Interdisciplinary Studies (M.A.)

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Because the Interdisciplinary Studies program is tailored to meet the needs of individuals, it is anticipated that a wide diversity of courses be taken in a number of departments. As stated earlier, each student develops his/her own individual program of study, using classes that are relevant to supporting the student in achieving the goals of their proposed program of study. Each applicant needs to show, in writing, why the particular program is appropriate in terms of the individual’s career or personal development. Each student, once admitted, will be given an advisor selected from the MAIS Committee members.

Plan B (non–thesis): 32 credit hours

All accepted students are provisionally admitted into the MAIS program. To achieve full admission status, students must meet with the MAIS director and the Graduate Dean to develop a Program of Study and Learning Objectives. The MAIS program requires 32 credit hours, with courses taken from 2-3 academic departments. The 32-hour requirement is a minimum, and programs may ex-ceed that number. Fifty percent of course work must be completed at the 700-level or above. The individual may choose a thesis or non-thesis program. Finally, a maximum of 9 hours of previously completed course work may be used toward the MAIS degree; this course work may only be used with the approval of the MAIS Director and Graduate Dean. During the last semester of study, the student is required to successfully complete an oral defense (see below). Students must achieve a minimum cumulative GPA average of 3.0 in all courses (above a C) on the program of study. Failure to maintain a 3.0 GPA will result in academic probation and dismissal.

Oral Defense

The purpose of the oral defense at the completion of the Program of Study is to provide the student and the University an opportunity to assess the effectiveness of the program of study in attaining the student’s goals and to assess the student’s level of proficiency. The oral defense is conducted in a manner that demonstrates students are proficient in the intended knowledge, skill and abilities. Moreover, the oral defense assesses the student’s communication skills and ability to think critically; as well as subject matter studied.

The oral defense is approximately two hours. The examination committee is comprised of two to three faculty members and the student’s MAIS advisor. The Graduate Dean is an ex officio member of the oral committee and attends as schedule allows.