Interdisciplinary Studies, M.A./M.S.

Requirements for the M.A. or M.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies

Interdisciplinary Studies provides students degree opportunities on current, relevant topics by combining coursework and experiences across disciplines in a manner not served by traditional degree programs. The purpose varies according to the combination of disciplines, perspectives, and skills they provide to meet students needs to prepare for the rapidly changing expectations in today’s world.

Students should read more about the disciplines and coursework that interests them on the pages that follow. Qualified students interested in a graduate degree in interdisciplinary studies should contact the Graduate Studies Office (graduate.studies@sonoma.edu) for assistance in identifying an appropriate combination of programs that fits within the area of interest and to begin identification of appropriate Advisory Committee Members for the development of a proposed course of study.

Prerequisites to Application

• A grade point average of at least 3.00 for the last 60 units of college work attempted; and
• Submission of completed Application to Interdisciplinary Studies (ITDS) (available from Graduate Studies Office.)

Prerequisite to Acceptance

• Acceptance by the Graduate Studies Subcommittee of Application to Interdisciplinary Studies (ITDS), complete with signatures of your ITDS graduate advisory committee.
• Admission to the University in classified graduate status through the CSU Cal State Apply system; and
• The candidate for this degree must comply with the normal regulations governing graduate study at Sonoma State as described in this catalog.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of an Interdisciplinary Studies M.A. students should be able to:

Demonstrate structural knowledge grounded in theoretical perspectives from multiple distinct disciplines including cultural and ethical aspects of the field

Integrate knowledge, modes of thinking, and viewpoints from multiple distinct disciplines

Apply appropriate creative, analytical, and critical thinking methodologies appropriate for the interdisciplinary nature of study plan

Engage with practical, professional, and/or technical aspects of multiple disciplines through research, projects, or professional experiences.

Effectively communicate the rationale, approach, significance, and conclusions regarding a complex problem or intellectual question across disciplinary boundaries in oral and/or written formats

Upon completion of an Interdisciplinary Studies M.S. that includes a field related to science, engineering, or technology, students should be able to:

Demonstrate structural knowledge grounded in theoretical perspectives from multiple distinct disciplines including cultural and ethical aspects of each field

Integrate knowledge, modes of thinking, and viewpoints from multiple distinct disciplines

Apply appropriate technological, analytical, and critical thinking methodologies appropriate for the interdisciplinary nature of study plan

Engage with practical, professional, and/or technical aspects of multiple disciplines through research, projects, or professional experiences.

Course Requirements

• The master’s in interdisciplinary studies consists of a minimum of 30 units in two or more disciplines.
• At least 20 units must be graded (A-F); the remainder (up to one-third of the total number of units of the major) may be taken in a nontraditional grading mode. (In order to receive a Credit (Cr) grade in a graduate level class, the student must earn the equivalent of B- or better.)
• At least 21 semester units shall be completed in residence.
• At least 60% of the units shall be in graduate (500-level) courses. The remaining units may be in 300- or 400-level courses.

For guidelines and application forms for the ITDS MA/MS degree, please contact the SSU Graduate Studies Office.