Interdisciplinary Studies, M.A.

Graduate Coordinator: Dr. Kemille Moore

The College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts offers an innovative online Master of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. This program allows students to tailor their program of study to their interests by selecting from a wide range of disciplines. The core courses in the program teach the theory and practice of interdisciplinary work, which strengthens critical problem-solving and develops a broader understanding of the interconnectedness of ways of thinking. The IDS graduate degree is designed to meet the needs of working adults: the flexibility of the degree helps students enhance their career options, while allowing them to maintain a work-life balance. The IDS degree also contributes to achieving the personal goals of lifelong learning and enrichment. Further, students have the option of completing a post-baccalaureate certificate in Conflict Management and Resolution, Science and Medical Writing, or Gerontology, while also earning their Master’s in IDS.

Admission Requirements

Applicants seeking admission to the MAIDS program are required to submit the following to the Graduate School:

An application for graduate admission
Official transcripts of all college work (undergraduate and graduate)
Three recommendations that address the student’s chances of success in the MAIDS program
A writing sample in the form of an essay explaining how the MAIDS degree can assist the candidate in meeting his or her personal goals. Essays should be from one to five pages (single-spaced) and uploaded directly into the online application.
Application and supplemental documents must be submitted by the published deadline.

Students seeking admission to the MAIDS program must hold a bachelor’s degree with an academic record of a “B” average or better in an undergraduate major from a regionally accredited college or university in this country or its equivalent from a foreign institution based on a four-year program.

At the discretion of the IDS program director, the admission procedure may also include an interview with a graduate coordinator of the program and a representative from the advisory committee.

Degree Requirements (30 total credit hours)

Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIDS)

IDS 504 Construction of Knowledge and Culture
IDS 598 Final Project in Interdisciplinary Studies

The remaining 24 credit hours of courses are elective.

Restrictions: at least 12 of the 24 elective credit hours must be Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS) courses. Students must maintain a “B” average in all graduate courses taken. No more than six credit hours may be transferred from another regionally accredited institution. Grades earned on transfer work must be equivalent to “B” or better. A minimum of 24 credit hours of graduate study must be completed in residence. Students are expected to complete all coursework within five years after enrollment.

IDS 504 - Construction of Knowledge and Culture Credit Hours: 3

MAIDS Degree + Certificates

The IDS program also offers three other methods of obtaining the MAIDS degree. Each of these options, if the student is matriculated in both the MAIDS and the chosen post-baccalaureate certificate program, will result in the student receiving both the MAIDS degree and the post-baccalaureate certificate.

Applicants must apply and be accepted into both programs, which requires two separate graduate applications. Details for each of the three options are provided below.

MAIDS Degree + Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Gerontology

The combined program requires a minimum of 30 credit hours of graduate study. Two IDS courses are required for all students:

IDS 504 Construction of Knowledge and Culture
IDS 598 Final Project in Interdisciplinary Studies

The remaining 24 credit hours are broken down as follows: Fifteen credit hours as specified in the Gerontology, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate section of this catalogue. Nine credit hours of IDS classes.

IDS Restrictions: No more than six IDS credit hours may be taken from cross-listed 400/500 courses. Students must maintain a “B” average in all graduate courses taken. Students are expected to complete all course work within five years after enrollment.

MAIDS Degree + Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Conflict Management and Resolution

The combined program requires a minimum of 30 credit hours of graduate study. Two IDS courses are required for all students:

IDS 504 Construction of Knowledge and Culture
IDS 598 Final Project in Interdisciplinary Studies

The remaining 24 credit hours are broken down as follows: Eighteen credit hours as specified in the Conflict Management and Resolution Post-Baccalaureate Certificate section of this catalogue. Six credit hours of IDS classes.

MAIDS Degree + Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Science and Medical Writing

The combined program requires a minimum of 30 credit hours of graduate study. Two IDS courses are required for all students:

IDS 504 Construction of Knowledge and Culture
IDS 598 Final Project in Interdisciplinary Studies

The remaining 24 credit hours are broken down as follows: Fifteen credit hours as specified in the Science and Medical Writing Post-Baccalaureate Certificate section of this catalogue. Nine credit hours of IDS classes.