Interdisciplinary Studies Program
The interdisciplinary studies program was conceived to meet the needs of students whose career goals are such that a somewhat flexible program allowing for graduate-level studies in non-traditional combinations is more beneficial than a degree from a single discipline. We offer emphasis options in:
- Emphasis in two or three areas selected by the student
- Emphasis in Professional Chemistry
Overview
A traditional, single-focused graduate program will meet the needs of many students; however, if your goals and aspirations are better served by multiple fields of study, the M.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS) may be the perfect fit for you.
The goal of the graduate IDS program is to offer a degree plan that integrates academic disciplines to spur personal growth, enhance employability, and promote innovative thinking based on the ability to approach academic questions and research problems from multiple perspectives.
The key to the WTAMU Interdisciplinary Studies program is integration. This is not a program of randomly selected classes. This is your chance to create an individualized degree plan by choosing three complementary graduate-level disciplines and integrating the knowledge and skills you learn into a program that meets your personal educational and career goals.
Admission Requirements
- Complete and submit a Graduate School Application for Admission.
- Submit official transcripts showing an earned bachelor’s degree and any applicable graduate coursework. Other official transcripts may be requested to determine that the necessary leveling/foundational coursework has been completed depending on the discipline areas.
- 3.0 minimum undergraduate grade point average (GPA).
- Submit a two-page, double-spaced essay that answers the following questions:
- What are your education and career goals?
- How will an interdisciplinary studies degree help you meet these goals?
- Which two or three disciplines will you study?
- What specific learning outcomes will be achieved through this program?
- Students must meet full admission requirements for each individual area selected. This varies for each master’s program and may include the GRE/GMAT. View the Program Admission Requirements and Deadlines for additional details.
During the application process, the interdisciplinary studies coordinator will work with you to identify from the graduate faculty a committee chair and two committee members. This committee should be in place prior to your acceptance into the program. Additionally, a representative from the Graduate School will serve as an administrative member of your committee.
Degree Requirements
- 36 hours satisfying the following requirements:
- Two or three different subject areas (represented by different prefixes), 12 hours from each subject area or 15 hours in two subject areas and 6 hours in a third subject area. If the student selects only two areas, then 18 hours in each subject area will be required.
- At least 24 hours completed in 6000-level courses or higher.
- A comprehensive exam (either oral or written) as established by the student's interdisciplinary degree committee. This exam should be taken near completion of the student's course work. Students will apply to their committee chair to take the exam no later than the first week of the semester the student intends to graduate. The chair, with the assistance of the interdisciplinary studies coordinator, will then make arrangements for the exam.
- Prerequisites: A minimum of six advanced undergraduate hours in each of the subject areas (or permission of the committee to waive this requirement).
Note: The student’s plan of study should be submitted to the Dean of the Graduate School by the completion of your first semester of course work.
Overview
The M.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in professional chemistry is well suited for students who wish to pursue a career in academic or professional chemistry. The required coursework is geared toward providing students with adequate preparation in both chemistry and other disciplines that will help them be successful. Our increasingly diversified workforce demands that students not only receive academic training in a specific field, but that they can demonstrate their success in other academic areas as well. Our IDS in chemistry program aims to do just that!
Admission Requirements
- Complete and submit a Graduate School Application for Admission.
- Submit official transcripts showing an earned bachelor’s degree and any applicable graduate coursework. Other official transcripts may be requested to determine that the necessary leveling/foundational coursework has been completed.
- 3.0 minimum undergraduate grade point average (GPA).
- Official GRE scores submitted to the WTAMU code 6928
Degree Requirements
- 36 hours satisfying the following requirements:
- 24 hours of graduate chemistry courses and 12 hours of electives (may be taken from a field other than chemistry that helps the student prepare for their career and should be taken as a concentration of courses).
- At least 24 hours completed in 6000-level courses or higher.
- A comprehensive exam (either oral or written) as established by the student's interdisciplinary degree committee. This exam should be taken near completion of the student's course work. Students will apply to their committee chair to take the exam no later than the first week of the semester the student intends to graduate. The chair, with the assistance of the interdisciplinary studies coordinator, will then make arrangements for the exam.
- Prerequisites: A minimum of six advanced undergraduate hours in each of the subject areas (or permission of the committee to waive this requirement).
Note: The student’s plan of study should be submitted to the Dean of the Graduate School by the completion of your first semester of course work.