Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies

The Interdisciplinary Studies Program (IDS) is an innovative, flexible, and highly individualized graduate program designed to meet students’ academic and professional goals. The program gives students the opportunity to design a program of study tailored to their own needs and interests. When students choose IDS, they take on the exciting challenge of creating their own curriculum and unique plan for learning. Creating an individualized program requires maturity, self-motivation, and independence. Students seeking a combination of flexible options and academic challenges are natural IDS candidates. IDS is a creative alternative to more rigid traditional, discipline-specific programs. Students can build their particular academic or professional interests and concentrate on specialized fields that are not available in traditional graduate programs. The program offers students individualized cross-disciplinary majors, incorporating courses drawn from social sciences, humanities, business, computer and information science, and public service. The IDS Program is jointly administered with the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies Program (MALS) by the Interdisciplinary Self-Designed Program (ISD). IDS students are welcome to enroll in MALS Core Courses and cross-lists.

Applicants to the Interdisciplinary Self-Designed Program are evaluated on their overall academic record. The committee considers each application on the basis of all materials submitted and does not eliminate applications solely on the basis of grade point averages or test scores; however a grade-point average of 3.0 or better in the junior and senior years is required for admission. Additional consideration is given to the strength of the applicant’s undergraduate program and its standards.