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Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for answers? Your search stops here. Take a look at some of the questions we typically get about our graduate studies programs. If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to Request Information by clicking the button toward the bottom of the page. One of our representatives will get back to you soon.

FAQ for MAIS and Graduate Programs

Hiram is a leader in interdisciplinary studies. Our faculty members excel at teaching across disciplines while demonstrating the interconnectedness of knowledge. Hiram also has a reputation for meeting the needs of adult learners.

This degree is ideal for adult learners from a variety of professional backgrounds. Taking classes from the humanities, natural sciences and social sciences, when combined with a capstone research experience, is excellent preparation for those wishing to enhance their professional opportunities and to enrich their understanding of a complex and rapidly changing world.
Intellectually curious students who are looking for an academically challenging graduate program; persons with a desire to explore issues across multiple academic disciplines; and individuals who want to engage in a community of learners are ideal candidates for the program. This is a program that appeals to individuals who understand the convenience of earning a master’s degree by taking classes on alternate weekends.
The MAIS is an alternative to highly specialized graduate programs that have a strict occupational focus. Consequently, graduates leave the program prepared to apply their critical thinking skills. They may continue in their current career with a broader base of knowledge, thereby identifying new challenges and taking on additional responsibilities, and others may wish to pursue a new career. The program also provides an expansive, balanced education to serve students wishing to pursue a Ph.D.
Graduate programs are generally designed to be completed in 18 months to two years (including summers), depending on the program. Students who gain admittance to graduate programs are required to complete their degree within a maximum of five years.
They are members of the Hiram College faculty. In addition, courses that explore issues relevant to specialized fields, such as medicine and law, may draw from the expertise of advanced professionals. All hold appropriate terminal degrees; in almost all cases, that means a Ph.D. All faculty have extensive experience in their respective fields and with teaching adult learners.
The Office of Professional and Graduate Studies at Hiram provides comprehensive support services to adult learners. Students can take care of all administrative matters through this office. The office is open when students are on campus. In terms of academic advising, each student will be assigned an advisor who will discuss individual academic progress, future coursework and research work. Students also benefit from other campus offices: Career Services, Library Services, Academic Support and the Writing Center. All are experienced in working with adult learners.
The master’s degree in liberal and interdisciplinary studies was pioneered by respected institutions such as Johns Hopkins, Duke and Dartmouth. The first such master’s level program was offered in the 1940s. Since then, more than 125 institutions of higher education have launched similar graduate degree programs. The focus of these programs is to contribute to the intellectual, social and ethical development of students.
Yes. Transfer students must meet the same admission requirements as regular students. Generally, no more than three semester hours will be accepted from another institution toward any graduate degree.
Yes. Those students who wish to take individual graduate-level courses may enroll on a non-matriculating basis. Applicants for non-matriculated study are required to present evidence of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution when applying for admission and must obtain permission from the Director of Academic Operations for Professional and Graduate Studies. Non-degree students may enroll in courses on a space available basis. Permission to take courses as a non-matriculating student does not constitute admission to the degree program.
Yes. Many employers understand that graduates of the program will have greater analytical, critical thinking and communication skills, and will be ready for additional responsibility and new challenges. A tuition deferment plan is available for students who qualify.