Interdisciplinary Studies Program

Dr. Elizabeth M. Freeburg, Program Director
Director of Graduate Education
McKusick Room 214
414 East Clark Street
Vermillion, S.D. 57069
Phone: (605) 677- 6240
Toll-Free: (800) 233-7937
http://www.usd.edu/graduate-school/

DEGREE:

Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies

Program Description

The Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree (MAIS) at the University of South Dakota is designed to allow flexibility in program design and course selection for students who have identified special interests or career goals not met by other degree programs.

One of the unique elements of the degree is that students design their own programs of study in tandem with their advisor by choosing course work from differing academic disciplines to create a coherent theme to meet individual educational and professional goals. Students seeking admission to the program must explain in a statement of purpose how their program of study will specifically meet their personal and professional goals.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

Undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.7 or graduate GPA of 3.0.
Preliminary program of study and a statement of purpose that provides an explanation of how the program design supports their career development and/or personal goals. The preliminary program of study must consist of a minimum of 50% of course work at the 700 level and no more than 12 credits in one academic discipline.
There is no admissions test or prerequisite course work required.
Additional requirements exist for international students and can be found in the general Graduate School Admissions Requirements.

- Subject to departmental and Graduate Dean approval, those who do not meet all of the above criteria may be admitted on a provisional basis.