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 provides more structure in the courses taken and is 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.

General requirements

In the self-styled approach, either the Master of Science or the Master of Arts degree program must include two separate fields of study with at least 6 hours in each field for a maximum of 24 hours between the two fields. INSD 5110  and INSD 5940  (for the MA) or INSD 5941  (for the MS) are also required for the self-styled degree. A faculty advisory committee may be formed to help the student develop the degree plan and supervise progress.

For those pursuing the self-styled degree, only STEM-based fields of study will be possible for the MS degree; either STEM or non-STEM-based fields of study are permissible for the MA.

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 successfully complete a capstone seminar.

Admission requirements

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

1. A completed Graduate School application form.
2. Transcripts from all colleges attended.
3. A non-refundable application fee.
4. A current resume or curriculum vitae.
5. 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, the director of a concentration (if applicable) and the faculty advisory committee to develop a plan of study for the interdisciplinary program.

Applicants seeking admission to the recognized concentrations should consult with the concentration’s director for concentration specific admission requirements.

University Courses (UCRS)

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

Concentrations

Students pursuing the master’s in interdisciplinary studies additionally may request admission to one of the available concentration programs.

Digital communication analytics concentration

Analytics has become an indispensable decision-making tool in every industry. The digital communication analytics concentration provides students with opportunities to learn and practice basic analytic techniques in such areas as statistical analysis and predictive analytics, social media metrics, data visualization, and coding. No prior experience in or knowledge of analytics is needed for this concentration, which helps students build knowledge and skills in digital communication analytics step-by-step. This degree is appropriate for busy professionals and graduate students who work or desire to work in various workplace settings, such as public relations, advertising and marketing agencies, corporations, nonprofits, governments, print and broadcast media, and social media.