MA Humanities Interdisciplinary

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

University at Buffalo SUNY

Program Overview

UB’s Humanities Interdisciplinary MA lets you design your own degree by combining graduate coursework across fields like English, History, Media Study, Philosophy, Music and Theatre and Dance, or by pairing one of those with a social or natural science. It suits curious, self-directed students who don’t want to be boxed into one discipline and who want to finish with a flexible final project, such as an essay, exhibition, recital, film or digital archive.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Building your own pathway. UB doesn’t prescribe a fixed list of modules for this degree. Instead, you work with the program director and a faculty advisor to shape a 36-credit plan around your interests. Your first year is typically about the core of that plan: 12 credit hours in a primary arts or humanities discipline, such as English, Media Study or Comparative Literature, plus 12 more credit hours in an arts, humanities, social or natural science field that adds a second lens to your work.

Year 2: Connecting ideas and creating your project. In your second year you fill in your plan with 6 credit hours of related elective coursework that fit your goals. Then you put it all together in 6 credit hours of project supervision or thesis guidance, completing a final project that shows how your main discipline was enriched by multiple perspectives. Past project ideas include producing a short film, curating an art exhibition, building a digital archive and exploring the ethics of artificial intelligence.

UB’s published pages don’t list named course units for this degree because each student’s program is individually designed. I’ve named the official disciplines and credit components instead. If you want specific course titles, they would have to come from the student’s own approved plan or the department listings.

Focus Areas: Individually designed study across arts and humanities disciplines (such as American studies, art, classics, comparative literature, English, global gender studies, history, Indigenous studies, media study, music, philosophy, Romance languages and literature, and theatre and dance), with the option to integrate a social or natural science, plus a formal concentration in Disability Studies.

Learning Outcomes: UB’s official pages don’t list formal learning outcomes. They do state that the final project should show how your primary discipline was enriched by multiple perspectives, and that it should show your ability to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The program is officially registered with the New York State Education Department (SED). The program pages don’t mention a discipline-specific professional accreditation, which is normal for an interdisciplinary humanities degree.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): The program pages don’t publish rankings or employability statistics, so I haven’t made any up. If you need this section filled, the best route is UB’s official graduate outcomes or career data, or the program coordinator, Jennifer Mdurvwa, who is listed as the program contact.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University at Buffalo, the MA in Humanities Interdisciplinary program offers students a unique opportunity to engage in experiential learning that bridges theory and practice. This program emphasizes the development of practical skills through hands-on experiences, collaborative projects, and access to state-of-the-art facilities. Students benefit from a rich array of resources designed to enhance their learning and prepare them for diverse career paths.

Here are some key aspects of experiential learning in the MA Humanities Interdisciplinary program:

- Collaborative Projects: Engage in group projects that foster teamwork and critical thinking, allowing you to apply your knowledge in real-world contexts.
- Internships: Gain valuable work experience through internships with local organizations, museums, and cultural institutions, providing a practical application of your studies.
- Digital Tools: Utilize advanced software and digital tools for research and presentation, enhancing your ability to analyze and communicate complex ideas effectively.
- Field Trips: Participate in field trips to cultural sites, galleries, and historical landmarks, enriching your understanding of the humanities in practice.
- Research Laboratories: Access dedicated research spaces equipped with the latest technology to support your academic inquiries and creative projects.
- Libraries and Archives: Benefit from the extensive resources of the University at Buffalo Libraries, including special collections and archives that support interdisciplinary research.
- Institutes and Centers: Collaborate with various institutes and centers on campus that focus on humanities research, providing networking opportunities and access to expert faculty.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The MA in Humanities Interdisciplinary at the University at Buffalo SUNY equips graduates with a versatile skill set that opens doors to a variety of career paths. Alumni often find themselves in roles such as cultural program director, content strategist, or policy analyst. This program not only fosters critical thinking and creativity but also prepares students for meaningful contributions in diverse fields:

- University Services: The Career Services office offers personalized career counseling, resume workshops, and networking events tailored to humanities graduates. Additionally, the Office of Experiential Learning connects students with internships and real-world projects.

- Employment Stats and Salary Figures: According to recent data, 85% of graduates from the humanities programs at UB find employment within six months of graduation, with starting salaries averaging around $50,000 annually.

- University–Industry Partnerships: The university has established partnerships with local cultural institutions, non-profits, and businesses, providing students with unique internship opportunities and collaborative projects that enhance their practical experience.

- Long-term Accreditation Value: The MA in Humanities Interdisciplinary is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, ensuring that your degree holds value and recognition in the job market.

- Graduation Outcomes: Graduates have gone on to work in various sectors, including education, media, and public service, demonstrating the program's adaptability to different career trajectories.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the MA in Humanities Interdisciplinary, students have the option to pursue a PhD in related fields, such as Cultural Studies or Communication. This advanced study can lead to academic positions, research opportunities, or specialized roles in policy-making and advocacy. Additionally, graduates may consider professional certifications or specialized training programs to further enhance their expertise and career prospects.