Interdisciplinary Studies

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Degrees:

Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies

Program Description

The Master of Interdisciplinary Studies degree at The University of South Dakota is designed primarily for non–traditional students. It is an individually tailored program for mature individuals who can establish their professional and/or personal goals and articulate the role that advanced academic training plays in achieving them. The purpose of the Master of Interdisciplinary Studies Program is to allow flexibility in program design and course selection for students who have determined the type of advanced education most beneficial in terms of career and personal development.

One of the unique elements of the program is that students design their own programs of study based on their perceptions of which academic disciplines would be most beneficial in terms of personal and professional growth. This self ¬designed educational curriculum must reflect well conceived educational and professional goals. Students seeking admission to the program must specifically explain the way in which their programs of study will assist them in meeting their goals.

Selection Committee

John Day, Associate Professor of Art, M.F.A.

Jeri Engelking, Professor of Educational Administration and Campus Dean of the School of Education, Ph.D.

Kurt Hackemer, Associate Professor of History and Associate Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, Ph.D.

Karen Olmstead, Professor of Biology, Dean of the Graduate School and Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, Ph.D.

Admission Requirements

• Undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. Minimum GPA of 2.7 or graduate GPA of 3.0.
• Preliminary program of study and an explanation of how the program design supports their career development and/or personal goals. As part of the preliminary program of study, applicants are required to explain the appropriateness in terms of career and personal development of the designed program. A minimum of 50% of the course work must be at the 700 level.
• Additional requirements exist for international students.

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

For Additional Information

The University of South Dakota
The Graduate School
Slagle Hall, Room 107
414 East Clark Street
Vermillion, S.D. 57069
Phone: (605) 677- 6287
www.usd.edu/grad

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