Interdisciplinary Studies master’s degrees

The interdisciplinary studies program offers students a high degree of flexibility in designing a program of study that cuts across disciplinary boundaries. Applicants to the master’s program can pursue one of two approaches — either a self-styled plan or a recognized concentration. Under a self-styled plan, students design a program to address a particular intellectual interest or study a multidisciplinary issue that combines existing courses from any graduate area of the university. Applicants should contact the Graduate School to discuss their intention to seek a self-styled plan. A recognized concentration approach involves more structure in the courses taken built around a defined interdisciplinary theme. For either approach, the degree awarded upon completion of the program is a Master of Arts or Master of Science with a major in interdisciplinary studies.

Admission requirements

Applicants for admission to the degree in interdisciplinary studies must submit the following:

1. A completed Graduate School application form.
2. Complete transcripts from all colleges attended.
3. A non-refundable application fee.
4. Scores on the Personal Potential Index or the verbal, quantitative and analytical sections of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or results from another standardized test such as the GMAT.
5. A current resume.
6. Two letters of recommendation.

After students are accepted into the program, but before they can begin taking classes, they will work with an academic advisor in the Toulouse Graduate School to develop a plan of study for the interdisciplinary program that includes the following:

1. goals for the program of study;
2. anticipated learning outcomes (i.e., what the student expects to have learned by the end of the program);
3. defined assessment methods for the learning outcomes. (The learning methods and outcomes must be designed in consultation with a faculty advisor or the entire advisory committee.) and
4. a degree plan worksheet approved by the Toulouse Graduate School and the faculty representatives from each of the disciplines from which they will take classes.

Applicants seeking admission to the recognized concentrations and guided programs of study should consult with the concentration’s director for concentration specific admission requirements.

General requirements

In the self-styled approach, either the Master of Science or the Master of Arts degree program must include no fewer than three separate fields of study with at least 6 hours in each field. No more than 18 hours (including thesis and special problems) may be taken under any one course prefix or subject field. A degree plan committee, representative of each of the disciplines of the student’s program, will be formed to help the student develop the degree plan and supervise progress.

Students may choose the non-thesis option and complete at least 30 semester hours for a Master of Arts or Master of Science. The thesis option requires 24 semester hours plus 6 hours of thesis, for a total of 30 hours.

For any non-thesis degree, the student will either successfully complete a capstone seminar, submit a portfolio of work designed in concert with the degree plan committee, or develop a project in concert with the advisory committee.

University Courses (UCRS)

University courses are interdisciplinary in nature and are available to students working toward the master’s degree with the interdisciplinary major.

Women’s Studies concentration

The women’s studies concentration in the interdisciplinary studies master’s program allows students to explore multiple aspects of women’s experience through individually tailored degree plans. Students will consult with the Women’s Studies Program director to formulate a degree plan reflecting the students’ academic and career goals. Unlike the self-styled approach, students are not restricted to three academic disciplines or areas of the university. Courses for women’s studies credit must be approved by the Women’s Studies Program Committee before students register each semester.

The women’s studies concentration draws from a variety of disciplines, including anthropology; art history; communication studies; counseling and higher education; English; history; journalism; kinesiology, health promotion and recreation; linguistics; merchandising and hospitality management; music; philosophy; political science; psychology; radio, television and film; rehabilitation, social work and addictions; and sociology. Women’s studies courses examine women’s roles, activities and experiences through history and across cultures. Courses expand understanding of gender differences, cultural diversity and social change while strengthening critical thinking and communication skills.

For further information about women’s studies at UNT, please contact the Director of Women’s Studies, General Academic Building, Room 467; 1155 Union Circle #305097, Denton, TX 76203-5017; or 940-565-2098.