Interdisciplinary Studies, M.A.

Rhonda D. Davis, Ph.D., Graduate Program Director

Introduction

Program Description

The Interdisciplinary Studies program offers students a flexible, interdisciplinary program through which they develop master’s level expertise that meets their personal or professional goals. Working with the graduate program director and faculty students design an individualized plan of study to address a complex, real- world problem or issue that goes beyond the scope of traditional disciplinary or professional programs. Students choose graduate courses from two or more different disciplines. They then integrate insights and methods to create a rigorous capstone project or master’s thesis.

This program is ideal for those seeking intellectual enrichment or professional enhancement. MAIS graduates are excellent problems solvers, critical and creative thinkers, and effective communicators. Graduates from interdisciplinary programs are what many companies call “T-shaped professionals”- individuals with both breadth and depth of knowledge, who can integrate knowledge from a variety of sources, who are innovative, and who can understand problems from different perspectives.

Office of the MAIS Program

The program office is located in FH 365. For more information call (859) 572-1433, email ist@nku.edu or visit our website at https://www.nku.edu/academics/artsci/programs/graduate/interdisciplinary-studies.html.

Program Admission Process

In order to be considered for regular admission to the MAIS program, applicants will need:

An application for graduate admission to Northern Kentucky University.
A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate work.
Two letters of reference from persons qualified to evaluate potential for successful performance in the graduate program.
A personal resumé that reflects both work and academic experience.
A written statement of purpose indicating professional or personal goals, the intended academic focus for the plan of study, and the relevant knowledge or skills that might figure into the anticipated interdisciplinary research.

♦ Indicates prerequisite.

Program Curriculum

IST 585 Introduction to Graduate Interdisciplinary Studies (3 credits) ♦
24-27 credit hours of electives in at least two disciplines at the graduate level.
Choose one of the culminating experiences:
IST 793 Integrative Studies: Capstone (3 credits)
OR
IST 797 Applied Research: Capstone Thesis (3-6 credits) ♦

Total Hours: 33

Graduation Requirements

Candidates are required to take at least thirty-three (33) credit hours of graduate level coursework in at least two disciplines. At least 15 credit hours must be taken at the 600-level or above. The total 33 hours includes the required three hour IST 585 , which is taken in the first year, and either the three hour Capstone course (IST 793 ) or the six -hour thesis option (IST 797 ). Only 6 credit hours of independent study or directed readings will count toward the degree. Students can include up to 9 hours of graduate coursework from the Greater Cincinnati Consortium of Colleges and Universities (GCCCU). Transfer credits may not constitute more than 9 credit hours. We strongly encourage internships and study away opportunities for course credit. Students who earn over 6 credit hours with the grade of C or lower will be removed from the program.

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