爱荷华州立大学

The degree Master of Science or Master of Arts with a major in Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies (IGS) is available to graduate students who wish to have a more diversified program of advanced study than generally permitted for students who specialize in a single subject. The program is open to any qualified graduate student, but is most useful to those who wish to improve their subject matter competence in more than one discipline.

Those who elect to pursue the Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies Program are allowed to take courses in three different graduate subject matter areas, each subject contributing a minimum of nine (9) semester credits toward the 35 graduate credits required for the degree.

Both thesis and non-thesis options are available. In the thesis option, the student, with the guidance of a major professor, develops and reports in writing a research study. In the non-thesis option, a creative component is required in which the student demonstrates independent creativity such as a written report of laboratory, field, or library research, a project in fine arts, or some other original contribution. A minimum of three (3) and maximum of five (5) credits in either IGS 599 (Creative Component) or IGS 699 (Thesis Research) may be counted toward the total 35 semester credits.

Learning Goals that students in this program are expected to meet include:

Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of scholarly literature in the interdisciplinary area of study.

Form testable hypotheses and articulate research objectives that, when met, will lead to significant contributions to the interdisciplinary field of study.

Conduct qualitative and/or quantitative research via appropriate acquisition, analysis, and reporting of data.

Interpret research results appropriately, integrating them into the existing knowledge in the discipline.

Clearly and accurately communicate research findings orally and in writing, and often through the use of images (tables, figures, and other forms of imagery) and electronic or other forms of media.

Articulate how the graduate program, including coursework and creative scholarship, fits into life and career goals.