Interdisciplinary Studies Program

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

Degrees:

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 determined the type of advanced education most beneficial in terms of career development.

One of the unique elements of the degree is that students design their own programs of study in tandem with their advisor based on their perceptions of which academic disciplines are most beneficial in terms of personal and professional goals. Students seeking a customized educational curriculum must possess well-conceived educational and professional goals. Students seeking admission to the program must specifically explain in a statement of purpose the way in which their program of study will meet their goals.

Admission Requirements

Undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. Minimum 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. 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.