MSIS Structure, Goals, and Outcomes
Each meritorious student with interdisciplinary interests works with a major advisor (Chair)
and at least two additional members of the WSU faculty from at least two academic units.
This committee oversees the development of the individual master’s degree and works closely
with the student to ensure a high quality graduate education.
The individual master’s program will meet the following criteria:
- it will address professional or research challenges requiring interdisciplinary expertise,
- 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.
Program Structure
The program chair of the Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies is the Dean of the Graduate School and Vice Provost for Graduate Education. The program director of MSIS is the Associate Dean and Associate Vice Provost for Interdisciplinary Initiatives. The program director meets with prospective students and consults with committees as appropriate. The academic coordinator assists the program director with the day-to-day management of the program and with the advising of MSIS applicants and students. Contact the academic coordinator for more information about pursuing the MSIS at iidp.graduate.school@wsu.edu.
The faculty of the Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies includes the Faculty of the Graduate School.
For detailed program information, please refer to the current MSIS Handbook.
Program Goals:
- Foster high-quality interdisciplinary scholarship and professional practice through a
multidisciplinary approach, often suitable for exploring complex issues. - With the support of WSU’s graduate program faculty and the Graduate School, design a
master’s program that synthesizes expertise across two or more disciplines. - Cultivate problem-solving across disciplines, analytical reasoning, and critical and
creative thinking related to issues in chosen fields and industries. - Support timely degree completion and impactful culminating work that transforms students
into skillful professionals, engaged executives, and influential leaders in their chosen fields. - By addressing multifaceted challenges through its students and graduate program faculty,
the MSIS seeks to make a lasting impact on the local, national, and global stage.
Student Learning Outcomes:
The MSIS Program is committed to fostering a rich academic environment that nurtures innovative
professionals. The program’s learning outcomes ensure that students acquire knowledge and develop
the skills necessary to apply this knowledge in real-world contexts and fulfill targeted industry
demand. Specifically, the program aims to enable students to:
- Demonstrate a thorough understanding of interdisciplinary concepts and methodologies.
- Apply interdisciplinary approaches to solve complex problems.
- Conduct independent and original research that integrates multiple disciplines.
- Communicate effectively in written and verbal formats across various disciplines.
- Demonstrate practical skills in their chosen interdisciplinary fields.
Program Features:
- 30-credit degree
- Advisory committee of at least 3 faculty from 2 or more disciplines
- Two required interdisciplinary courses: INTERDIS 591 and INTERDIS 598
- At least 6 graded credits from each of two disciplines
- Physical presence required on a WSU campus
- Typically completed in 2 years full-time
- Pathway available to apply to the Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program