Following Faculty Senate approval on January 30, 2025 (Action Item 1), the Graduate School is proud to launch the new Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (MSIS) degree program, set to begin in Fall 2025. This innovative program offers students the flexibility to synthesize knowledge across disciplines, equipping them to address complex, real-world challenges with an integrative academic approach.
The MSIS program builds on Washington State University’s decades of success with the Individual Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program (IIDP). It provides a master’s-level pathway for students whose career and academic goals align with interdisciplinary studies, but who do not wish to pursue advanced scientific training at the Ph.D. level. The program also opens opportunities for current staff or working professionals seeking advanced, customizable education to support their professional development.
Program Overview:
- Flexible Curriculum: Students complete a 30-credit program, with options for a thesis or non-thesis track. All students will take core interdisciplinary courses, electives from at least two academic disciplines, and a culminating project or thesis.
- Interdisciplinary Approach: To ensure a truly interdisciplinary education, students will complete a minimum of six graded credits from two independent academic disciplines.
- Rigorous Oversight: Each student will work with a dedicated advisory committee composed of at least three faculty members from different disciplines, guiding them through their research and program of study.
The MSIS program was designed with input from faculty, peer institutions, and current and prospective students. It will leverage existing resources within the Graduate School, including faculty expertise and administrative support, ensuring no additional financial burden on WSU.
All tuition revenue will be returned to the individual colleges and departments offering the courses within the program, with no portion retained by the Graduate School. This model ensures that participating academic units receive direct financial support for their contributions to interdisciplinary education.
Applications will open later this spring, pending final approval from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).