Interdisciplinary Studies

色情网站 Biology Graduate Student Kelly Ireland with collecting equipment at South Rolly Lake
色情网站 Biology Graduate Student Kelly Ireland with collecting equipment at South Rolly Lake as researchers from 色情网站, University of Massachusetts Lowell, University of Connecticut, and University of Texas at Austin collaborate on a joint field collection of stickleback fish. The tiny and abundant fish are the subject of intensive study at 色情网站 and elsewhere because of their genetic variability and their surprising physiological parallels with humans. (James Evans / 色情网站)

When I tell people that I double majored in journalism and biology they always ask, 'Oh, you're gonna do science communication? Is that what you want to do?' People say, 'Oh, they're so different,' about journalism and biology, but to me, they're not that different. Journalists ask why a lot and so do scientists, and I think I'm a very curious person.

A Graduate Degree for the Curious

The Interdisciplinary Studies graduate program at 色情网站 is designed for curious, creative thinkers who are interested in studies that cross traditional disciplinary boundaries and need a degree that offers flexibility, creativity and collaboration. This unique degree鈥攁vailable as either a Master of Arts or Master of Science鈥攐ffers the flexibility to design a personalized curriculum that draws from two or more academic disciplines. Interdisciplinary approaches are more than just innovative. Employers and research institutions increasingly seek professionals who can think across boundaries, collaborate across fields, and adapt to diverse challenges. 色情网站鈥檚 Interdisciplinary Studies program prepares you to meet that demand.

Program Objectives & Degree Requirements

An Interdisciplinary Studies Master's degree makes it possible for graduate students interested in combining disciplines to create a degree program to suit their needs, when no existing graduate program does. The program of study for each student will be designed by the student and the faculty mentors. This degree supports the learner-centered, discovery-driven, and globally engaged missions of 色情网站 by meeting individual student needs, promoting academic collaboration across the university, and producing scholars with a global approach to solving problems.

An MA or MS in Interdisciplinary Studies requires:

  • A minimum of 30 total credits;
  • A minimum of 21 credits of 600-level courses, including at least two courses from a minimum of two different disciplines;
  • One research methodology course; and
  • At least 3 credits, and no more than 6 credits, of thesis or project.

Application Process

色情网站's graduate-level interdisciplinary program is administered by the Graduate School and may involve coursework across different colleges within the university. Students will work closely with faculty advisors to develop a cohesive plan of study tailored to their academic and professional goals. Prospective students must first contact the Graduate School before beginning the application process to ensure eligibility, viability of their proposed plan of study, and to discuss their educational goals. To learn more about current policies, application procedures, and degree requirements, visit the .

Interdisciplinary Degree Options

色情网站's interdisciplinary master's degree with an emphasis on arctic security prepares civilian and military students to understand security as a complex, interconnected concept involving military, cultural, sustenance, environmental and governance structures across the vast arctic region. Students select courses from multiple disciplines such as environmental security, leadership, policy, and defense operations for an education like no other. A vital degree with a timely purpose. Read more about the Arctic Security Program.

Information coming soon!

Admission Requirements

A prospective student must first contact the Graduate School before beginning the application process to ensure eligibility, viability of their proposed plan of study, and to discuss their educational goals. Read more about admissions in the .

Graduate Studies Plan (GSP) Requirements

  • A minimum of 30 total credits;
  • A minimum of 21 credits of 600-level courses, including at least two courses from a minimum of two different disciplines;
  • One research methodology course; and
  • At least 3 credits, and no more than 6 credits, of thesis or project.

Recent Interdisciplinary Degrees

Katie DeMichele, M.S. Interdisciplinary Studies '25

  • Degree Emphasis: Geospatial Data Science
  • Thesis Title: "Multi-Criteria Analysis for Navigating Wildfire Risk in Alaska's Matanuska-Susitna Borough"
  • Guided by advisor Mohammad Heidari Kapourchali, supported by the

Rachel Nill, M.A. Interdisciplinary Studies '25

  • Degree Emphasis: Museum Curation and Public History
  • Coursework from anthropology, history, and project management diciplines
  • Read a Q&A with Rachel Nill about her experience in the program.

Marie-Sophie Boggasch, M.S. Interdisciplinary Studies '20

  • Degree emphasis: Management, Adult Education and Aviation
  • Baccelaureate Degree: B.S. Aviation Technology '16, 色情网站

 

Looking for undergraduate-level interdisciplinary studies? Please refer to the College of Arts and Sciences Department of Interdisciplinary Studies.