17
experiences off campus at a variety of community-based internship sites. A major focus of the
program is helping students learn to integrate systemically oriented theories with effective
approaches to clinical practice. This integration involves the proactive involvement of faculty
with students in co-creating an environment of intellectual openness and curiosity. We are
proud to have a diverse student body to go along with a broad range of active faculty interests.
These mutually renewing intellectual resources create a learning community of constant
excitement and innovation.
Multidisciplinary Studies
The Department of Multidisciplinary Studies (DMS) is committed to creating self-reflective,
critical thinkers who possess the ability to recognize and understand multiple perspectives and
who seek unique and thoughtful ways to address social issues and concerns. DMS strives to
meet the needs of students in the current workplace environment by providing opportunities to
explore interests and topics across disciplines and professions. The department places an
emphasis on critical thinking, analysis, and writing. DMS has a Master of Arts in Cross-
disciplinary Studies (MACS), a Master of Science in College Student Affairs (CSA), and a Master
of Science in National Security Affairs (NSA). The department also has a Graduate Certificate in
College Student Personnel Administration, a Graduate Certificate in National Security Affairs,
and a Graduate Certificate in Qualitative Research.
Cross-disciplinary Studies
The M.A. in Cross-disciplinary Studies (MACS) is multidisciplinary, experiential, and allows
students to self-design their graduate studies. The program is designed to meet the needs of
students who are seeking a broader learning forum and who appreciate the unique self-design
of cross-disciplinary studies. MACS provides intellectual advancement and the opportunity to
expand and enrich educational horizons in keeping with the liberal studies traditions. The
program utilizes a multidisciplinary approach and variety of perspectives for observing,
analyzing, and addressing contemporary social issues. Students focus on systemic approaches
and methodologies when studying human challenges. MACS utilizes experiential learning to
provide students with hands-on training where theory and practice are integrated. MACS also
strives to provide true interdisciplinary learning where curriculum is purposefully designed with
the input of experts from different disciplines.
College Student Affairs
The M.S. in College Student Affairs (CSA) prepares students for many professions related to
Student Affairs in college, university, and community settings. CSA focuses on training Student
Affairs professionals who take a humanistic, learner-centered approach in their work as change
agents within a university and the larger society. The program explores important topics in the
field of Student Affairs such as diversity, student development, student leadership, student
support systems, student services, conflict management and resolution, judicial affairs,
administration, on-campus and campus life, Greek affairs, peer counseling, and crisis
intervention, to name a few. Students examine the current trends and historical approaches in
higher education, as well as future needs for effective student affairs practices in the 21
st
century. In addition, students explore social and cultural issues that impact diverse populations
and international students.
National Security Affairs
The M.S. in National Security Affairs (NSA) prepares students with theoretical, research, and
applied skills in the emerging academic field of national security affairs. Students in this
program will build a core understanding of critical issues informing the field of national security
today, including the assessment and analysis of the threat of terrorism in the US and beyond
and the analysis of intelligence collection. National security affairs is one of the fastest growing
professions with positions open in the public sector in the federal, state and local governments
