Online and Distance Degrees > Degree Programs > MA/MS in Interdisciplinary Studies

MASTER OF ARTS OR MASTER OF SCIENCE (MA OR MS) IN
Interdisciplinary Studies

Online

Program Overview

With the innovative Interdisciplinary Studies master’s program, you can combine two or more academic disciplines to create a graduate program specific to your career interests and goals. Whether you’re a recent graduate or considering career changes or advancement at a later stage, a master’s in Interdisciplinary Studies can equip you with the skills to succeed in your field of choice.

Program Format
Online
Credit Hours
Varies
Tuition Per Hour
*$440

Combine Disciplines to Create Your Ideal Program

Students whose degree goals are more focused in the arts and humanities can choose the Master of Arts option. For students whose goals are more focused in the STEM fields, the Master of Science option is available. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to critically examine multiple sources of information, formulating responses to problems or questions. They will be able to demonstrate communication skills relevant to their disciplinary focuses and show competence in the processes of inquiry, at a level appropriate to a master’s degree.

Participants in the program can choose to follow a thesis (Plan I) or non-thesis (Plan II) track. Those following the thesis track must demonstrate their ability to articulate and address a research question utilizing appropriate methodologies. Non-thesis students must complete a Capstone Project. Through this project, they must demonstrate leadership and problem-solving skills relevant to their professional field. The Capstone Project can involve a graded internship.

Curriculum

On admission, students will be assigned to a home department. An advisory committee, together with a primary advisor, will work with the student to formulate a plan of study. The plan of study will include the decision of whether to follow Plan I (thesis option) or Plan II (Capstone Project option). Students pursuing the thesis option will be encouraged to take a research methods or theory course in one of the participating departments during their first semesters. Advisors may wish to have students enroll in an independent study course during the first semester, during which they create an in-depth proposal to be approved by the advisory committee.

Since applicants will combine two or more academic disciplines for this degree, they should outline their goals and rationales in their statement of purpose, submitted with the application. Applicants should ensure that they demonstrate coherence among the different disciplines, in terms of the individual’s overall personal and professional goals, as well as outlining how those disciplines will be blended in the final thesis, project or dissertation. If it is determined that an existing discipline-specific master’s program will meet the applicant’s goals, the applicant will be invited to apply to that program instead of to the interdisciplinary master’s. The interdisciplinary master’s degree is designed specifically for programs of study that involve both breadth and depth in 2-3 disciplines.

Admission

*Graduate course fees vary by college. Please see our fees page for specific fees associated with your discipline of interest’s college.

To apply, applicants should submit an application to the Graduate School. Application materials include:

Transcripts showing a completed bachelor’s degree (at the time of admission) or equivalent from an accredited university. Transcripts must show a GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) or equivalent.
The email addresses of three recommenders.
A CV/resume.
A statement of purpose: applicants who propose to combine two or more academic disciplines should outline their goals and rationales in a statement of purpose and submit with the application. Applicants should ensure that they demonstrate coherence among the different disciplines, in terms of the individual’s overall personal and professional goals, as well as how those disciplines will be blended in the final thesis/project/dissertation. This is where you will discuss your professional/academic preparation, your reason for choosing The University of Alabama, your research goals (as appropriate) and your intended future career path. The Graduate School expects your goals to include classwork from two to three academic departments/programs.
Language scores (for non-native English speakers).

Upon submission, the Graduate School will form an application review committee comprising graduate program directors from the two to three departments identified in your statement of purpose. If there are questions regarding your statement of purpose or program/career goals, you will be contacted for clarification. The initial review committee will make the admission recommendation to the Graduate School.

Find more information and learn about restrictions related to these degree programs that may exist regarding licensure in the state in which you reside.