COURSE CURRICULUM

The Interdisciplinary Studies master’s degree at DePaul University is a flexible, self-designed program that allows students to customize their graduate education based on their academic interests, professional goals, and career aspirations. The program is offered as either an MA or an MS, giving students the opportunity to shape their degree depending on the disciplines they choose to emphasize. Students design their own course of study by combining subjects from a wide range of fields, including the liberal arts, social sciences, education, business, and programs within the Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media. This structure is especially well-suited for working professionals or individuals who want to integrate multiple areas of expertise or gain new skills to support a career transition or advancement. The program does not require a core sequence or thesis, allowing students greater flexibility in building a personalized academic pathway aligned with their goals. The distinction between the MA and MS depends on the majority of coursework completed: if most courses are drawn from MA-granting programs, the student earns an MA, while coursework primarily from MS-granting programs results in an MS; if the distribution is equal, students may choose either designation. Courses are typically offered on weekday evenings at DePaul’s Lincoln Park Campus, making the program accessible for students balancing work and study. The degree can generally be completed in two years. Overall, the Interdisciplinary Studies program provides a highly adaptable academic experience that enables students to combine diverse fields of knowledge, develop specialized skills, and create a unique graduate education tailored to their personal and professional objectives.