Program: Interdisciplinary Studies (M.A.) - University of South Dakota

Apr 07, 2025

2019-2020 Graduate Catalog

Because the Interdisciplinary Studies program is tailored to meet the needs of individuals, all accepted students are provisionally admitted into the Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS) program and will work in tandem with their advisor to finalize his/her program learning objectives and program of study, using classes that are relevant to supporting the student in achieving their educational goals. Students accepted into the MAIS program will also need to choose how they plan to complete their program of study with a thesis or portfolio option. During the last semester of study, the student is required to successfully complete an oral examination (see below).

The MAIS program requires at least 32 credit hours, with courses taken from a minimum of 2 academic disciplines; 2-3 is standard, coursework should be advisor/director approved. Fifty percent of course work must be completed at the 700-level or above with no more than 12 credits in one academic discipline. Program of study must include coursework in statistics and/or research and applied learning (MAIS coursework).

Master of Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies: Total 32 credit hours

Required Course (3 cr hrs):

Research Methods/Statistics course (academic discipline selected in consultation with advisor/director). 3 cr hrs

Must complete at least one of the following (1-6 cr hrs):

MAIS 710 - Ethical Leadership 3 cr hrs
MAIS 791 - Independent Study (C) 1-6 cr hrs or advisor approved Independent Study/Special Project from academic discipline of the faculty member overseeing the coursework.
MAIS 794 - Internship (C) 1-6 cr hrs
Elective (only for those with the thesis option):
MAIS 798 - Thesis (C) 1 to 6 cr hrs

Oral Examination

The purpose of the oral examination 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 learning objectives. The oral examination is conducted in a manner that has the student demonstrate proficiency in their intended knowledge, skills and abilities. Moreover, the oral examination will assess the student’s communication skills, critical thinking ability, and proficiency in the subject matter studied.