iit madras alumni
news 2006
IIT Madras Director, Prof. M.S. Ananth, announced a five-year integrated Master of Arts (MA) program at a press conference on February 7 of 2006. The program will be offered by the Dept. of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS). The Dept. already offers doctoral programs in humanities and social sciences and elective courses to the undergraduate and post-graduate programs of the Institute.
With an initial intake of 30 students in 2006-07, the number is expected to stabilize around 50 after 4-5 years. A Humanities-Sciences Entrance Examination (HSEE), similar to the JEE, would be used for the final selection. The HSEE will test English/comprehension skills, analytical capabilities, and general knowledge.
Prof. Ananth said most technology graduates opted for managerial posts, though several distinguished alumni had shifted to humanities and management-related areas. "After sometime, you learn to use more of common sense than technical skills," he said.
Speaking about the programs covered in the course, Prof. V.R. Muralidharan of the Dept. of HSS said that the first two years of the course would be common to all. From the third year, students can select an area of specialization: Development Studies, Economics and English studies. He also said that the students would need to complete at least 195 credits spread over five years to earn the degree. The dissertation work in the final year would carry 18 credits.
Applications were issued from February 13. March 20 is the last day for receipt of completed applications. The entrance examination will be held on May 21 in Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai.
Details about the program can be found at the HSEE website
This report was filed by Vaibhav Badhan (2005 BT ME) and Lavu Sridhar (2000 BT EE).