Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies

Program Information:

Program Statement:

At ISU we are dedicated to your success as a graduate student. As a first step, we have collected information on application requirements as well as links where you can find further information. We encourage you to explore.

Degrees Offered:

Master of Arts (M.A.)
Master of Science (M.S.)
Online Master of Science (M.S.)

Area(s) of Specialization: (may appear on ISU transcripts after graduation)

Arts and Humanities (M.A.)
Biological and Physical Sciences (M.S.)
Community Development (M.S.)
International Development Studies (M.S.)
Social Sciences (M.S.)

Learning Goals:

Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of scholarly literature in the interdisciplinary area of study.
Form testable hypotheses and articulate research objectives that, when met, will lead to significant contributions to the interdisciplinary field of study.
Conduct qualitative and/or quantitative research via appropriate acquisition, analysis, and reporting of data.
Interpret research results appropriately, integrating them into the existing knowledge in the discipline.
Clearly and accurately communicate research findings orally and in writing, and often through the use of images (tables, figures, and other forms of imagery) and electronic or other forms of media.
Articulate how the graduate program, including coursework and creative scholarship, fits into life and career goals.
Conduct scholarship, in teams or with independence, in ways that consistently demonstrate ethical practice and professionalism.
Demonstrate how the scholarship conducted represents interdisciplinary synthesis of information and perspectives from at least three areas of academic research.

How long does it take to earn a degree?

Median time to earn the master’s: 2.6 years (Methods)

Program Contact:

Contact: Melissa Stolt
Phone: 515-294-4531
E-mail Address:

Mailing Address:

Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies
1137 Pearson Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-2206

Admission Requirements:

Graduate College Requirements:

4 year Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
Academic Records/Transcripts
Minimum 3.0 GPA (Program may alter requirement.)
Proof of English Proficiency.

Program Specific Requirements:

Statement of Purpose, (if not sent electronically with application). This statement should discuss the three subject matter areas that you want to pursue and what your emphasis will be. NOT required in the Community Development specialization.
Please note that the GRE is NOT required in the Community Development specialization.
Program Requires GRE: Yes
Program Requires GMAT: No
Program Will Review Without TOEFL or IELTS: No

International Requirements:

Financial Statement: Application

English Proficiency Minimum:

TOEFL Paper (PBT)	550
TOEFL Internet (iBT)	79
IELTS	6.5
PTE	53
Duolingo (approved through spring 2025)	105

Application Information:

Application Deadlines:

The fall deadline is July 15th,the spring deadline is November 15th,and the summer deadline is April 1st. International students need to apply at least 6 months prior to beginning of a term. The GRE is not required for the Community Development specialization.

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

Application Instructions

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