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

Apr 03, 2025

2021-2022 Graduate Catalog

Program Overview

This flexible program can be tailored to meet your educational goals by allowing you to choose coursework from many different academic disciplines to design your own program of study. Consider online course options in business, administration, education, and health services administration. Learn more at usd.edu/onlinemais.

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).

DELIVERY: On campus | Online

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

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.

Application Requirements

Completed application
$35 application fee
Official transcripts*
Letters of recommendation*
Admission test scores*
Statement of purpose
Resume/CV*

*Requirements for admission vary by program and may require different documentation and have different deadlines. For specific program requirements and submission deadline, visit: catalog.usd.edu.

State Authorization - It Matters Where You Live

If your learning placement course (internship, externship, clinical, rotation, practicum, independent study, study away, etc.) or your online course will be taken outside South Dakota, please reference USD’s State Authorization webpage.

State Authorization

Questions?

Graduate School
605-658-6173 | grad@usd.edu | usd.edu/grad

Graduate Admissions
605-658-6200 | gradadmissions@usd.edu | usd.edu/grad