COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies is a 30-credit-hour graduate program designed for students with a bachelor’s degree who wish to pursue advanced study in emerging STEM-related areas that span two or more academic disciplines. The program is highly flexible and allows students to tailor their coursework to align with individual professional goals, research interests, and interdisciplinary career pathways. Its primary purpose is to prepare graduates who can critically analyze complex information drawn from multiple scientific and technical fields and develop informed, evidence-based solutions to real-world problems. Students also build strong communication skills relevant to their chosen areas of study and gain advanced competence in research methods, analytical thinking, and interdisciplinary inquiry appropriate for master’s-level STEM education. The degree requires completion of 24 credit hours of approved elective coursework, which can be selected from a variety of STEM disciplines depending on the student’s focus and advisor approval, enabling a customized academic plan that integrates multiple fields of knowledge. In addition to elective coursework, students complete a culminating requirement through either a thesis or capstone-style research experience. In the thesis option, students enroll in 6 credit hours of IDGR 599 (Thesis Research), during which they conduct independent, faculty-supervised research that addresses a clearly defined interdisciplinary problem using appropriate scientific or technical methodologies. This process emphasizes data-driven analysis, problem formulation, and the production of a formal scholarly thesis that contributes to knowledge across disciplines. The program also supports students who have previously earned graduate certificates, allowing them to apply those credentials toward the degree as part of a coherent academic pathway, often culminating in a capstone project that integrates their specialized training. Overall, the MS in Interdisciplinary Studies equips graduates with adaptable STEM expertise, interdisciplinary problem-solving abilities, and advanced research skills for careers in industry, government, or continued doctoral study.