Graduate Interdisciplinary Studies (M.A./M.S.)
School of Graduate Studies

Flexible Learning Format in an adult-oriented learning environment. Regional Accreditation — The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. Affordable Tuition — Full-time financial aid availability and reasonable costs. Faculty — Academic credentials and real-world experience.

Offered through distance learning.
A graduate degree in interdisciplinary studies allows students to create programs of study in many fields, particularly those incorporating the work of different domains of knowledge. It provides a useful approach for those whose interests fall between traditional areas or who wish to avoid the rigid perspective of a conventional graduate program. Students can integrate a variety of disciplines and incorporate fieldwork, directed research, mentored learning, and other nontraditional forms of study.

• Application and Admission
• Program Requirements
• Degree Requirements
  • Phase I: Methodology
  • Phase II: Content
  • Phase III: Perspective
  • Sample Progression
• Concentrations
• Graduate Interdisciplinary Studies Certificates
• Student Projects
• Faculty
• Stories
• Mission

Application and Admission
Admission to the graduate program in interdisciplinary studies is open to those with a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. There are no standardized test requirements, although upon admission a writing sample may be required for advising and assessment purposes.

To apply, submit a graduate application and arrange for official transcripts of all your undergraduate studies, as well as any graduate work you have completed elsewhere, to be sent directly to the School of Graduate Studies. You can apply, enroll, and begin your studies at any time during the academic year.

Because of the individualized nature of the program, it is recommended that you discuss your educational goals with a program representative either before you apply or as soon as possible after you are accepted.

Program Information
This section includes information on options, processes, and regulations within the graduate interdisciplinary studies program. Contact the program staff or the School of Graduate Studies for additional details.

The Graduate Experience
Your graduate experience can be of immense value to you in the future, not only because it advances specific career or educational goals, but also because it cultivates habits of mind and discipline that will be important throughout your life. It fosters independent critical thinking; the ability to plan and perform; and skills in communication, research, and presentation.

The Nature of Graduate Study
Graduate work makes use of strong academic skills. The program therefore includes a number of courses that reinforce key competencies in graduate study such as critical thinking, professional writing, and fluency in communication and evaluation. Taking advantage of these courses will assist you in furthering your abilities.

In the course of graduate study, you should expect to improve and apply learning characteristics from your past undergraduate work. At the same time, your studies will emphasize higher-order attributes common in graduate education.

Psychologists of learning describe an ascending complexity of learning: basic assimilation of data, comprehension of data, application of data, analysis of information, and synthesis and evaluation. One significant difference between undergraduate and graduate work is that graduate education assumes your mastery of the first three elements in any work completed, and encourages analysis, synthesis, and evaluation, particularly as a result of independent research. Graduate study not only emphasizes independence but also cultivates higher order learning and presentation bolstered by graduate characteristics.

Graduate Individualized Study Courses
A number of graduate individualized study courses are offered in different subject areas to complement self-designed directed independent work. Contact the School of Graduate Studies to register for an individualized study course.

Syllabi
You will receive a syllabus via email after registering for a graduate individualized study course. If the course is delivered through WebCT, you will receive information about accessing the online syllabus.

Instructor Contact
After registering for a graduate individualized study course, you begin coursework by contacting the designated instructor by e-mail. Let the instructor know immediately if you have questions about the syllabus or course material. If you have difficulty reaching the instructor or problems with interactive course elements, contact the Graduate Individualized Study Office immediately.

Time Limits and Extensions
The starting date for a graduate individualized study course is the date you register for the course as printed on your schedule. You have 20 weeks from the date of registration to complete each graduate individualized study course unless a different limit is stated in the course syllabus. The specific completion date for each course is listed on your schedule.

You may request an extension from the course instructor. If your request is approved, the instructor will notify the Graduate Individualized Study Office, which will post the extension dates and new deadline. Approved extensions should state the time frame within which the instructor will agree to receive any remaining work. A grade of WIP (Work In Progress) will be assigned until the instructor has received and graded the remaining work. If the coursework is not complete by the specified date, the instructor will determine a grade for the course based on the work received by the deadline.

Unless you have received an official extension, you must complete each graduate individualized study course by the completion date posted on your schedule. If you do not finish the course by the assigned completion date and have not withdrawn or received an extension, you will receive a grade of F that will become part of your official transcript. Students who have exhausted their extensions are not eligible for administrative withdrawal.

Withdrawing from Graduate Individualized Study Courses
Once enrolled, you may not “drop” a graduate individualized study course via the University’s  add/drop process. You may “withdraw” at any time before the completion date listed in the Schedule of Classes by completing a withdrawal form available from the Graduate Individualized Study Office. You remain responsible for all tuition and fees associated with the course.

