The faculty members for this program have earned doctorate or master’s degrees. Faculty are selected for their combination of educational and professional experience and expertise.

Admission Requirements


Applicants may apply for admission to master’s degree programs at any time during the year. Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution and maintained an overall grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale. Applicants must demonstrate the language proficiency necessary for successful graduate coursework. Applicants may complete an interview with a program administrator as part of the admission process.

Application Process


Applicants may apply for admission to master’s degree programs at any time during the year.  Applicants may have completed an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution and maintained an overall grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale. Applicants must demonstrate the language proficiency necessary for successful graduate coursework. Applicants may be required to complete an interview with a program administrator as part of the admission process.

Applicants must submit:

  1. Completed application form with the nonrefundable application fee (fee not required for alumni or students seeking readmission or veterans and active military personnel and their immediate family) and,
  2. An official transcript issued to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota from the institution posting the applicant’s completed bachelor degree and other relevant transcripts documenting program prerequisites and potential transfer credits. (An official transcript is one that is sent to the university by the credit-granting institution. Transcripts from countries other than the U.S. must be evaluated on a course by course basis by a university accepted evaluation service, such as World Education Services, Educational Credential Evaluators, Educational Perspectives, or One Earth International Credential Evaluators and be deemed equivalent to accredited U.S. university standards).  Evaluations from an approved member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES.org) will also be accepted. 
  3. A personal statement which includes:
  • brief description of the applicant’s background, training, and experience and,
  • statement indicating the career goals of the applicant and his or her reasons for seeking admission to the program and,
  • description of the areas the applicant considers to be his or her strengths and areas in which the applicant wishes to develop greater strengths and abilities and,
  • personal information the applicant wishes to share.
  1. Names of two people (including title, organization, email, phone number) who could serve as professional references, if needed, during the application review process. The best references are those who know you in a professional capacity, such as current or former supervisors.
  2. A current résumé listing educational background and work experience.

See individual programs for additional application requirements.

Please Note: Application materials should be sent to the attention of the Office of Admission on the Twin Cities Campus.

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Office of Admission
2500 Park Ave S
Minneapolis, MN  55404

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs of Study