IIDP Structure, Goals, and Outcomes

Program Structure

Each meritorious student with a unique research question works with a major advisor (Chair) and at least three additional members of the WSU faculty from at least two 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 (e.g. faculty and courses) to complete the proposed program will be available at WSU.

The program chair of the Individual Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program is the Vice Provost for Graduate and Professional Education of the WSU Graduate School. The program director of the Individual Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program is the Associate Vice Provost for Interdisciplinary Initiatives and is also housed in the Graduate School. The program director meets with all prospective students and consults with committees as appropriate throughout the doctoral process. The 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. Contact the academic coordinator for more information about pursuing the IIDP at iidp.graduate.school@wsu.edu.

The Admissions Committee, which reviews all IIDP applications, includes the Associate Vice Provost for Interdisciplinary Initiatives at the Graduate School. Additional faculty from the applicants’ disciplines may be invited to review applications and make admission recommendations.

The faculty of the Individual Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program includes faculty of the Graduate School. A list of eligible faculty can be found here: https://gradschool.wsu.edu/faculty-of-the-graduate-school/. 

For detailed program information, please refer to the current IIDP Handbook, https://gradschool.wsu.edu/individual-interdisciplinary-doctoral-degree/.

Program Goals:

1. The IIDP at WSU is tailored for graduate students pursuing research questions beyond the scope of
   individual disciplines. This program fosters a multidisciplinary approach, often suitable for exploring
   complex issues.
2. With the support of WSU’s graduate program faculty and the Graduate School, the IIDP supports students in designing a doctoral program that synthesizes expertise across two or more disciplines.
3. The IIDP aims to develop students into adept researchers, engaged educators, and influential leaders in
   their chosen fields. Under the guidance of experienced faculty mentors, students are equipped to make
   significant scholarly contributions and lead transformative initiatives.
4. By addressing multifaceted challenges through its students and graduate program faculty, the IIDP seeks
   to make a lasting impact on the local, national, and global stage

Student Learning Outcomes:

The Individual Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program (IIDP) is committed to fostering a rich academic environment that nurtures innovative thinkers. The program’s learning outcomes ensure that students acquire knowledge and develop the skills necessary to apply this knowledge in real-world contexts. Specifically, the program aims to:

1. Equip students with a tailored interdisciplinary framework. Through the IIDP, students will:
   1. Articulate the importance of using an interdisciplinary framework for answering specific complex
      questions.
   2. Acquire a deep understanding of relevant concepts, methodologies, and materials from at least
      two disciplines that form the foundation of their studies.
   3. Gain hands-on experience applying knowledge from these disciplines, promoting creative and
      integrative thought processes.
   4. Engage with the broader academic community by participating in professional organizations.
2. Enable students to become influential researchers, teachers, and thinkers. The program ensures that students:
   1. Benefit from the guidance of mentors from at least two disciplines, fostering interdisciplinary
      research and integrative thinking.
   2. Develop into independent researchers in their interdisciplinary field, amassing expertise that
      enables them to contribute original insights.
   3. Formulate research questions based on a thorough understanding of past and present studies in
      the field and demonstrate this knowledge proficiently.
   4. Employ robust research methodologies to address their research questions and articulate these
      methods clearly.
   5. Analyze and interpret research data cogently, drawing meaningful conclusions.
   6. Produce and share their research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present their work at
      local, regional, and national professional conferences.

Program Outcomes:

The IIDP is dedicated to upholding and elevating the stature of interdisciplinary studies at WSU. To this end, the program seeks to:

1. Attract and Cultivate Excellence. Recruit excellent students and innovative thinkers, empowering them to merge insights from multiple disciplines. The goal is to further knowledge and drive real-world change through this integrated understanding.
2. Prioritize Effective Mentorship. Offer robust advising and mentorship to support students’ progress and timely graduation.
3. Facilitate Successful Career Placements. Support graduates in successfully competing for positions in
   academia and industry, reflecting the program’s quality and relevance.
4. Foster Continuous Communication. Maintain open communication with disciplinary programs and faculty. This goal emphasizes attracting nationally acclaimed faculty, offering cutting-edge courses, and championing integrative, interdisciplinary studies. Such efforts ensure regular engagement with IIDP
   students and their research endeavors.