Concurrent Program Enrollment
It is generally preferable for graduate students to pursue a single degree pathway, but there are exceptions. The following processes apply to concurrent enrollment in two individualized studies graduate programs at MSU.

To be considered for concurrent enrollment, you must first obtain the approval of the academic officers over both programs. You can then register for a second section of Methodology, in which you construct a concurrent enrollment plan for proposal to the graduate dean. This proposal should include discussion of any concepts of structure and content developed in discussion with the academic officers.

The graduate dean will consider the proposal to ensure that degree requirements are properly fulfilled and that an appropriate amount of content is shared between degree programs. To maintain the integrity of each degree program, the sum of the credits for the two degrees should not diminish by more than 20 percent. Two 36-hour degree programs, for example, could share 14 hours of Content credit if this is approved by the graduate dean.

Pursuit of a second graduate individualized degree requires that both a new Methodology and a new Perspective project be submitted.

Graduate Advisors and Mentors
Your Methodology proposal must include the membership of a graduate committee that will guide and advise you throughout the program. Committee membership is voluntary, and it is your responsibility to ask advisors to serve on your committee.

Graduate committees typically include faculty members from MSU or other colleges or universities, as well as qualified individuals outside the academic sector. It is important that committee members have terminal degrees or equivalent credentials, although in some fields of study a committee may include a member who lacks a terminal degree but has unique and appropriate professional experience. Register for GIDS 580 Content to complete independent work under the guidance of an advisor or of your whole committee.

If your approved degree plan includes the design of a special course (i.e., with regular graded assignments, an instructional syllabus, and continual teaching), the instructor for that course is designated a mentor and paid by MSU on a per-student basis. Register for GIDS 590 Mentored Content to complete a special course with a mentor.

In some cases, a mentoring team can take the place of a graduate committee with the approval of the program officer. Mentors must have appropriate credentials and be approved by the program. Mentors who evaluate a Perspective project forward their recommendations to the program’s director of academic services.

The selection of committee members or mentors is your responsibility and is contingent on graduate program approval. You must provide documentation of appropriate credentials for any non–MSU committee advisors and mentors.

If an illness or calamity affects one of your mentors or committee members in a way that alters the outcome of any degree work or deadlines, or if you are having difficulties with a mentor or committee member, you should immediately notify the Graduate Individualized Study Office.

Program Time Limit
The time limit for completion of the program is five years from the date of your first enrollment.

Program Withdrawal and Reinstatement
To withdraw from the program, you must provide written notice to the Graduate Individualized Study Office. Your committee or mentoring team then disbands and you are no longer a degree candidate (if you have reached that point in your studies).

After program withdrawal, you may still enroll in appropriate single courses and apply for admission into a certificate program offered through graduate individualized study. To be reinstated in the degree program, however, you will be required to retake Methodology, obtain approval of a new proposal, and form a new committee or mentoring team.

Degree Requirements
The 36-semester-hour degree program is divided into three phases: Methodology, Content, and Perspective.

Phase I: Methodology (3 hours)
You begin by developing a detailed degree plan for proposal to the program. This proposal, based on your research, tells what you plan to learn in the Content phase and how you plan to demonstrate that learning in the Perspective phase. The degree plan should include the following elements:

• Your proposed degree concentration together with a rationale for its selection.
• The proposed membership of your graduate committee or mentoring team. (See Graduate Advisors and Mentors for additional information.)
• The details of what you will learn in the Content phase and how you will learn it. Possible components of the learning plan include traditional coursework, structured readings, research, writing projects, and field experiences.
• A plan for demonstrating your learning in the Perspective phase.
• A timeline for completing each phase of your program.

An approved plan receiving a grade of A or B confers degree candidacy. You must keep a grade-point average of 3.0 to maintain candidacy status.

Once the program has approved your degree plan, you begin the Content phase.

Need help writing a proposal for Methodology?
(In pdf format. To view, download Adobe reader here.)

Phase II: Content (25 hours)
In Content, you carry out your learning goals as planned in Methodology. Members of your graduate committee or mentoring team help you fit your real-world learning into a theoretical framework. The segments of Content must total 25 hours of credit. You are awarded credit as you complete each segment.

Although there are other possibilities, the Content phase often incorporates some of the following options:

Traditional graduate-level course.

Graduate individualized course. A graduate-level course delivered in a distance-based format through the School of Graduate Studies (for example, GIDS/GCJA 550 Professional Writing).

Enveloped course. An upper-level course not usually applied at the graduate level that is incorporated into the foundation of a graduate-level project. For example, you may be able to include an upper-level undergraduate course if its focus is pertinent to a research project included in Content. You do not register for the undergraduate course but for the segment of Content describing the project. You are responsible for arranging to work with the instructor of the undergraduate course.

