Graduate Program Information

Graduate Program Information

Our program consists of 10 classes. Three classes are required: IDST/MALS 6101 (Interdisciplinary methods), IDST/MALS 6102 (Interdisciplinary Writing and Thinking), and IDST/MALS 6600 (Capstone project). The remaining 7 courses are free for you to choose across the entire campus and related to your particular interest. This is one reason why we strongly suggest that you have a focused interest in the area you would like to study: it helps us narrow down the courses you could possibly take. Please check here for some of the upcoming courses to see how well we can meet your interests!

The capstone project is a semester-long project related to your particular topic. It is not (officially) a thesis, although some students do a thesis-like capstone project. Instead, it is frequently an integrative project related to your specific topic. Some students have developed interdisciplinary, research-based, programs that could be used to train people about their topic. Some people have written books! The capstone is very flexible to help students meet the particular needs of their area of study. Please visit this site for a growing list of examples of recent capstones.

We do not have an admissions deadline each semester. However, each semester we have a limit on the number of students we can accept. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible to our program! Please call or email the Program Director to find out more about the MA in Interdisciplinary Studies!

Admission and Progression Requirements can be found in the Graduate Catalog. The GRE is not required. We also put a great deal of emphasis on the applicant’s statement of purpose. It should be well-written and provide information about that applicant’s specific area of focus and why this area is best studied interdisciplinarily.