IIDP Structure, Goals, and Outcomes
Program Structure
Each student works with a major advisor (Chair) and at least four additional members of the WSU faculty from at least three academic units. This committee oversees the development of the individual doctoral degree and works closely with the student to ensure a high quality doctoral education.
The individual doctoral program will meet the following criteria:
- it will be of doctoral significance,
- no single recognized graduate degree-granting unit will be able to meet the student’s needs, and
- the resources to complete the proposed program will be available at WSU.
The current program chair of the Individual Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program is the Associate Vice Provost of the WSU Graduate School. https://gradschool.wsu.edu/arvin-sahaym-ph-d/
The program coordinator is also housed in the Graduate School. The program coordinator meets with all prospective students and consults with committees as appropriate throughout the doctoral process. An academic coordinator assists the program coordinator with the day-to-day management of the program and with the advising of the IIDP applicants and students.
The Admissions Committee, which reviews all IIDP applications, includes the Associate Vice Provost of the Graduate School. Additional faculty from the applicants’ disciplines may be invited to review applications and make admission recommendations.
The IIDP Graduate Committee is a small committee of WSU faculty selected from IIDP students’ disciplines who serve as reviewers and evaluators for the IIDP qualifying examination. They represent a consistent programmatic understanding of what interdisciplinary study through the IIDP expects from its students.
The faculty of the Individual Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program includes any faculty on Interdisciplinary doctoral committees and other faculty that have indicated an interest in service to the program.
The student body of the Individual Interdisciplinary Doctoral Committee is made up of those students who have been admitted into the Interdisciplinary Program. Once admitted, the student’s home department is the Individual Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program, their department chair is the Associate Vice Provost of the Graduate School, and their official graduate status is “Individual Interdisciplinary.”
Program Goals
1. To assist qualified students in designing and achieving the framework for a uniquely, individualized doctoral degree program, tailored to their interests in successfully integrating the knowledge and processes of three disciplines in their research and careers.
2. To prepare students to be effective researchers, engaging teachers, and innovative thinkers, under the mentorship of leading teachers and researchers in various fields, for productive careers that will produce interdisciplinary scholarship contributing to a positive and more global outcome.
3. To continue to maintain and enhance the visibility and importance of interdisciplinary studies, whether through existing interdisciplinary degrees or through the individual, independent program of IIDP will produce interdisciplinary scholarship contributing to a positive and more global outcome.
Student Learning Outcomes
1. To assist qualified students in designing and achieving the framework for a uniquely, individualized doctoral degree program, tailored to their interests in successfully integrating the knowledge and processes of three disciplines in their research and careers, the program aims to provide a variety of experiences that help students to
a. Develop knowledge and understanding of appropriate concepts, methods, and materials in three disciplines that appropriately constitute the framework of their studies.
b. Attain fundamental experience to apply knowledge in three unique disciplines while providing opportunities for creative and integrative thinking.
c. Prepare and present research in peer reviewed journals and conference papers at professional meetings on the local, regional, and national levels.
d. Participate in professional organizations, becoming members and attending meetings.
2. To prepare students to be effective researchers, engaging teachers, and innovative thinkers, under the mentorship of leading teachers and researchers in various fields.
Program Outcomes
To continue to maintain and enhance the visibility and importance of interdisciplinary studies, whether through existing interdisciplinary degrees or through the individual, independent program of IIDP, the program aims to
a. Attract and retain high-quality students and innovative thinkers
b. Provide effective advising and mentoring that encourages students to matriculate in a timely manner.
c. Place graduates in position of academics and industry.
d. Continue to maintain communication with disciplinary programs and faculty regarding the importance of attracting nationally recognized faculty, providing innovative advanced courses, and supporting independent, interdisciplinary studies for consistent interaction with IIDP students and their research.