Transfer course. A graduate course from another college or university transferred into the program under your learning plan. You petition the program to accept transfer credit (generally 6 to 9 hours) as part of your Methodology proposal. Transfer credit is subject to an evaluation fee.

Portfolio. A vehicle for demonstrating mastery of a particular area, presented as the product of a segment of Content. You submit the portfolio to appropriate mentors or committee members for review.

Directed study. Special study directed by an advisor or mentor as described in your learning plan.

Field experience. On-site observation application, and analysis under the supervision of a mentor or committee member.

Field research. An independent project involving investigation, analysis, comparison, or synthesis, carried out at an off-campus site as described in your Methodology plan.

Major project. A project fulfilling part of your plan in Content (for example, a grant proposal or the execution of an accepted grant, an article, or an extended multimedia presentation).

Your approved Methodology proposal should account for every aspect of Content. Changes to any element of Content require an approved amendment to your Methodology proposal. Forms for proposing amendments are available in the Graduate Individualized Study Office.

Since advisors and mentors are rarely able to immediately evaluate the work submitted to them, be careful to budget an appropriate amount of time for review of your work when planning your program.

Phase III: Perspective (8 hours)
The culminating element in the degree is the Perspective project, in which you demonstrate mastery of your program content in a work featuring analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. The Perspective project may be a traditional thesis; depending on your goals and your area of study, however, it may instead take the form of an extended written document, several smaller documents, a Web site, an oral presentation, or a portfolio.

As with the Content phase, be careful to budget an adequate amount of time for your advisors or mentors to review your work. This consideration is especially important if you are working toward a specific graduation date or another requirement.

Once your graduate committee or mentoring team has accepted and evaluated your Perspective project, it forwards a recommendation to the program’s director of academic services. After a successful review, you are awarded the final 8 hours of credit (for a total of 36 hours) and receive your degree.

SAMPLE PROGRESSION
This example shows how the program might be structured by a student who has a bachelor’s degree in humanities and fine arts, works in a museum, and is interested in developing a career in museum administration.

Phase I: Methodology
The student registers through the School of Graduate Studies and consults with the program for permission to proceed with initial research. The student then conducts independent research as a foundation for the Methodology proposal and identifies members who agree to serve on an advisory committee.

After submitting a draft proposal to the program for review, the student then develops and submits a final proposal that includes the following details:

Focus and rationale. The proposal gives the focus of the degree as a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in museum administration. It explains the importance of graduate study to advancement in the field.

Details of learning to be done in Content. The proposal outlines specific competencies to be learned and groups them into sections: management of personnel and finances; grant writing and nonprofit agency operations; design, preparation, and context of exhibits; presentation strategies; and a field comparison of selected museums. It explains how each section will be carried out through a combination of traditional coursework, tutorials, projects, and practicum learning.

Designation of advisors. The proposed graduate advisors include a curator and preparator at the student’s workplace as well as a member of MSU’s graduate faculty.

Timeline. The proposed timeline specifies a year for completion of Content and eight months for completion of the Perspective project.

Description of the Perspective project. The proposal includes an outline for a project designed to demonstrate learning across the designated content areas—in this case, the design and administration of a grant-funded exhibition.

The designated faculty advisor in the program reviews the proposal and awards 3 hours of credit upon its approval.

Phase II: Content
The learning plan designed in the proposal is carried out, with credit awarded as each segment is completed for a total of 25 hours.

Phase III: Perspective
When the Perspective project is complete and has been presented to the graduate committee, the committee reviews the project. It forwards its written recommendations to the program’s academic services director and dean, who award the final 8 hours of credit upon approval.

Concentrations
While students have the freedom to structure their studies around different areas of specific interest, standardized curricula are provided for those who wish to pursue graduate study in selected fields. These programs incorporate University coursework to fulfill the Content phase of the program.

Disability Studies (M.S.)
Designed for teachers, administrators, advocates, mediators, social services personnel, and human resources professionals dealing with compliance issues. Content includes directed work involving the history of disability issues; evolution of social attitudes; social responses through IDEA, ADA, and other regulations; and educational issues. Perspective projects may include a problem paper, extended major proposal, thesis, or presentation in an alternative medium.

Sample Progression
GIDS 501 Methodology 3
GIDS 560 Critical Inquiry 3
GIDS 549 Format and Focus in Graduate Writing or
GIDS 550 Professional Writing or
GIDS 551 Grant Writing for Professionals 3
GIDS 565 General Applications of Statistics 3
GIDS 575 Public Policy 3
GIDS 572 Working Across Disabilities 3
GIDS 580 Directed work in history, social attitudes, legislation, and education related to disability issues 10
GIDS 680 Perspective 8
Total 36

Facilitation of Adult Learning (M.A.)

