Interdisciplinary Studies M.A./M.S. (see program details for emphasis options including professional chemistry)

Interdisciplinary Master’s Degree

The Master of Arts degree or Master of Science degree in interdisciplinary studies was conceived to meet the needs of students whose career goals are such that a somewhat flexible program allowing for graduate-level studies in non- traditional combinations is more beneficial than a degree from a single discipline. Emphasis options are:

Emphasis in two or three areas selected by the student
Emphasis in Professional Chemistry

Admission Requirements

To qualify for admission into the Interdisciplinary Studies program, students must:

Complete an application.
Take the GRE/GMAT, if applicable.
Submit an admission essay (see details below).
Secure approval of the program adviser in each of the selected disciplines. Applicants must meet admission requirements in each area and secure program approval from all advisers. Program faculty may request additional material from applicants.
An additional interview with the interdisciplinary studies coordinator may be required.

The admission essay should be typed and double-spaced and answer the following questions:

What are your education and career goals?
How will an interdisciplinary studies degree help you meet these goals?
Which disciplines will you study?
What specific learning outcomes will be achieved through this program?

NOTE: This essay is part of the admission packet. Students will not be admitted prior to receipt and approval of the essay.

During the application process, the interdisciplinary studies coordinator will work with the student to identify from the graduate faculty a committee chair and two committee members. This committee should be in place prior to acceptance into the program. Additionally, a representative from the Graduate School will serve as an administrative member of the committee.

Degree Requirements

36 hours satisfying the following requirements:
- Two or three different subject areas (represented by different prefixes), 12 hours from each subject area or 15 hours in two subject areas and 6 hours in a third subject area. If the student selects only two areas, then 18 hours in each subject area will be required.
- At least 24 hours completed in 6000-level courses or higher.
- A comprehensive exam (either oral or written) as established by the student’s interdisciplinary degree committee. This exam should be taken near completion of the student’s course work. Students will apply to their committee chair to take the exam no later than the first week of the semester the student intends to graduate. The chair, with the assistance of the interdisciplinary studies coordinator, will then make arrangements for the exam.
- Prerequisites: A minimum of six advanced undergraduate hours in each of the subject areas (or permission of the committee to waive this requirement).

NOTE: The student’s plan of study should be submitted to the dean of the Graduate School before completion of the first semester of course work.