COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies is a 30-credit-hour graduate program designed to provide students with the flexibility to pursue advanced study across multiple disciplines, particularly within the arts and humanities, while developing strong analytical, research, and communication skills. The program is intended for individuals who wish to tailor their graduate education to specific professional goals or intellectual interests that span more than one academic field. A key feature of the program is its interdisciplinary structure, which allows students to combine coursework from different departments to explore complex topics from multiple perspectives and develop a broader understanding of emerging areas of study. Students are required to complete 24 credit hours of approved elective coursework, which may be selected from various disciplines depending on their academic focus and advisor approval. This flexibility enables learners to design a personalized curriculum that supports their career objectives or preparation for further academic study. In addition to elective coursework, students complete a culminating requirement of either a thesis or a capstone-style research experience. For students in the thesis track, 6 credit hours are dedicated to Thesis Research (IDGR 599), during which they conduct independent scholarly research under faculty supervision, develop a focused research question, and produce a formal thesis that demonstrates mastery of interdisciplinary inquiry and appropriate research methodologies. This process emphasizes critical thinking, synthesis of information across fields, and advanced academic writing skills. The overall program structure encourages students to engage in independent intellectual exploration while maintaining academic rigor at the graduate level. Upon completion, graduates are equipped with transferable skills in research, problem-solving, communication, and interdisciplinary analysis, preparing them for careers in education, public service, cultural institutions, or further doctoral-level study.