Area studies typically examine the development of a particular population or region. While other, similar interdisciplinary studies, such as gender, disability, and ethnic, may have some part in course discussions, these are not considered area studies.

Master-level studies involve specialized study in a field of research or an area of professional practice. Earning a master’s degree demonstrates a higher level of mastery of the subject.
Earning a master’s degree can take anywhere from a year to three or four years. Before you can graduate, you usually must write and defend a thesis, a long paper that is the culmination of your specialized research.

Blended learning combines digital and online media with traditional face-to-face learning. It allows teachers to use a variety of teaching methods and technology to customize learning for each student. Blended learning can be used in various forms, from completely online courses to hybrid courses where students learn both in the physical classroom as well as online.