Introduction

This unique degree allows students to study two or three fields of study (called concentrations) and to reflect on the interconnections between and across their chosen concentrations.

This degree serves many different types of students:

1. aspiring community college-level instructors or instructors who want to expand their knowledge, expertise, and credentialing
2. licensed K-12 teachers who want to enhance their content knowledge and advance within their career
3. individuals across many careers for whom the MA degree will result in increased pay and opportunities
4. life-long learners who enjoy academic scholarship or for whom a graduate degree has always been an aspiration

The Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies requires 36 credit hours of graduate-level coursework for a first graduate degree or 30 hrs for a subsequent graduate degree.  A minimum of 9 credit hours is required for each concentration.  Additionally, we recommend a minimum of 18 credits for at least one concentration.

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MA Degree Plan with 2 Concentration Areas

MA Degree Plan with 3 Concentration Areas

Master of Interdisciplinary Studies Learning Outcomes

By the end of their program, students should be able to

1.  Incorporate and elucidate major theories, research methods, and approaches to inquiry in their fields of study, applying major methodologies and practices to projects, papers, exhibits, or performances. Demonstrate measurable analytical and critical ability over numerous assignments of various kinds in one or more disciplines. (WNMU Degree Level Outcome #1)

2.  Disaggregate, reformulate and adapt principal ideas, techniques or methods at the forefront of Interdisciplinary Studies scholarship in carrying out an essay or project. (WNMU Master’s Degree Level Outcome #2).

• Articulate the interdisciplinary nature of their degree by examining how their concentrations interconnect and inform one another.
• Apply Interdisciplinary Studies scholarship to reflect their understanding of interdisciplinary studies as it relates to their learning path and concentrations.

3.  Demonstrate effective communication by creating coherent arguments and explanations of original individual and/or collaborative work and presenting them error-free to general and specialized audiences (WNMU Master’s Degree Level Outcome #6)

Program Requirements

Letter of Intent

A Letter of Intent is required of all students seeking a Master of Interdisciplinary Studies degree.  You cannot be admitted into the MAIS program until your letter has been approved by the program admissions committee. This Letter of Intent should be submitted AFTER you have become a “final admit.”

The letter of intent must

• explain how and why this master’s program will serve your educational, professional, and/or personal needs
• show a broad understanding of the field of Interdisciplinary Studies and how this fits your academic goals
• provide evidence of your preparation and motivation to be successful in the program

Specific guidelines for each of these programmatic requirements are located in the Interdisciplinary Studies Canvas course.   You will be invited to join the course when you have received “final admit” status in Graduate Admissions.

Midpoint and Exit Portfolios

For the MA in Interdisciplinary Studies, the Midpoint and Exit portfolios offer you an opportunity to examine your coursework in separate concentrations within the context of interdisciplinary studies. This assignment allows you to reflect on your learning and offer you avenues for articulating to yourself and to others, including the program director and your employers (current and/or future), the value and purpose of your degree.

The Mid-Point portfolio should be submitted once you have completed 15-18 credit hours toward your MA degree.

The Exit portfolio should be submitted in your last semester of coursework.