Apr 17, 2024  
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog This is not the most recent catalog version; be sure you are viewing the appropriate catalog year.

Interdisciplinary Studies [MS or MA]


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The Master’s program in Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS) is a 36 credit hour program. It offers a flexible and innovative graduate-level experience for students whose educational goals are not met by other graduate degree programs at Eastern Michigan University. The IDS program allows students to cater their graduate experience to their own academic or professional goals. 

The IDS program must be intentional and focused. Students should select at least three distinct subject areas from which courses will be drawn to determine a graduate Program of Study (POS). The POS must be a structured sequence of courses that meets specific educational goals and outcomes.

Contact Information -

Jill Dieterle, Ph.D., Faculty Associate in the Graduate School | 200 Boone Hall, 734.487.0042, jdieterle@emich.edu

Program Admission


Graduate School Application

After reviewing the admission requirements below, please select the appropriate application. The University is transitioning application platforms; pay close attention when selecting the application below.

The program you are applying to may not accept applicants every semester.

For additional information regarding the application process, please see Graduate Admissions or International Admissions.

Admission Requirements

Minimum Graduate School Requirements

A four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or an equivalent degree from a non-U.S. institution. In addition, a minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale, or 3.0 in the last half of the undergraduate program, is required for full admission. Applicants who do not meet minimum admission requirements may be considered for conditional admission. See International Admissions for international applicant requirements.

Applicants must also meet the following program requirements:

  • A personal statement that describes your goals and interests in pursuing an IDS degree.
  • Two letters of recommendation from professors or employers. The letters should address how the IDS degree will further your career or personal development goals.
  • Additional application materials may be required by the programs of interest. If additional materials are necessary, they will be requested by the Graduate School and are not required at the time of initial application. 

Degree Requirements: 36 hours


Students must complete 36 credit hours as listed on the student’s IDS Program of Study (POS).

Courses included in a POS must come from at least three (3) subject areas.

The POS may include no more than twelve hours taken prior to enrollment in the IDS program.

A master’s degree in IDS requires that the student complete a final culminating experience.  Examples include a thesis, a significant special project, a practicum, an internship, or a capstone paper.  The final culminating experience must be developed under the guidance of one or more faculty mentors and approved by the Faculty Associate in the Graduate School.

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