George Mason University is now among the few universities worldwide offering a graduate degree specifically for the next generation of entrepreneurial changemakers: a Masters of Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Entrepreneurship. The mission: prepare leaders to effectively launch, manage and grow the next generation of social ventures and create systemic change.
This degree is uniquely: (1) Interdisciplinary: instructors hail from all corners of the university; (2) Participatory: rigorous coursework blends seamlessly with experiential learning involving hands-on, real-world practice; (3) Innovative: The Mason Center for Social Entrepreneurship, in partnership with Ashoka: Innovators for the Public, surrounds students with a community, and provides students an array of opportunities to network, apply their learning to create real impact, and launch new ventures; and (4) Flexible: the degree can be pursued full-time or part-time, and the curriculum allows students to explore in-depth the social issues they are most passionate about.
As noted, one of the hallmarks of George Mason University’s recently minted Interdisciplinary Masters Concentration in Social Entrepreneurship (aka MAIS in Social Entrepreneurship) can be found in the depth of its commitment to interdisciplinary work. We chose to create an interdisciplinary degree program rather than one housed in a particular school (such as the School of Public Policy or the School of Management) because the problems we face today are so incredibly complex, and creating pattern changing, knowledge-based solutions to these challenges requires, in our estimation, interdisciplinary approaches. The MAIS program at Mason also recognizes the need for focus as change leaders work in particular sectors; so, students enrolled in the MAIS have the opportunity to not only expand their knowledge base by studying courses in public policy, management, and international affairs, but also in their areas of specialization.
Mason’s interdisciplinary approach involves however much more than cross disciplinary course requirements. Behind the scenes at Mason faculty from across the campus are working together to create an optimal experience for students interested in being a part of the next generation of global change leaders. Case in point. On May 16th, 2012, sixteen faculty and leaders from across Mason colleges and programs including Provost Peter Stearns gathered to work on creating an outstanding student experience in social entrepreneurship.
The first agenda item for the meeting involved reviewing the approved learning outcomes for the program. Breaking into four teams, each group took on a part of list of identified learning outcomes for the program, looking for gaps in the experience as well as areas for further refinement. After an extended review of one of the major outcome areas, each group reported out on their ideas. The learnings from each group were captured using wall-mounted post-it notes. The end result was a robust list of suggestions and recommendations for improving the outcomes. (You can download the MAIS program brochure here)
Next the group took the revised list of outcomes and mapped them onto the MAIS in Social Entrepreneurship curriculum in order to identify where, when, and how students would engage in the learning experiences that would ensure these outcomes. Click here for the Learning Outcomes Map that shows where in the curriculum the outcomes are met. (Note: This is an early draft a final version will be published soon). The good news from this exercise was that students will have multiple opportunities to experience each of the learning outcomes. The group previously un-identified courses in Communication and the School of Conflict Analysis and Resolution where these outcomes can also be met; additionally, steps are being taken to include a study abroad requirement in the program.
The last bit of work the group took on involved writing user narratives. After viewing a short clip of Twitter and Square Co-Founder Jack Dorsey describing how they write user narratives to help refine their operations at Twitter and Square, each member of the group spent twenty minutes drafting an ideal student experience in the MAIS program. These narratives are being compiled into a grand narrative that will help shape further program developments.
At the end of the two hours the group had produced some valuable information to help move forward the program and ensure a truly world-class experience in the MAIS program. We also walked away with a clearer realization of how important interdisciplinary work is and can be in designing 21st century curriculum. Interdisciplinary work is notoriously difficult. Fortunately, at Mason the commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship is much more than a slogan. It’s a way of life.
Learn more about the curriculum, instructors and degree requirements.
Apply online. Rolling admissions for fall 2012 close on August 1. Applications are reviewed as they are received, and applicants notified about their status shortly thereafter.
Have questions? The staff and faculty director of the Mason Center for Social Entrepreneurship are excited to talk to you about this innovative new program. To set up a time to speak, please contact Assistant Director of Programs Katie Rendon at katie@masoninnovation.org or 804-363-0607.
