Please Note: Admission to this program is currently on pause. No applications will be accepted until further notice. 

The Interdisciplinary Studies program is a master’s program housed within the Division of Graduate Studies that allows students to develop a framework to explore their unique academic interests and to work with a faculty committee to pursue and complete their degree.

The program is intended to meet the needs of applicants who have particular, well-articulated goals which cannot be reached through established departmental master's degree programs.

Students select classes from two or three departments, taking at least 12 credits in each department.

Although considerable flexibility is allowed in the design of a program, in all cases, the curriculum is composed of existing courses from departments that offer a sufficient number of graduate-level courses.

The IS degree culminates in an integrative terminal project or master's thesis that incorporates the program areas selected by the student. 

The student identifies two or three advising committee members, one from each of the selected departments. The student should discuss with the committee which of the members will chair the advising committee.

The committee members provide advice about appropriate coursework for the student to take in the faculty member’s respective department. Committee members are also responsible for advising on and approving the terminal project/thesis.

The chair of the advising committee in particular is responsible for directing the progress of the terminal project/thesis.

In recognition of the committee members’ service, the Division of Graduate Studies will provide a stipend paid to committee members’ ASA accounts.

While students are progressing towards their degree and enrolled at UO for at least 3 graduate credits, chairs will receive $350/term, while the other committee members receive $200/term.

IS Program General Information

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