Interdisciplinary Studies Master’s Degree

The interdisciplinary studies major for the Master of Arts or Master of Science degree is a highly restricted interdisciplinary program designed for students whose professional/academic objectives are unique and cannot be met by existing master’s degree offerings. It is a program that comprises course offerings from at least two departments in related disciplines and must provide sharp focus and appropriate coherence. As a rule, no more than 13 quarter units of previously completed acceptable course work may be included on an approved master’s degree program.

Admission Requirements

In addition to meeting minimum University requirements for admission to classified graduate standing, applicants must possess a baccalaureate in an area cognate to the areas of the proposed degree, must have a minimum 2.75 grade point average (A=4.0) in the last 90 quarter units attempted, and must meet all college requirements and such department, division or school requirements as course prerequisites, test scores, and grade point average for the master’s degrees of the colleges and departments/divisions/schools in which course work for the Interdisciplinary Studies Master’s is proposed. Approval for an Interdisciplinary Studies Master’s is based upon individual justification.

Students must make formal written application to the Office of the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research. All applications must include:

• Clear and concisely stated rationale for pursuing an Interdisciplinary Studies Master’s and an indication of the professional/academic objectives to be achieved. This rationale must include evidence clearly indicating that the Interdisciplinary Studies program could not be accommodated within any existing approved master’s degree program on this campus.
• A proposed list of available courses chosen from two or more departments/divisions/schools totaling a minimum of 45 units, of which at least 23 units must be 500 level.
• An indication of whether a comprehensive examination or thesis or project will be used to complete the graduate program. If a thesis or project is proposed, a preliminary description of the thesis topic or research project is to be included. If a comprehensive examination is proposed, an indication of the areas in which the student will be examined is to be included.
• Names and areas of specialization of at least two faculty members representative of those who might consent to serve on the advisory committee for such a degree program.

The Dean of Graduate Studies and Research must approve all programs that will include course work from more than one college. The student’s study plan is subject to University graduate procedures and regulations that govern all graduate degree offerings.