Designed for those seeking to increase their subject knowledge and educational skills in the teaching or training of adults. The Content phase incorporates advanced work in a specific discipline and field experience in directed applied educational settings. Content hours include GIDS 570; GIDS 549, 550, or 555; and administration courses as appropriate. The perspective project is a detailed master teacher portfolio.

Sample Progression

GIDS 501 Methodology 3
GIDS 560 Critical Inquiry 3
GIDS 549 Format and Focus in Graduate Writing or
GIDS 550 Professional Writing or
GIDS 555 Electronic Presentation 3
GIDS 570 Educational Strategies 3
GIDS 580 Directed Subj/Field Study 12
GIDS 580 Directed Subj/ Field Study or Study in Educational Delivery 4
GIDS 680 Perspective 8

Total  36

Liberal Studies (M.A.)
Includes directed study of important works in four areas of human thought: literature, history, theories of society, and philosophy. GIDS 549 or 550 is a required element of Content. The perspective project may be a creative work, set of articles, conventional thesis, or presentation in an alternative medium.

Sample Progression
GIDS 501 Methodology 3
GIDS 560 Critical Inquiry 3
GIDS 549 Format and Focus in Graduate Writing or
GIDS 550 Professional Writing 3
GIDS 545 Cultures and Social Concepts 3
GIDS 580 Readings in History 4
GIDS 580 Readings in Literature 4
GIDS 580 Readings in Social Theory 4
GIDS 580 Readings in Philosophy 4
GIDS 680 Perspective 8
Total 36

Social and Behavioral Studies (M.S.)
Provides teachers, counselors, and human resources or human services professionals with an interdisciplinary understanding of social and behavioral studies. Content includes GIDS 550 or 555 (or both), 565, and 575, as well as directed studies and projects. The Perspective project may be a problem paper or similar product in an alternative medium.

Sample Progression
GIDS 501 Methodology 3
GIDS 560 Critical Inquiry 3
GIDS 549 Format and Focus in Graduate Writing or
GIDS 550 Professional Writing or
GIDS 555 Electronic Presentation 3
GIDS 565 General Applications of Statistics 3
GIDS 545 Cultures and Social Concepts 3
GIDS 575 Public Policy 3
GIDS 580 Studies in Social and Behavioral Sciences 10
GIDS 680 Perspective 8
Total 36

GRADUATE INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES CERTIFICATES
In addition to master’s degree options, the graduate interdisciplinary studies program offers graduate-level certificates in selected areas of study. Certificate programs use distance coursework and are designed for those who wish to strengthen their workplace credentials or to pursue knowledge outside the structure of a degree program. Each certificate program requires 15 hours of study and can be imported into the master’s degree program in criminal justice or interdisciplinary studies. Certain course substitutions are possible with program approval.

To pursue a graduate certificate, you must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university and be admitted to the School of Graduate Studies.

Professional Communication
A blend of written and Web presentation, grant writing, teaching, and training, all underpinned by a study of great presenters.

GIDS 545 Cultures and Social Concepts 3
GIDS 550* Professional Writing 3
GIDS 551* Grant Writing for Professionals 3
GIDS 555* Electronic Presentation 3
GIDS 570* Educational Strategies 3

Planning for Success
Context and strategies of management.

GIDS 504 Transforming Org. Cultures 3
GIDS 510 Influencing Effectiveness of Systems 3
GIDS 547 Early Modern Images of Rulers 3
GIDS 601 Theories of Organizations 3
GIDS 610 Holistic Strategy 3

Cultures and Social Concepts
Interdisciplinary understanding of the relationship between cultural concepts and social movements.

GIDS 545 Cultures and Social Concepts 3
GIDS 547 Early Modern Images of Leadership 3
GIDS 560* Critical Inquiry 3
GIDS 572 Working Across Disabilities 3
GIDS 575* Public Policy 3

* Or the same course number under GCJA.

Psychology Studies
Provides foundational knowledge in psychology that can serve as a basis for advanced graduate study or other professional goals. Certificate hours can be applied to a master's degree in interdisciplinary studies with a focus area in psychology studies.

GIDS 517 Adv Development Psych 3
GIDS 518 Psych of Psychopathology 3
GIDS 519 Psych of Psychotherapy and Counseling 3
GIDS 520 Research in Physiological Psychology 3
GIDS 563 Research Methods 3
Elective* 3

*Choose from GIDS 521 Advanced Educational Psychology, GIDS 522 Psychology of Spirituality and Religion, GIDS 523 Psychology Professional Ethics and Legal Issues, and GIDS 524 Teaching Intro to Psychology.

Click here for more information on the Psychology Studies certificate.