Interdisciplinary Studies
Create your own graduate program
- Degree Levels:
- Master
- Delivery Options:
- St. Cloud (On Campus)
- Evenings/Weekends
Interdisciplinary Studies M.S. or M.A.
The Interdisciplinary Studies degree allows you to design your own self-directed graduate degree targeted to your specific career and research interests.
You will tailor your own program from at least three different areas of studies from two or more academic departments to craft a multi-disciplinary program of study that will allow you to reach your education goals and further your career goals.
St. Cloud State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Requirements
School of Graduate Studies
Apply
The St. Cloud State Advantage
- Open to full-time or part-time students.
- Special Studies students may be eligible for graduate assistantships.
- Student initiated — students build their own program by reviewing established program and course descriptions, and requirements in the Graduate Catalog.
- Draw on any discipline at the university — undergraduate programs with cross-listed 400/500 level courses can be included as long as graduate faculty are able to serve on a program committee.
- Multiple options for completing your degree — thesis, starred paper, creative work, or portfolio with project/internship.
Requirements and Details
Interdisciplinary Studies students apply for the program through the School of Graduate Studies, which serves as a liaison between you and the programs and departments you will draw your courses from.
For admission consideration, students must meet minimum Graduate Studies admission requirements plus additional Interdisciplinary Studies requirements listed below:
- Open only to domestic students.
- Undergraduate GPA is closely reviewed. Most Interdisciplinary Studies students have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.
- Submit a detailed Statement of Intent that includes specific details about your proposed program.
Creating Your Program
As an Interdisciplinary Studies student you must plan your program before applying. This plan will include:
- Final project choice
- List of potential courses
- Faculty committee
- Program title
- Statement of intent
Pre-Admissions conference
As you identify faculty mentors you will need to schedule a meeting with them and a representative from Graduate Studies. Once all details are finalized you will be invited to apply for admission, including all required application materials.
The interview includes your faculty committee members and a representative from Graduate Studies. During the hour-long interview you will:
- Explain why you want to pursue an Interdisciplinary Studies degree.
- Answer questions about your academic background, career or personal goals and professional needs.
- Explain how quickly you plan to progress to the completion of your degree.
Following the interview, the committee will decide whether to admit you to the Interdisciplinary Studies program. The committee members will inform you of their decision at the meeting.
If you are admitted the committee will then:
- Review your proposed title and curriculum.
- Attempt to finalize the courses that will compose your program.
- Submit a program form to Graduate Studies.
Application Deadlines
| U.S. Citizens | International Outside U.S. |
International Inside U.S. |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | May 1 | N/A | N/A |
| Spring | October 1 | N/A | N/A |
| Summer | March 1 | N/A | N/A |
Graduate Director: Sean Pitzer
Additional Resources
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