Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies

Design
Our program is designed for forward-thinking scholars who seek to explore complex problems through a multidisciplinary lens. We offer a unique opportunity for students to integrate knowledge across diverse fields, fostering innovation and creativity in research and scholarship.
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The degree Master of Science or Master of Arts with a major in Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies (IGS) is available to graduate students who wish to have a more diversified program of advanced study than  generally permitted for students who specialize in a single subject. The program is open to any qualified graduate student, but is most useful to those who wish to improve their subject matter competence in more than one discipline.

Both thesis and non-thesis options are available.  In the thesis option, the student, with the guidance of a major professor, develops and reports in writing a research study. In the non-thesis option, a creative component is required in which the student demonstrates independent creativity such as a written report of laboratory, field, or library research, a project in fine arts, or some other original contribution. A minimum of three (3) and maximum of five (5) credits in either IGS 599 (Creative Component) or IGS 699 (Thesis Research) may be counted toward the total 35 semester credits.


Degrees Offered:

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

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

How long does it take to earn a degree?

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

Melissa Stolt

igs@iastate.edu
515-294-8003
Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies
1137 Pearson Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-2206

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.

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.
  • 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 Requirements

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.

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

Application Instructions