Interdisciplinary Studies, MA
Cultural Analysis, Culture, Interdisciplinary Studies, Policy Analyst, Political Science, arts, humanities, marketing, sociology
ASU is not currently accepting new students to this program.
Opportunities and challenges in the world are rarely one-dimensional, and solutions often require skills from multiple disciplines. You can custom-build your master's degree program into an outside-the-box experience and perspective.
The Master of Arts degree in interdisciplinary studies is an innovative program in which students learn how to use two or more disciplines in an integrative method that leads to new discoveries. Founded on the conviction that solving today's problems often requires an interdisciplinary approach, this flexible program provides study of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary perspectives, interdisciplinary research methods, and modes of inquiry and practice.
The program consists of three required MAS courses, six courses of the student's choice and a capstone the final semester, and gives students access to faculty members who are active practitioners of interdisciplinary inquiry. Working with the faculty, students may define their own area of emphasis or adopt an existing area within the humanities, arts and social sciences.
- College/school:
New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences
- Location: West Valley
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
30 credit hours including the required capstone course (MAS 585)
Required Core (9 credit hours)
MAS 501 Methods for Interdisciplinary Inquiry (3)
MAS 502 Perspectives in Interdisciplinary Studies (3)
MAS 505 Theories of Change, Culture and Mind (3)
Electives (18 credit hours)
Culminating Experience (3 credit hours)
MAS 585 Capstone Course (3)
Additional Curriculum Information
The core courses are designed as a sequence meant to guide students through the program, from learning about interdisciplinarity to practicing interdisciplinary research. Therefore, students are required to take each of the core courses the first time that they are available while the student is enrolled in the program.
For electives, students work with a faculty mentor to select 18 credit hours of graduate-level coursework that helps prepare them for their capstone course or reflects particular areas of specialty or interest.
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- statement of purpose
- two letters of recommendation
- an academic writing sample (preferred) or professional writing sample
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
The statement of purpose should describe the applicant's educational background, scholarly interests, and academic and professional goals.
It is preferred that the letters of recommendation come from faculty members who know the applicant's work well; if faculty are not available, the recommendations should come from individuals in supervisory or professional roles.
Submission of a resume or curriculum vitae is optional.
The program's emphasis on a variety of research methods and modes of inquiry increases graduates' value to many organizations. They reach their professional goals in a multitude of industries and organizations, including advertising and marketing, nonprofit leadership and media production, museum curatorship, community college teaching and modern entrepreneurship.
Career examples include:
- archivist
- area, ethnic and cultural studies teacher or professor
- education administrator
- high school teacher
- human resources manager
- interdisciplinary research specialist
- market research analyst or marketing specialist
- nonprofit manager
- professor
- research consultant
The skills and knowledge that graduates have acquired can be directed toward doctoral study or professional goals in any enterprise that engages in research, entrepreneurship or education.
School of Humanities, Arts, and Cultural Studies
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FAB N101
NCGradAdvising@asu.edu
602-543-3000
Admission deadlines
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
