Program Description

The Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies degree program has been designed by internationally recognized faculty at The University of Texas at Dallas to be highly flexible, allowing students to develop their academic training around academic areas of interest and with future career goals in mind. The curriculum combines a rigorous academic core with student-selected concentration areas, enabling students to benefit from graduate courses taught across UT Dallas and gain advanced training in various academic disciplines, theories and methodologies.

With aid from faculty and program heads, students in the Interdisciplinary Studies program select courses that best suit their interests and career goals, incorporating traditional coursework along with internships and independent study options into their degree plans. Students also have the opportunity to select from various independent study, internship, co-op education, and study abroad options as they complete chosen concentrations and elective requirements.

Concluding with a two-semester-long capstone project — which consists of a capstone seminar and a research project — the master’s program teaches students how to synthesize information from various sources, utilize different methodologies and analyses and offer new conclusions and perspectives on a wide range of important issues.

Benefits

The Interdisciplinary Studies master’s program ensures that students gain a broad understanding of their chosen field or discipline, apply their knowledge and analytical skills to create effective and novel solutions to practical problems and communicate and work effectively in collaborative environments.

Other benefits include:

• World-Class Faculty: The program is led by faculty of the School of Interdisciplinary Studies who are widely cited experts in their respective fields.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: Courses in the Interdisciplinary Studies master’s program will introduce students to new ideas, methodologies and competencies while preparing them to succeed in both public and private sectors.
• Flexibility: The program allows students to selectively curate their academic training, focusing on areas and specialties that will lay the foundation for academic and professional success.
• Internships: The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is a national leader in job growth and UT Dallas students earn more than 4,000 internships each year.
• Location: Situated in the greater Dallas region—recently rated by Forbes magazine as the #1 “Best City for Jobs”—UT Dallas provides students with easy access to employers and internship opportunities, not to mention a large and supportive alumni population.

Career Opportunities

In addition to law schools, medical schools and PhD programs, graduates of the Interdisciplinary Studies master’s program are well-prepared for advanced positions in both public and private sector organizations.

Marketable Skills

Review the marketable skills for this academic program.

Application Deadlines and Requirements

Please take note of all application deadlines and visit the Apply Now webpage to begin the application process. Interdisciplinary Studies program website for additional information.

Applicants to the Interdisciplinary Studies master’s degree program should have:

• A bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution of higher education.
• A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0-point scale.
• Test Scores: A combined verbal and quantitative score of 295 on the GRE.
• Letters of Recommendation: Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation from individuals who can judge the candidate’s potential for success in the master’s degree program.
• Admissions Essay: Applicants must submit a personal statement that is two to three pages in length and that outlines the applicant’s academic background and interests, relevant career and extracurricular activities, and motivation for seeking a master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies.
• International applicants must submit a TOEFL score of at least 80 on the internet-based test. Scores must be less than two years old. See the Graduate Catalog for additional information regarding English proficiency requirements for international applicants.