| The master of arts degree or master of science degree in interdisciplinary studies was conceived to meet the needs of students whose career goals are such that a somewhat flexible program allowing for graduate-level studies in non-traditional combinations is more beneficial than a degree from a single discipline. Admission Requirements In addition to admission requirements for graduate study, a candidate for admission must submit a typed, double-spaced essay answering the following questions: - What specific knowledge and/or skills do you hope to acquire through the interdisciplinary program?
- Why could this knowledge and these skills not be acquired through a single discipline leading to a traditional master's degree?
- What separate disciplines do you need to achieve your goals and what will each of these disciplines provide?
NOTE:This essay must be submitted to the Dean of the Graduate School prior to completion of the first semester of graduate work. From the disciplines specified by the applicant, the Graduate Dean will appoint an interdisciplinary committee chair and committee members from the Graduate Faculty. This committee should be in place by the time a student has completed 12 semester hours. Students are encouraged to contact the Graduate Dean before the completion of 12 semester hours if they wish to request that specific faculty serve on the interdisciplinary committee. Degree Requirements 36 hours satisfying the following requirements: - Three different subject areas (represented by different prefixes) 12 hours from each subject area.
- At least 24 hours completed in 6000-level courses or higher.
- At least three hours in research methods.
- A comprehensive exam (either oral or written) as established by the student's Interdisciplinary degree committee. This exam should be taken near completion of the student's course work. Students will apply to their committee chair to take the exam no later than the first week of the semester the student intends to graduate. The chair will then make arrangements for the exam.
- Prerequisites: A minimum of six advanced undergraduate hours in each of the subject areas (or permission of the committee to waive this equirement).
Applicants may satisfy admission requirements with either the GRE or GMAT. NOTE: The student's plan of study should be submitted to the Dean of the Graduate School by the completion of the first semester of course work. | 
